Eulogies that Celebrate Life

A UK study reveals that “68% of people believe funerals should be more a celebration than a time of reflection, up from 58% in 2019.”

Examples of the move from sombre funerals to celebrations of life include:

·      Themed farewells, glittery coffins, mourners dressed in football shirts or their loved one’s favourite colours.

·      Location requests: Funerals held at such places as farms, buses and cricket pavilions.

·      Pets invited to attend the funerals of their late owner.

·      Sentimental items placed inside coffin e.g. cigarettes, phone, snooker cue.

The eulogies are moving towards being spoken in a celebratory style rather than being mournful and sombre.

Gill Stewart, the 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.”

 In the light of this new report, it is important that families talk to their loved ones about their funeral wishes, songs, people they’d like to have participate in their funeral and what they want said and not said.

Further:

Caroline Davies, “‘Celebrations of life’ increasingly replacing traditional funerals in UK, study shows,” The Guardian, 6 August 2024.

Go Your Own Way: Funerals are a Celebration of Life according to 38 million Brits, Co-op Funeralcare, 6 August 2024.