Half of us would change our loved ones’ funeral plans after they had died because we don’t agree with arrangements such as dress code, coffin choice and guest list.
A new survey looking at attitudes towards funerals has revealed 54% of people would alter musical choices, the cost and even the location of a send-off if they deemed them ‘unsuitable’.
Howard Hodgson, CEO of Affordable Funerals who commissioned the research, said: “Death is a difficult subject and still very much taboo.
“Even though it may be uncomfortable, it’s really important to have open and honest conversations with loved ones about their wishes.
“Too often people plan their funerals and don’t discuss it with their families, leaving their nearest and dearest to second-guess their preferences or even changing details they don’t agree with – both eventualities should be avoided.”
The survey, conducted by OnePoll on 1,000 UK adults, found that 19% would change the cost of a loved one’s funeral if they didn’t find it appropriate.
Meanwhile, 14% would change a dress code requested by the deceased such as ‘wearing a bright colour’ or ‘arriving in fancy dress’.
12% of people said they would change the chosen coffin and a further 14% would change the choice of music. 13% of people asked said they would alter who was on the desired guest list.
Mr Hodgson urged people to talk to their family about their wishes to avoid any surprises down the line and so have an affordable funeral that is also personal.
He said: “You might find someone has planned their own funeral and chosen, for example, to have a direct cremation where no mourners are present but not informed their family about it beforehand.
“They will have made this choice with the best of intentions because they want to save their children money.
“However, when the time comes, the family are horrified as they wish to hold an attended service.
“Talking about your funeral arrangements before purchasing a funeral plan is the only way to ensure that your wishes are respected but that your family is also happy.”
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