The Predicted Future Changes of Funeral Ceremonies

If you are interested in learning about Celebrancy, or are already working in this field, you might want to know more about the types of funerals offered, and how this might change in the future. At ICPC we want to share this information with you so that you can feel equipped and ready. 

Funeral ceremonies have been a cornerstone of human culture since time began. They allow people to come together to honour and show respect to the parting of a loved one. As a funeral celebrant, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of this important rite of passage, which in turn will aid the grieving process for the family. 

However, just as societal norms continually evolve, so too do our approach to traditions and customs. As we look to the future, the way we celebrate and commemorate the deceased is expected to transform in several significant ways. 

As a Celebrant, it is part of your role to stay up to date with ceremonial trends and offer your clients the most personalised and appropriate ceremonies for them. Some future predictions for funeral ceremonies are listed below. 

Why The Need For Change?

Everything changes and evolves, and funeral ceremonies are no exception. There are many different factors that can contribute to the need for change. One of these is the cost of a funeral. In the last 10 years, the cost of a funeral has risen by 40%. With the cost of living and financial and economic hardships, affording a traditional funeral can be difficult. People will look to more cost effective ways to celebrate their loved ones. Another factor is sustainability. There is a growing interest in finding environmentally friendly ways to send off a loved-one. There’s also a reduced participation in established religions and religious practices, which can impact the way we approach funeral plans. 

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Expect More Personalisation

One of the most prominent trends in the future of funeral ceremonies is the increased demand for personalisation. As society moves away from traditional, standardised ceremonies, more individuals will seek to craft farewells that celebrate the unique lives, values, beliefs, and personalities of the deceased. This might include incorporating their favourite hobbies, interests, or even holding ceremonies in unconventional locations, like a beach, park, or even a family home.

Eco-Friendly Funerals

As environmental consciousness continues to rise, so does the demand for eco-friendly funeral practices. In the future, we can expect a shift towards sustainable burial options such as natural and green burials, biodegradable urns, aqua-cremations, and even tree-planting memorials. These practices not only minimise the environmental impact but also serve as a meaningful way to remember loved ones by contributing to the growth of new life.

Digital Memorials and Virtual Participation

Technology has revolutionised many aspects of our lives, and funerals are no exception. In the predicted future, digital memorials and virtual participation will become increasingly common. Live Streaming of funeral services will enable friends and family who cannot attend in person to be part of the ceremony. Online memorial websites and social media platforms will also play a significant role in preserving and sharing memories of the departed.

Cultural Fusion

Families made up from many cultures are becoming more commonplace, and therefore culturally fused ceremonies are too! Funerals can celebrate and embrace a person’s unique culture, heritage and customs. For example, if the deceased  has dual-heritage, the funeral might have aspects from both cultures incorporated into proceedings. The Celebrant can sensitively discuss this with the family about which cultural aspects they’d like included in the ceremony. 

Living Funerals

Awareness surrounding living funerals has increased and they are slowly becoming more popular. A living funeral means that the person attends their own funeral before their death, giving everyone an opportunity to be with them one last time and to celebrate them in person. Living funerals are expected to increase in demand, and as a celebrant it is wise to be familiar with this option in order to offer it and practise this sort of ceremony. 

Become a Celebrant

If you are interested in training as a funeral celebrant, we can help. Download our brochure to discover more about our civil celebrancy training and qualifications. 

We offer two locations for residential training as well as two comprehensive qualifications that run alongside it.