Brits are turning away from traditional funerals in favour of fuss-free celebrations

Brits bid farewell to fussy funerals and solemn send-offs

A new survey, conducted by Distinct Cremations, has revealed that Brits are turning away from traditional funerals in favour of fuss-free celebrations.

Of the 2,000 respondents surveyed in the YouGov poll, over half (56 percent) said they are fed up with seeing out-dated customs at funerals.

These include having a hearse, laying flowers, singing hymns, and having religious ceremonies usually by default even for those without faith. In fact, 76 percent of people do not feel it is important nowadays to wear traditional black attire when attending a funeral.

While a funeral is often seen as a final send-off, 31 percent of people indicated feeling ‘uncomfortable’ being part of a traditional service. Respondents added that they felt ‘awkward’ and ‘unsure of what to say’ as just some of the reasons they did not want to attend a funeral.

Instead, this recent research shows Brits are opting for simpler, more personal send-offs. A fuss-free funeral is increasingly popular, with more than half of respondents saying they would prefer a low-key service that reflected their life and wishes.

Indeed, to ensure their wishes are met, one in three people surveyed said they had already informed their family they have decided on a direct cremation, which can be assumed to include no funeral service at all and just proceeds with the cremation. By doing so they can relax in the knowledge their wishes are met and they don’t need to rely on their family to make arrangements – showing people are preparing ahead of time now more than ever.

Not wanting to be a burden also seems to be a key factor in this decision, with 45 percent of people worrying about their family having to organise their funeral.

Cost is a particular concern for Brits. Four in five respondents said funerals are too expensive. And 42 percent said they cannot afford to pay for the average cost of a funeral today at around £4,000 without going into debt[1]. When asked if they felt pressured to spend more in order to be seen to ‘do the right thing’ for someone’s funeral, 64 percent said this was not something they were prepared to do.

Commenting on the survey results, Steve Wallis, Managing Director at Distinct Cremations, says: “Traditional funerals are expensive and organising one can put a lot of additional stress on an already grieving family.

“Our YouGov research shows that people are becoming more mindful of this and want to ensure their send-off is as simple and straightforward as possible, in order to reduce the pressure on their loved ones.

“It comes as no surprise to see the growing number of people opting for direct cremations. They’re a simple, no frills alternative without the pomp and ceremony of a more conventional funeral. And importantly, they give mourners a dignified opportunity to say goodbye in a way that better suits them.

“Taking out a plan is also a practical and effective way to protect family members from the rising cost of funerals or decision making at a difficult time. A plan means all the decisions have already been taken care of and there is no bill left to pay.”

This change in funeral preference is reflected across the whole of England and Wales - in 90% of the 70 counties surveyed, the majority of respondents said they did not want a traditional funeral. They were not keen to embrace the trappings of the hearse, mourners and church service.

Top five counties where residents do like a traditional funeral: