New research reveals people’s preferences for funerals

New research commissioned by Westerleigh Group has revealed that attended funerals are “essential” for saying a proper goodbye to a loved one and that there is a huge preference for personalised services.

The research with more than 2,000 people aged over 55, who have planned a funeral over the past five years, revealed that three in four people  (77%)  think it is essential to say a proper goodbye, despite the rise of unattended cremations in recent years, while 92% of respondents said that having a personalised service is important.

Despite this strong appetite for meaningful services, many families are left without guidance when the time comes, with 65% of those who arranged a funeral having had no, or only partial, instructions from their loved one.

A reluctance among the UK public to plan for their death or discuss their final wishes remains a major barrier to families being able to have that proper goodbye for their loved ones.

The research identified that 54% of people find it difficult to discuss their own death with family, often describing it as “uncomfortable”, 53% have either made no funeral plans or have kept them private and just 12% have a paid funeral plan in place.

This lack of communication has created what can be described as a “Great Silence,” leaving families unprepared and uncertain at one of the most challenging times of their lives.

Without clear guidance, families are forced to make difficult decisions at the time of grief, often leading to stress, conflict and lingering doubt during an already emotional time – with 82% of respondents saying that they found organising a funeral stressful and 55% regretting not having more conversations about final wishes.

Westerleigh Group is one of the UK’s largest independent owners and operators of crematoria and cemeteries, with 42 sites in England, Scotland, and Wales, and which is trusted by more families than any other provider to deliver funerals for their loved ones.

Ed Lane, Managing Director – Crematoria and Cemeteries from Westerleigh Group said: “Our research results reinforce the importance of funerals not just as ceremonies, but as critical moments for connection, reflection and healing during time of grief.

“In fact, 77% of our respondents agreed that a funeral service is important for people to come together and support each other when they are grieving a loss of a loved one.

“Personalisation, from music choices to readings and inclusion of meaningful items within the service, plays a key role in helping families create a farewell that truly reflects the life lived, supporting healthier grieving.

“The findings highlight an urgent need to normalise conversations about death and funeral planning but also understand what kind of funeral service the most fitting choice for a loved one would be - taking time to thoroughly compare options, ideally by speaking to a local funeral director.

“By discussing wishes in advance, individuals can ease the burden on loved ones, reduce stress and uncertainty and help ensure a more meaningful, personalised farewell.”

Dying Matters Awareness Week provides a timely opportunity to start having those open conversations, to explore the growing number of options available, to plan for your funeral and to let your loved ones know what your wishes are, giving you comfort in the knowledge that you will be reducing additional stress for them during the time of grief.

Anyone who has questions or ever wondered what happens at a crematorium or what is possible is encouraged to visit one or speak to a local funeral director help answer them.

Westerleigh Group has an open-door policy at all of its 42 crematoria across England, Scotland and Wales so families can even view behind the scenes (if they wish) for complete peace of mind and myth busting. Simply visit westerleighgroup.co.uk/locations .

To explore a range of Westerleigh Funeral Plans, follow www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/funeral-plans

Further information about Westerleigh Group’s research can be found here www.westerleighgroup.co.uk/meaningful-goodbyes.pdf