A study conducted by a UK provider of pre-paid funeral plans has revealed that over a third of respondents who responded would like a casual, relaxed atmosphere at their funeral.
A study conducted by a UK provider of pre-paid funeral plans has revealed that over a third of respondents would like a casual, relaxed atmosphere at their funeral. With females being more likely to want floral tributes (10%) and charitable donations (20%) than males (3% and 11% respectively).
Research commissioned by Ecclesiastical Planning Services has revealed that out of 1,500 people surveyed, 1,428 responded to the question ‘What specific theme/atmosphere, if any, would you like there to be at your own funeral?’ Respondents were asked to select all that applied, with 34% stating they would like a casual, relaxed atmosphere at their funeral.
The survey was conducted as part of research into the attitudes of the British public towards funeral planning.
A calm and peaceful funeral ranked second (29%), and specific music was third (25%). A serious and sombre setting was less popular (2%), as well as traditional black attire (4%). Celebratory themes (19%) and colourful dress codes (14%) were also cited.
Those who want to include charitable donations vary per region, with some regions showing more inclination for this e.g. East Midlands at 22% compared to Wales at 9%.
Religious elements and floral tributes were selected by fewer respondents (9% and 7% respectively), with floral tributes as low as 4% in Scotland and 2% in the South-East, with 10% of female respondents wanting floral tributes compared to only 3% of men.
31% of respondents did not have a specific funeral preference or weren’t sure.
Emma Simpson, Marketing Manager at Ecclesiastical Planning Services, said, “With over a third of respondents wanting a casual, relaxed atmosphere at their funeral, and only 4% wanting traditional black attire, and a lower percentage (2%) wanting a serious and sombre setting, it potentially highlights a trend towards less formal funerals. We encourage everyone to discuss their preferences in advance to reduce worry for loved ones.”
Source: : OnePoll research of 1,500 UK residents aged 50 and above, on behalf of Ecclesiastical Planning Services, November 2024.