Funerals in the UK constantly evolve, with new trends regularly emerging and taking over the industry. This is often due to changing times, needs and values of UK people and their families. There is a shift away from traditional or religious ceremonies which often come with a hefty price tag, being replaced with direct cremation, eco-friendly funerals, or personalised memorials and celebrations. These interesting shifts caused waves a few years ago as they veered away from tradition yet they have rapidly become the norm. Discover more about the most popular types for 2023 below.
The Top Funeral Trend: Direct Cremation
According to Sunlife the top funeral type now – and for the last few years running – is the Direct Cremation. This is no surprise as both funeral costs and living prices have continued to soar. Finding funds can be difficult especially if the death is unexpected and without any forward planning or finances allocated for it.
A Direct Cremation is an unattended funeral option meaning there is no service or mourners or any extras. It differs from a traditional funeral as it omits all unnecessary extras such as death and funeral notices, flower arrangements, embalming, a luxury coffin, limousines and anything else that’s non-essential. Direct cremations are ideal for those seeking to reduce funeral costs, those who wish to commemorate a loved ones passing uniquely, those wishing to take an environmentally more friendly approach, or simply people who just want a funeral with minimal fuss. With costs expected to continue to rise in the future, the appeal of a Direct Cremation will no doubt endure for years to come.
Eco-funerals
Eco-funerals, commonly referred to as green funerals, are the second category increasing in popularity for many reasons, including the growing awareness of environmental issues and carbon emission reduction. Eco-funerals often involve biodegradable funeral materials such as wicker or plain wooden caskets or planting of a memorial tree instead of using a gravestone. This provides a natural and meaningful way to say goodbye and memorialise the departed. By incorporating natural and sustainable elements into the funeral, eco-funerals can provide tranquillity to funerary proceedings.
Celebration of Life Ceremonies
Celebration of Life Ceremonies often takes place after a direct cremation or simple funeral as a way to celebrate the departed. These events are becoming increasingly popular in the UK for many reasons. These include:
- The dramatic attitude shifts about how to respond to death acceptably and how to grieve in the United Kingdom – many people now seek a personal and meaningful approach to celebrating a loved one’s life.
- In the past, traditional funerals where those left behind would gather and grieve in a sombre atmosphere full of religious rituals.
- A celebration of life along with a direct cremation or funeral provides a low-cost way to remember the deceased more positively, while also incorporating their passions and the interests they held most dear in life.
