Shifting trends in funeral planning and end-of-life attitudes revealed

The SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024 and a study from the University of York provide insights into evolving attitudes and preferences in the funeral industry.

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.”

Satisfaction

The University of York study, which explored the funeral experiences of 50 individuals, identified five key factors that contribute to satisfaction with funeral arrangements:

1. Knowledge of the deceased's wishes
2. Inclusive decision-making process
3. Responsiveness of the Funeral Director
4. Appropriate level of contact with the deceased's body
5. 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.