Oxfordshire Bereavement Guide | Page 19

CIVIL FUNERALS How do you arrange a civil funeral? A civil funeral ceremony is for those who prefer not to have a religious ceremony. It reflects the beliefs and values that they lived by. Each family has individual needs and requirements. Religious and cultural traditions, personal circumstances and feelings may all affect the type of funeral you choose. Perhaps the deceased may have spoken of their own preferences or left instructions. How can you arrange a civil funeral? Your funeral director will have a list of civil funeral celebrants in your local area. What is a civil funeral ceremony? A civil funeral ceremony remembers, celebrates and reflects on the life of the person. It can be held in a wide range of buildings and locations; the celebrant will be able to advise you further. It may not be held in a church or other religious building but can be held by a graveside. Civil funeral ceremonies are conducted by a professional celebrant. The celebrant will create a ceremony (in close consultation with the family) that is both a personalised memoir and a loving tribute to the deceased. The ceremony will be appropriate for a cremation or a non-religious burial. 17 ADVICE AND HELPLINE: 0845 129 5900