A trendy funeral? Why not? From the last breath to the last party, final farewells have taken on new life with more personal, intimate and celebratory experiences. In fact, a recent study from Christian think-tank, Theos, found that 47% of people are choosing to not have a service at all, and those who do are opting for gatherings that are more outside the box which, in many cases, means no box at all.
One of the trends booming in popularity is the use of a death doula. Just like a midwife helps with birth, a death doula assists families through the dying process, providing emotional and logistical support. According to the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance, there has been a 50% increase in certified death doulas in the past two years. Having a knowledgeable, experienced person to guide families through the process provides comfort and peace of mind.
Once a loved one has passed, families have traditionally chosen between burial and cremation, but now options have expanded to include aquamation and human composting.
Aquamation uses water and alkali to break down the body, resulting in a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional cremation. According to the Cremation Association of North America, aquamation uses 90% less energy than traditional flame-based cremation and reduces carbon emissions by about 75%.
With human composting, special steps are taken to convert the body to soil. After about 45 days, the nutrient-rich soil is then reintroduced into the environment. Recompose, a leader in human composting, reports their process saves over a metric ton of CO2 per person compared to conventional burial or cremation. With younger generations more mindful of their carbon footprint and impact on the planet, we expect these options to continue to surge in popularity.
If you’ve ever gone to a funeral and wished you had honored the person before they died, you’re not alone, which is why living funerals are becoming increasingly popular. According to The New York Times, living funerals are becoming increasingly popular, with a 30% rise in inquiries over the past five years. These events aren’t the somber, reflective gatherings we’re used to, but instead are true celebrations ranging from small, intimate events to larger gatherings, some even including a DJ or a band.
If families do choose a traditional funeral, they’re making it as unique as the person it honors. Themed funerals are a thing, from movies to animals, sports to books, we’re seeing a noticeable increase in hosting themed funerals where guests are asked to dress a certain way or bring items honoring the theme.
At the end of the day, and at the end of life, death and what comes with it are becoming opportunities for enhanced experiences, less sadness and a chance to pay homage in a unique way. Personalized and compassionate services ensure that every farewell is a meaningful tribute to your loved ones.
Elisa Krcilek is vice president of Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery in Mesa. She has over 30 years experience in the funeral industry and is passionate about educating people on the importance of planning ahead to make funeral arrangements easier on their loved ones.
