The survey asked 856 people aged 50 and above what sort of funeral they would prefer. Humanist burial or cremation services (27%) came in close second, with less than a quarter of respondents (23%) saying they would opt for a religious service (23%). A further 17% were unsure or preferred not to say.
Although cremation can be a more cost-effective option in many parts of the UK, burial is required by some religions.
Some other notable differences could also have contributed to these results, such as availability of local burial plots and individual family traditions. Burials can offer a more permanent memorial in the form of a headstone, but if a loved one’s death was sudden, a cremation can give people longer to decide on a final resting place or where to scatter their loved one’s ashes.
According to the survey, men (37%) are more likely than women (30%) to favour a direct cremation, whilst women (24%) are more likely than men (21%) to prefer a religious service. At Ecclesiastical Planning Services, our network of funeral directors have told us that they have seen an increase in direct cremation funerals, with no service or mourners in attendance, for some time now.
Marketing Manager Emma Simpson, said “We always encourage people to talk to their loved ones about funeral wishes, including whether a burial or cremation is the preferred option, and whether they have any particular religious beliefs or humanist requirements that could influence the decision. Taking out a pre-paid funeral plan is a good way to record funeral wishes, and ensures that those left behind do not have to second-guess their loved one’s preferences at the time of need.”
Source: OnePoll research of 856 UK residents aged 50 and above, on behalf of Ecclesiastical Planning Services, October 2021.
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