When planning a funeral, consider the final wishes of the departed. Your loved one might have told you their preferences before passing away or outlined their wishes in the funeral pre-planning paperwork. If the person did not hold any religious beliefs, for example, a secular service might be best. Here are tips to plan a non-religious funeral. 

How to Plan a Non-Religious Funeral

1. Select the Readings & Music

Different religions have different customs and traditions associated with funeral services. During Christian gatherings, for instance, mourners often sing biblical songs and read scripture about death and the afterlife. For a secular funeral, choose readings and music that aren't religious in nature. This can include uplifting poetry, passages from the deceased's favorite books, and a playlist of music they found to be meaningful.

2. Find a Way to Symbolize "Letting Go"

Attending a funeral allows those who knew the deceased to acknowledge the loss, which can provide a sense of closure. Choose an act that symbolizes the end of this chapter and how much your loved one will be missed. This could include a butterfly release or the lighting of candles and a moment of silence to reflect. 

3. Choose a Final Resting Place

Mourners can continue to visit your loved one's final resting place to honor their memory long after the funeral service. Not all cemeteries are operated by religious organizations, which makes it possible to find a suitable resting place. If your loved one was cremated and you plan to spread the ashes, select a location that had significant meaning to the departed. 

For help making non-religious funeral arrangements, contact the professionals at Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle, AR. A fixture in the community for over a century, the funeral home provides cremation, burial, and memorial services to help families say goodbye to those they've lost and celebrate the rich lives once lived. The funeral directors can also help you find grief counseling support. Learn more about the staff online, call (479) 229-2524 for a consultation, and visit Facebook for announcements.