One of the biggest decisions many people face when organising or planning a funeral is whether to choose a traditional funeral or a celebration of life. Although the principle with both remains the same, to say a final goodbye to a loved one or family member, the two different 'styles' of funeral take quite differing approaches to the event.
What makes a traditional funeral?
Generally, traditional funerals have had more of a focus on religion and cultural rites than more modern celebrations of life. If the deceased followed a particular religion, then it's more likely that they'll have a traditional funeral held in their honour.
Traditional funeral services are very often held in a place of worship, although they can be held in a crematorium. In terms of tone, traditional funerals often adopt a more somber, reflective approach rather than the more personal, even cheerful outlook of many celebrations of life. A traditional funeral will tend to follow a set order of proceedings that are in line with the established sermons of a particular faith or religion.
What makes a celebration of life?
Whilst a traditional funeral tends to follow an established outline, a celebration of life can be thought of as any funeral not in the traditional style. Typically, a celebration of life will have a greater focus on the positive aspects of remembering a loved one, with a focus on favourite music, movies, photographs and stories.
Rather than being held in a church, a celebration of life can be held anywhere, such as a pub, home or hotel. With this, the family of the deceased has more freedom over how the ceremony progresses and the exact order of proceedings.
Why have celebrations of life grown in popularity?
Celebrations of life have been growing in popularity for some time. According to SunLife's 'Cost of Dying Report', 50% of all UK funerals carried out in 2023 were described as a celebration of life.
This change coincides with a more modern and open approach towards death, which has historically been somewhat of a taboo subject. As we begin to discuss death in a more practical way, focusing on helping people come to terms with death and dying, it's understandable why more and more people are opting for celebrations of life over traditional funerals.
Celebrations of life are also growing in popularity because they allow for a more personal funeral. A focus can be put on the deceased's favourite pastimes, allowing the family to arrange a send-off during which individual passions can be acknowledged and 'celebrated'.
Is a mix possible?
There is a potential for a mixture of a traditional funeral and a celebration of life, with an increasing number of traditional funerals beginning to incorporate personal touches such as favourite songs or pieces of music.
Historically, music choices at funerals would be largely limited to hymns and, in some circumstances, pieces of classical music. However, these days more songs and modern music are being chosen; including pieces by artists such as Ed Sheeran and Robbie Williams.
In addition, a much wider range of flowers and readings, that would typically not have been included in funerals a few decades ago, are now being included in traditional funeral services.