Service Order (45 Minutes Total)

1. Arrival & Entry Procession (5 minutes)

• The coffin is brought into the crematorium chapel.

• Family and mourners follow in procession behind the coffin.

• Entry music plays as guests take their seats.

• Suggestions: Classical piece, hymn, favorite song of the deceased, live musician.

• Celebrant (priest, humanist, family member) welcomes attendees.

2. Celebrant’s Opening Words (5 minutes)

• Acknowledgement of the deceased, their family, and the purpose of gathering.

• Explanation of the ceremony:

• "We are here to mark the passing of [Name], to celebrate their life, and to say our final goodbyes."

• "For some, this is a time of sorrow and mourning; for others, it is a moment of reflection and gratitude for the time shared."

• If religious, an opening prayer or blessing may be included.

3. Readings & Poems (10 minutes)

• One or two readings from family, friends, or the celebrant.

• These can be spiritual, literary, or personal reflections.

Religious Variations:

• Christian: Psalm 23 ("The Lord is My Shepherd"), John 14:1-4

• Buddhist: The Five Remembrances or a passage from the Dhammapada

• Hindu: Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2: The Soul is Eternal)

Secular & New Age Poems & Readings:

• Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep – Mary Elizabeth Frye

• Funeral Blues – W. H. Auden

• The Dash – Linda Ellis

• Death is Nothing at All – Henry Scott-Holland

• A personal letter or farewell message from the family

🎵 Optional Music Break (Soft instrumental or meaningful song played here, if desired.)

4. Personal Tributes & Eulogies (10 minutes)

• Eulogy by a close family member or friend or celebrant if requested

• Spontaneous tributes (guests invited to share brief memories from the floor).

• If there are multiple speakers, limit each to 2-3 minutes.

🎵 Optional Music Break (A piece meaningful to the deceased, instrumental background during reflections.)

5. Symbolic Gestures & Rituals (10 minutes)

Personal rituals can provide a deeply moving moment of connection. These can be religious, spiritual, or entirely personal.

Ideas for Symbolic Acts:

• Laying hands on the coffin (family members gather and place hands on the coffin as a final farewell).

• Bringing flowers to the coffin (each mourner places a flower on the coffin as they approach).

• Placing personal gifts or symbolic items (letters, photographs, keepsakes reflecting the deceased’s life).

• Pile of pebbles (Jewish or personal tradition) – Each mourner places a pebble, symbolizing permanence and memory.

• Lighting candles (if the crematorium allows, a small group lights candles in remembrance).

🎵 Music Suggestion: A favorite song of the deceased plays during the symbolic ritual.

6. Committal & Final Goodbye (5 minutes)

• The celebrant speaks final words of release and farewell.

• Coffin Committal Options:

• Curtains close around the coffin.

• Coffin lowers from view.

• The coffin remains in place until everyone has left.

• A moment of silence or prayer may be observed.

🎵 Exit Music: A song chosen to represent the deceased’s journey onward.

Additional Considerations:

• New Age / Spiritual Adaptations:

• Smudging ceremony with sage (if allowed).

• Guided meditation or visualization (e.g., "Imagine [Name] surrounded by light").

• Nature elements (water, air, fire, earth) incorporated into symbolic rituals.

• Atheist / Non-Religious:

• Emphasis on the person’s legacy, impact, and memories.

• No prayers or blessings, but spoken words of gratitude.

• A final moment of reflection in silence or with instrumental music.

Summary: Timing Breakdown (45 Minutes Total)

1. Entry Procession & Music (5 mins)

2. Celebrant’s Opening Words (5 mins)

3. Readings & Poems (10 mins)

4. Personal Tributes & Eulogies (10 mins)

5. Symbolic Rituals (10 mins)

6. Committal & Final Goodbye (5 mins)

This structure provides a meaningful, adaptable service that honors the deceased while allowing space for both grief and remembrance.