According to the SunLife report, there's a growing trend towards more personalised and less traditional funeral services. Half of all funeral services in 2023 were described as a celebration of life, reflecting a shift away from strictly sombre affairs.
The report also highlights changing preferences in funeral types:
- Cremations with a service remain the most popular option at 53%, though this has decreased from previous years.
- Direct cremations have risen to 20% in 2023, up from just 3% in 2019.
- Burials have seen a slight increase to 27% in 2023.
“As these recent findings show, funeral planning is changing, with more people embracing a personalised, celebratory approach to saying goodbye,” a Funeral Guide (https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/) spokesperson reveals.
“We’re seeing a big shift with the rise in direct cremations and ‘celebration of life’ services. It’s part of a cultural move toward honouring individuality and the unique stories of loved ones.”
“More families are prioritising meaningful, personal tributes over traditional services. It offers comfort and a stronger sense of connection during such a difficult time.”
The University of York study, which explored the funeral experiences of 50 individuals, identified five key factors that contribute to satisfaction with funeral arrangements:
- Knowledge of the deceased's wishes
- Inclusive decision-making process
- Responsiveness of the Funeral Director
- Appropriate level of contact with the deceased's body
- Meeting expectations for the funeral service
Despite these insights, the SunLife report reveals that communication about funeral wishes remains a challenge. Over half (54%) of people don't know if their loved one wanted a burial or cremation, a 5% increase from the previous year.
The cost-of-living crisis is also impacting funeral planning, with 44% of people saying it affected how they organised and paid for the funeral. This economic pressure may be contributing to the rise in direct cremations, which often offer a more affordable option.
As the funeral industry continues to evolve, these findings suggest a need for more open discussions about end-of-life preferences and a shift towards more personalised, cost-conscious funeral options.