Civil funerals

The majority of people in the United Kingdom still opt for a 'traditional' religious funeral. However, an increasing number are finding that their personal preferences can be accommodated within a Civil Funeral ceremony.  

A Civil Funeral can provide an opportunity to create, with the assistance and support of a professional Civil Funeral Celebrant, a very personal and meaningful ceremony.

A Civil Funeral ceremony is appropriate for either a cremation or a burial and can be held at most locations with the exception of churches and religious buildings. The Civil Funeral Celebrant will be able to advise you.

The Celebrant will meet with the bereaved family, explain what is involved and then plan the ceremony together with the family. Favourite readings and music can be included as can favourite hymns or prayers. Following the meeting the Celebrant will create a very personal ceremony that reflects the wishes and preferences of the deceased and the bereaved family.

The most valuable element of the Civil Funeral Ceremony is the tribute which is carefully scripted, with the help of the family, to celebrate the person's life, his or her experiences, attributes and qualities, the content of which is checked carefully with the family before the ceremony.

Each ceremony is unique and a copy of the whole text is sent to the family a short while after the ceremony.

The Celebrant will offer help and advice on the options available and how the chosen options may be arranged and presented.

Celebrants

Bedfordshire County Council's Civil Funeral Celebrants have successfully completed the compulsory training requirements and have been rigorously assessed. The training consists of lectures, discussions, practical sessions, on-going assessments and a written examination.

Celebrants become members of a professional body, The Institute of Civil Funerals, which monitors its members and undertakes yearly assessments to ensure that standards remain high.

Costs

Civil Funeral Ceremonies are usually charged at £155. Most Funeral Directors include this fee in their invoice.

For further information telephone 01234 290450 or contact lifeevents@bedscc.gov.uk|