New research by funeral comparison website Funeral Choice, has revealed a growing trend in people choosing to have living funerals. This is a type of ‘pre-funeral’ – sometimes referred to as a living wake – where someone’s life can be celebrated while they’re still alive.
According to the survey1 by Funeral Choice, 71% of us have already considered, to some extent, how we want our funeral to be. But a further 29% of us are interested in having a funeral while we are there for it, with more than a quarter of adults considering living funerals.
This popularity figure increases – and almost doubles – in young adults, with 53% of 18–24-year-olds interested in a living funeral for themselves, and over half (52%) of 25 – 34 year olds keen too.
Alix Baldwin, director of Funeral Choice, comments: “Historically, living funerals would be more commonly held for people who are terminally ill as a way to be present and say their goodbyes in their own way. What’s interesting is that our study has found that more UK adults are interested in being there for their own funeral, regardless of their age or health status.
“The funeral industry is ever-changing as attitudes and preferences evolve within the UK. As a result living funerals are starting to become more of an option. While the industry adapts to this newer funeral type, those considering if this might be the right choice for them, can see our guidance on organising a living funeral.”
Funeral Choice’s study has also found that there are more than 18,000 Google searches made in the UK on the direct topic of ‘living funeral’ each month2. And according to its search data analysis, this trend has increased by 30% over the past 12 months.
Alix believes that exposure to living funerals on TV and in film could be contributing to its popularity: “Over the last decade, funerals on screen have focused more on celebrations of life, or raw and personal experiences, such as the living funeral on recent Netflix rom-com Love At First Sight. Choosing your own send-off is an incredibly personal decision, so to want to be part of those goodbyes in person is understandable.”
Jessica May, a celebrant who specialises in living funerals and living wakes, spoke to Funeral Choice to give advice to people considering having one: “Living funerals are more about life than death – they celebrate your life, and that is why I love them. Remember that most importantly, it should reflect you and help you and your loved ones to process and heal in community.
“If attending your own funeral feels a bit alien and difficult to approach with most people in your life, if you are saying you ‘don’t want a fuss’, then the chances are that you are not one for the limelight. Then an informal, gathering style would be best. If you do not like the awkwardness of being praised and congratulated for your achievements, then you might feel uncomfortable with all that emotion in the room. So something more traditional and structured would work for you.
“Try thinking about your favourite things – a meal at home with family, friends and pets? An afternoon tea, a picnic on the beach? Think about involving everyone in telling your story, in the music and the food, so that you don’t feel that it is ‘all about you’. If, however, you are a big party animal and you want glitter balls, sequins and a ‘ta da’ moment… damn well have one!”
