Norfolk funeral director anticipates an increase in positive 'celebration of life' services
New research shows that more than half of funeral directors are getting requests for a unique service, outside of a religious setting
A funeral director in Norfolk is anticipating there'll be more funerals with strong and positive themes at their centre, in the future.
It comes after national research found that more than two thirds of people in the UK believe funerals should be focussed on celebration, instead of reflection.
"We're becoming far more flexible in what we feel we can do"
Kevin Cobbold has worked as a funeral director in Norwich for 25 years: "Funerals have always been there as a 'celebration of life', but perhaps the wording is a bit different now.
"It depends on where people have come from, people see things from a celebrity's funeral and trends follow from that. But from a Christian point of view, people have always celebrated and given thanks for people's lives.
"As our society goes on we're becoming far more flexible in what we feel we can do. Both the traditional and modern crematoriums have installed streaming technology, allowing those from around the world to view the service.
"Some people have done a 'Star Wars', 'Only Fools and Horses' and 'Batman and Robin' themed services. Everyone has had these outfits at some point and doing this is a way to help remember this person in a unique and special way to them."
The research in more detail:
The study, based on information from more than 500,000 funerals by Co-op Funeralcare over the last five year shows that 68% of people believe funerals should be more of a celebration than a time of reflection. This being up from 58% in 2019.
More than half of the funeral directors (53%) said they are seeing a move away from tradition and an increase in people wanting a unique service that reflects the deceased's life.
Almost six in 10 funeral directors (57%) reported an increase in requests for services to take place outside traditional religious settings, while almost half of those surveyed (48%) said they had attended a funeral in a non-traditional setting over the last year.
Some 89% of funeral directors said they had arranged a service in the last five years involving mourners asked to wear their loved one's favourite colour.
Three-quarters (75%) had received requests for pets to attend the funeral, while 62% of people surveyed said it is important that pets are able to attend their owner's service.
Almost a third of funeral directors (31%) said they have seen people posting on social media from a funeral, while almost a fifth (18%) have seen people taking selfies.
"It can help make an otherwise difficult time that little bit easier"
Gill Stewart, managing director at Co-op Funeralcare, said: "Since our previous report in 2019, many factors - including the pandemic - have made people think about the subject of death and funerals much more.
"With this new report, we want to encourage the nation to talk to their loved ones about their funeral wishes, whether that be putting plans in place or even discussing a favourite song choice.
"Whilst it can feel daunting, it can help make an otherwise difficult time that little bit easier if plans are known or in place for when they're needed."