Alternative funerals UK

An alternative funeral is any type of send-off that isn’t entirely traditional or conventional.

It may be something quite straight-forward such as asking people to wear bright colours for the ceremony. Or, it may be something that really makes a statement, for example having an eco-friendly burial.

Traditional funerals can be moving and beautiful, but if you’d prefer to add or express individuality, it’s definitely worth thinking about an alternative funeral.

Curious to learn more? If so, continue reading this in-depth guide by award-winning life insurance and funeral plan broker Reassured…

Cremations are far more common than burials in the UK today.

In fact, in 2020:

• 59% of funerals were cremations
• 14% of funerals were direct cremations^[1]

Cremation services are less expensive than burial services, which is why many people choose this alternative.

Also, the process of cremation may seem a little less complicated as there’s no need to organise a suitable burial plot and memorial.

A cremation funeral can be as personalised as you like, for example, it could be humanist, themed, celebratory, and/or held by family members.

An unconventional send-off may not take place at a church or crematorium, the hearse may not have four wheels and the coffin may not be wooden.

Aspects of a funeral that are typically traditional, such as having a long black hearse and an oak coffin, can be swapped out for less traditional alternatives to create a more personal way to say goodbye.

Many people like the idea of their family and friends getting together to commemorate their life and have a good party, instead of attending a formal funeral service. Especially if they have lived long and happy lives.

This is known as a celebration of life, the joyful alternative to a sombre traditional funeral.

Usually, a celebration of life memorial is held as a separate event from the funeral itself. Or, it may replace the funeral altogether.

For example, many people choose to arrange a celebration of life following a direct cremation (as there’s no funeral service before the cremation).

This type of send-off allows family and friends to get-together in a casual setting, such as in someone’s garden or down the local pub, to talk openly about the life, personality and accomplishments of their loved one.

At a celebration of life ceremony you may have:

• Bright colours and clothing
• Music and dancing
• Food and drink
• Sharing of memories and photographs
• Light-hearted speeches

You may also choose to scatter the ashes or plant a memorial tree at this time, depending on the location of the event.

For a slightly more formal ceremony, a humanist celebrant or religious officiant could be appointed, depending on your preference.

A direct cremation is an unattended cremation that takes place without a funeral service beforehand. David Bowie, Anita Brookner and John Lennon opted for this type of send-off.

Whilst loved ones can’t attend the cremation, they can arrange a private memorial at another time and place that’s convenient for them. Perhaps this would be a celebration of life held at the location where the ashes are scattered.

In 2020, 14% of all funerals in the UK were direct cremation (up 10% from the year before).

Of course, Covid-19 had an impact on this number. However, even before the pandemic hit, this type of send-off was becoming a more popular alternative funeral choice because of its practicality and low-cost.

The average cost of a direct cremation is just £1,554, whereas a traditional funeral could set you back more than £4,000.

It’s also possible, but less common, to have a direct burial. Whilst the concept is the same as a direct cremation, it does require a little more planning and a burial plot must be purchased.

Environmentally friendly funerals are increasingly popular in the UK, as people become more concerned about their impact on the environment.

A natural or woodland burial is the most eco-friendly alternative to a traditional burial funeral.

There are 270 natural burial sites in the UK - you can find a list of these on the Natural Death Centre website.

The ceremony for this type of funeral may take place in an outdoor setting, close to where the body is laid to rest.

To protect the environment as much as possible, the coffin or shroud would need to be made from biodegradable materials such as bamboo, cardboard or wool. Although, some other more unusual options are available.

For example, in 2019, late actor Luke Perry was buried in a shroud made completely from mushrooms.

Whilst an eco-friendly funeral could work out cheaper than a traditional funeral service and burial, you’d still have to purchase a burial plot which could cost a few thousand pounds depending on the location.