Unique ceremonies in demand as Brits move away from tradition

New research from national funeral provider, Co-op Funeralcare, has revealed a shift in funeral trends, 92 percent of UK adults have said they no longer want a traditional funeral.

Additionally, another 88 percent said want to plan their unique send-off themselves.

Some 52 percent of Brits said, if given the choice, they would opt out of a full funeral service. Instead, 30 percent would want their loved ones to simply raise a glass to them. Some 22 percent would rather their friends and family have a party and 11 percent want a get together in their local pub.

When asked what was most important when arranging a final goodbye, the study showed over 84 percent of Brits would rather have laughter than tears at their send-off. A further 27 percent wanted their family and friends to arrive wearing colour.

The research also showed that ensuring the right people are present to celebrate their life was key, whilst traditional funeral choices such as flowers, coffins and vehicles are now less of an important consideration for Brits overall.

Some 56 percent of those surveyed said a direct to cremation service is something they want for themselves, while 20 percent said they’ve already made this known to their families.

In terms of venues for the service, local pubs remain the most popular choice for Brits, with 31 percent saying this is where they want theirs. Other more unique wake destinations include discos, festivals, gigs and beaches.

Top 10 locations Brits would like their wake:

1. Local pub (31 percent)
2. At the family home (22 percent)
3. Favourite restaurant (12 percent)
4. On a beach (10 percent)
5. A disco to take place at a bar/nightclub (nine percent)
6. In the garden (nine percent)
7. At a football club (nine percent)
8. At a festival/gig (seven percent)
9. At a community hall (seven percent)
10. Abroad (four percent)

David Collingwood, director of funerals for Co-op Funeralcare, said: “It comes as no surprise that people are more open than ever to the idea of unique and personalised send offs. Cremation Without Ceremony was introduced as a response to market demand, with people wanting the chance to say goodbye to loved ones in their own, personal way outside of a traditional service.

“Although the traditional funeral is still a popular choice, we’re increasingly seeing people considering alternative options. This is exactly why we encourage people to talk more openly about their wishes and what they would like for themselves. To ensure they have the funeral they want and to remove some of the emotional burden for families further down the line.’’

Janet Street-Porter, journalist and broadcaster, added: “It’s great to see that people are becoming more open to the idea of unique and alternative send-offs. Funerals should be completely tailored to the person who’s died, whether that means having a lavish, no expenses spared affair or having a direct cremation followed by a get together in the local pub.

“It’s so important that we become less nervous talking about death, it’s one of life’s inevitabilities and shouldn’t be shied away from. The more we talk about it, the less of a taboo it becomes.”