‘Celebration of life’ funerals on the rise, Co-op finds

Some 68% of the UK – 38 million people – believe that funerals are becoming more of a ‘celebration of life’ rather than a time of reflection, according to Co-op Funeralcare, showing a rise from its previous study in 2019, which found this number to be 58%. 

Co-op Funeralcare’s latest report, Trending Tributes, is based on insights from its network of funeral directors who have carried out over 500,000 funerals in the last five years, as well as the views of 4,000 UK-based respondents. 

The findings also highlighted a trend towards more personalised services, as 53% of Co-op Funeralcare’s funeral directors have witnessed a move away from “tradition” and an increase in people desiring more unique funerals. 

This trend, according to the report, is further reflected in the locations where funerals are held, as 57% of Co-op funeral directors reported a rise in requests for services to take place outside of traditional religious settings. 

Meanwhile, some 48% of respondents said they had attended a funeral in a non-traditional setting over the last year. 

Co-op Funeralcare revealed that its 10 most unique location requests have been for Hampton Court Palace specifically; a betting shop; a castle; a farm; the woods; on a London bus; the town hall; a sports centre; an angling club; and a cricket pavilion.

While the colour black has traditionally been the colour most associated with funerals and mourning, the report revealed an overwhelming trend of clients moving away from this; some 89% of Co-op funeral directors have arranged a funeral in the last five years where mourners wore their loved one’s favourite colour, while 63% had incorporated their loved one’s favourite sports jersey into the funerary dress code.

When it comes to attendees, 75% of Co-op funeral directors reported that they’d received requests for pets to attend the funeral.

Gill Stewart, MD of Co-op Funeralcare, said: “At Co-op Funeralcare, every funeral we carry out – be it traditional or more contemporary – is bespoke and unique to the individual.

“Since our previous report in 2019, many factors – including the pandemic – have made people think about the subject of death and funerals much more. However, our research reveals half of people have never discussed their funeral wishes with family or friends.”

He added: “We want to encourage the nation to talk to their loved ones about their funeral wishes, whether that be putting plans in place or even discussing a favourite song choice. Whilst it can feel daunting, it can help make an otherwise difficult time that little bit easier if plans are known or in place for when they’re needed.”