The coronavirus pandemic is transforming the funeral industry and leading people to seek alternatives to traditions dating back hundreds of years, experts say.
The number of people opting for “direct cremations” which are carried out without anyone present, and followed later by a personalised memorial event has quadrupled for one company.
Farewill, the UK’s largest will writer and death specialist, said the virus is making people think more about non-traditional send-offs.
Matt Morgan from Farewill said: “Customers opting for direct cremations during the pandemic have told us that they looked beyond more traditional options because it means they can still bring people together for a full memorial service later, which isn’t possible now. Typically, there’s a group of people wanting to say goodbye to the person, and the one organising the celebration doesn’t want to deny them this opportunity. Most of our customers say that it’s a relief to know that they can still do this, albeit in the future.”
Farewill co-founder Dan Garrett said traditions such as funeral corteges and horse and carriage funerals have been passed on for more than 100 years, but no longer feel relevant for many families.
He added: “Lockdown forces people to think differently. The existing options are not on the table, which is forcing people to think about the type of funeral they want to organise.”
He said once a direct cremation has been carried out, families are free to carry out “anything under the sun” to celebrate the life of their loved one.
Mr Garrett said some families have held funerals over Zoom, on a beach, or in the garden while socially distancing during the lockdown.
