Services

Humanist Funerals

At James Falconer we offer Humanist Funerals to celebrate the life of your loved one in a way that reflects their beliefs and values. Humanist Funerals are non-religious ceremonies that focus on the individual’s life and achievements, providing a personalised and meaningful farewell.

What is a Humanist Funeral?

A Humanist Funeral is a non-religious ceremony that pays tribute to the life of the deceased by focusing on their character, values, and the positive impact they had on those around them. These ceremonies celebrate life in a way that is meaningful and personal, without the inclusion of religious elements.

Focus on the Individual:

Unlike traditional religious ceremonies, Humanist Funerals are entirely centered on the person who has passed away, celebrating their unique life and contributions.

Inclusive and Respectful:

Suitable for people of all backgrounds and beliefs, Humanist Funerals are inclusive and respect the wishes of the deceased and their family.

Highly Customisable:

Every aspect of the ceremony can be tailored to reflect the individual’s preferences, from music and readings to the venue and structure of the service.

Falconers Undertakers Waterford

Key elements of humanist funerals:

Personalised Ceremony:
Life Story:

Our celebrant will work with you to create a comprehensive and touching narrative of the deceased’s life. This includes key milestones, personal anecdotes, achievements, and cherished memories, ensuring their story is told in a heartfelt and respectful manner.

Tributes and Readings:

Family and friends can share their memories through tributes and readings. Whether it’s heartfelt speeches, favorite poems, or personal reflections, these contributions add a deeply personal touch to the ceremony.

Music and Multimedia:

Select music that held special meaning to your loved one or create multimedia presentations with photos and videos that celebrate their life. This can include favorite songs, slideshows of memorable moments, and free video streaming from those who cannot attend in person.

Highly Customisable:

Every aspect of the ceremony can be tailored to reflect the individual’s preferences, from music and readings to the venue and structure of the service.

Officiant Services:

Professional Officiant:

Our skilled and experienced celebrants lead the ceremony, ensuring it is conducted with the utmost respect and dignity. They work closely with you to understand your wishes and the personality of the deceased, crafting a ceremony that truly honours their life.

Ceremony Planning:

We provide comprehensive support in planning the ceremony. This includes organising the order of service, and ensuring all elements come together seamlessly. Our goal is to create a ceremony that is both meaningful and memorable.

Venue and Setup:
Venue Options:

We will ensure our funeral parlour in Tramore meets all your needs. However, if you prefer an outdoor location, or to host your humanist funeral in the comfort of your own home, we can accommodate your wishes. Our parlour can seat 36 people and accommodate about 40 standing, ensuring a peaceful and respectful setting for your humanist funeral.

Ceremony Setup:

Our team handles all aspects of the setup, including seating arrangements, decor, and audio-visual equipment. We ensure that the environment is welcoming and comfortable for all attendees, allowing you to focus on celebrating the life of your loved one.

Most Asked Questions

A humanist funeral is a non-religious ceremony that celebrates the life of the deceased without reference to any deity or afterlife. It focuses on the individual’s life, achievements, and the memories they leave behind, often led by a celebrant who tailors the service to reflect the beliefs and values of the deceased.

Yes, children can participate in a humanist funeral. These ceremonies are typically inclusive and flexible, allowing family members, including children, to be involved in ways that are meaningful to them. Children can contribute by reading a favorite poem, sharing a memory, or even by playing a piece of music, making the service more personal and reflective of the deceased’s life and relationships.

After a humanist funeral ceremony, several events may take place, depending on the family’s preferences and the arrangements made:

Committal: This part of the ceremony involves either the burial or cremation of the body. For burials, this might occur at the graveside where final goodbyes are said. In the case of cremation, the coffin is typically taken to a crematorium.

Gathering or Reception: Many families opt to hold a gathering or reception after the funeral. This allows friends, family, and attendees to come together for support, share memories of the deceased, and often celebrate their life. The gathering can be as formal or informal as desired, with refreshments and sometimes continued sharing of stories and memories.

Memorial Activities: Some families might engage in personal or public memorial activities such as releasing balloons, planting a tree, or other acts that symbolise remembrance and the continuation of life.

Handling of Ashes: If the deceased was cremated, the family will decide what to do with the ashes. They might be scattered in a meaningful location, buried, or kept in an urn.

We can assist you in finding the perfect humanist celebrant for your needs. Alternatively, you can also explore options directly through the Humanist Association of Ireland, which offers a comprehensive list of accredited celebrants across the country.  Visit their website here.

Funeral Plans

Simple Plan

(Covers professional fees, taxes & coffin)

€3,945

Standard Plan

(Covers professional fees, taxes & coffin)

€4,595

EcoCare Plan

(Covers professional fees, taxes & coffin)

€4,795

Signature Plan

(Covers professional fees, taxes & coffin)

€5,495

Meet our funeral directors

Experts in comfort and care when it matters most.

Talk To Us

We’re here to make this process as comfortable as possible for you. Whether you prefer a visit to our parlour, a home visit, or a virtual meeting, we’re always flexible to your needs.

Our team is available to you 24/7.

Call Today

+353 (0)86 8475296

Email

info@falconersundertakers.com

Address

Riverstown, Tramore, Co Waterford, Ireland, X91 TW21

We’re Here to Help:

Thank you for submitting the Funeral Wishes Form

This crucial tool helps ensure that your final arrangements reflect your personal choices, providing peace of mind and easing the emotional burden for your loved ones.

  • What Happens Next? Your dedicated funeral director will review your wishes and contact you to discuss the details further. We can arrange a meeting at your home or another location that suits you best, ensuring every aspect of your funeral is handled with care and respect.
  • Confirmation Summary: A summary of your funeral wishes form has been emailed to you for your records. Please review it and keep it safe, as it, along with copies sent to your next of kin, will guide us in preparing your personalised farewell.
  • Contact Us: For immediate assistance or any further queries, please call Erich Falconer at +353 868 475296. We are here to support you and ensure that everything is prepared according to your wishes.

Thank you for making our arranging a little easier

  • What Happens Next?
    Your dedicated funeral director will contact you to discuss your requirements in detail. They will review your choices and support you further in every way. We can attend your home or complete the arrangements in any way that suits you best.
  • Confirmation Summary:
    An email with a summary of your submission has been sent to you for your records. We will review your information and take care of everything else for you.
  • Contact Us:
    For immediate assistance, please call Erich Falconer at +353868475296