A humanist, or non-religious ceremony is often the choice of funeral service for someone who did not adopt religion and who did not accept religious interpretations of life and death.
Humanist services celebrate the life of the deceased and do not recognise afterlife.
Often held in a crematorium chapel, non-religious ceremonies are legally recognised.
A funeral director will deal with the official procedures, but should be informed that a non-religious ceremony is required.
The service is constructed around family and friends delivering readings or prose or poetry, as well as speaking about their memories of the deceased.
Music, usually favourite songs or pieces of the deceased, is often played.
The tribute - usually delivered by someone particularly close to the deceased - is the main focus of the service.
It is not necessary to have a ceremony officiant (leader), and families will often conduct the service.
Alternatively, the British Humanist Association offers a network of trained and experienced ceremony officiants.
The officiant will meet with the family and friends to help choose the content of the service, and to learn about the life and personality of the deceased. They can also deliver the tribute if required.