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Non-Religious Funerals

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    Non-religious funerals can take as much planning as traditional funerals, since you have even more options to select. That’s why you need to call the experts in Brooklyn at Harmony Funeral Home. They have loads of ideas for you to plan the ideal non-religious funeral in Brooklyn to celebrate the life of a loved one. They take care of all the details and provide everything from grief support to burial. This funeral home in Brooklyn, New York has been recognized for excellence by the National Funeral Directors Association and won numerous “Best of Best” awards.

    What Defines a Non-Religious Funeral?

    A non-religious funeral lets you shape a remembrance or celebrate your loved one’s life. Unlike religious funerals — such as MuslimJewishChristian or Buddhist funerals that emphasize faith and traditions  — a non-religious funeral usually centers on the life that was lived, not on the afterlife.

    You’re not limited to a pastor, priest or rabbi to lead the ceremony. Harmony Funeral Home supports grieving families with affordable services whether you’re planning ahead for a non-religious funeral in Brooklyn or need immediate help.

    How Do I Personalize a Non-Religious Funeral in Brooklyn?

    A video tribute is a powerful way to honor your loved one. You gather favorite photos, video clips, music and quotes to create a visual story of their life. Show it during the service or have it playing quietly in the background during the repast services. Even if you’re not including religious texts, add words that hold meaning, such as:

    • Poems they loved
    • Quotes that sum up how they lived
    • Passages from a book they reread often
    • Personal letters or tributes from you and close friends

    You could also set up a memory table or notebook for written tributes. Choose a theme that reflects what they loved whether that’s travel, gardening, art, sports or a certain color palette. The Harmony Funeral Home team has scores of funeral planning tips that go a long way toward helping everyone carry your loved one’s memory forward.

    Are Non-Religious Funerals Appropriate for Cremation or Burial?

    Cremation is a widely accepted and increasingly popular option among families planning a non-religious funeral in Brooklyn. Cremation gives you the flexibility to hold a memorial or celebration of life at a time and place that’s meaningful to you. Many families choose direct cremation services for their simplicity and affordability. You also have the option to scatter ashes in a special location, such as:

    • A favorite park or beach
    • A family garden or backyard
    • A scenic hiking trail or mountaintop
    • A meaningful travel destination

    If a traditional approach brings comfort to you or your family, burial is a meaningful choice. You don’t need clergy or formal liturgy to have a beautiful burial service. You may choose to gather at the graveside, share stories, read a poem or simply reflect in silence with those closest to you.

    If you’re drawn to natural simplicity, consider a green burial, which is a sustainable option that uses biodegradable materials and avoids embalming. The most knowledgeable funeral homes in Brooklyn NY assist you in understanding your options.

    How Does a Funeral Home Help Me Plan a Non-Religious Service?

    The funeral director helps you decide where to hold the service, how to structure it and what to skip or simplify to make the event feel natural and comfortable. Non-religious funerals in Brooklyn are highly customizable. Even if you don’t have a celebrant or officiant, you still create a thoughtful, well-paced event with help from someone who’s handled hundreds of unique services throughout Brooklyn.

    Harmony Funeral Home is recognized by the National Funeral Directors Association for excellence in funeral service. No matter your beliefs or background, whether you’re arranging a funeral for an atheist or a humanist, contact Harmony Funeral Home and let the experts handle the details for a non-religious funeral in Brooklyn.

    Harmony Funeral Home
    2200 Clarendon Rd.,
    Brooklyn, NY 11226
    (718) 469-6666

    Updated on Oct 14, 2025 by Harmony Funeral Home