Taking On New Traditions When Planning A Funeral

The world is changing at a staggering rate, and so are the way we view things.

This digital, environmentally-aware and more secular time has seen a rapid rise in modern advancements in funeral services.

For many the traditional way is still the correct way to mark a death.

But for others – including expert companies helping you with all matters of after life such as Beyond –it is an exciting time to be different.

Humanist And Civic Funerals

Strictly non-religious ceremonies, civic and humanist funerals celebrate life rather than an afterlife. These ceremonies can be held at venues less traditional than the church or crematorium, such as a village hall or by the burial site. These services can be similar to the more traditional funerals – including memories, readings and music – but with a different emphasis.

Eco Funerals

Woodland and meadow burials are on the rise. The body is buried in a bio degradable coffin or shroud, with the body and its nutrients returning to the earth. Eco funerals can be religious or non religious events.

Digital Time Capsules

One way to remember your loved ones is with a digital time capsule. This modern-day scrapbook is a place to store the memories you shared with the deceased along with moments from their life. Voice messages, videos, photos and paperwork can be stored in one place – allowing you and future generations to forever remember your loved ones. Let’s face it, it certainly beats an old shoebox in the attic.

Digital Tombstones

Following a similar route as the time capsule, digital tombstones are giving burial plots a modern twist. Gone are the days of a headstone with simplistic engraving. Photos, videos, slideshows and even quotes can be uploaded to a screen by the grave to celebrate the life of the person buried there. And, of course, the content can be changed at any time.

Dressing Up

Funerals are obviously a sad time. But these days the trend is very much about celebrating – and remembering – life. many funerals shirk the traditional black outfits, stiff suits and long dark dresses. These days many wills request the mourners pay their respects by dressing in the deceased’s favourite colour or shirts signifying their favourite sport.

Sea Burials

Although not encouraged by the authorities, it remains your right to be buried at sea if that is your wish. There are designated sites in south and north east England, Scotland and also off the Isle of Wight where those for a passion with the sea can be laid to rest.

Home Comforts

This trend is catching on in America, home funerals are exactly what you expect them to be. Instead of the traditional sombre drive to the church or crematorium, more and more people are opting to hold their service at home. While not everyone may be comfortable with hosting their goodbyes in the place they call home, others enjoy the more formal setting, which can also be arranged at a cheaper price.

DNA and Beads

Asia is playing its part in modern funeral techniques. In Japan it is becoming more common for grieving family members to have the deceased’s DNA extracted and added to a keepsake, such as jewellery. Meanwhile, in South Korea a modern trend is to turn your loved one’s body into decorative beads that can displayed in the home.

Water Cremation

Although not yet available in the UK, water cremation can be carried out in several US states. The method involves placing the body in a metal chamber, where it is broken down into liquid and ash via a process called alkaline hydrolysis.