3. Funeral Plan blog

Over a third of over 50s 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.”

Faith Ames, funeral arranger and administrator in the Halesworth branch of Rosedale says:

“I like that at Rosedale a funeral doesn’t have to mean traditional. Of course, if that is what someone wants, we will achieve that for a family, but if someone wants something slightly different that’s absolutely fine too. I’ve even had a funeral where with a horse drawn hearse where the horse was dressed as a rainbow unicorn!”.

About Ecclesiastical Planning Services

Part of the Benefact Group. Ecclesiastical Planning Services works with over 800 funeral directing outlets across the country, providing a safe home for funeral pre-payment funds. The Benefact Group is a UK-based financial services group, part which has been protecting people, property and funds since 1887.

Rosedale Funeral Home is an Appointed Representative of Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited, a funeral plan provider authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 958152.

Visit www.funeralplans.co.uk

Source

Source:OnePoll research of 1,500 UK residents aged 50 and above, on behalf of Ecclesiastical Planning Services, November 2024.