In 2025, we are – arguably – the most fluid we have ever been as a society; with hybrid working, self-employment, and digital nomads all seemingly inescapable buzzwords, it feels as though no-one is stuck to any single place. The world really is our oyster, but it is one that can easily become a bit slippery when faced with the task of planning a funeral. Here are our top tips on how to involve friends and family in your loved one’s funeral – no matter where they are.
Today, families are more widely spread than ever before. As of 2023, Britons are travelling further and more frequently, while UN Tourism reports that international travel rose by 5% in the first half of 2025. At the same time, the number of self-employed people in the UK has steadily increased since its post-pandemic low, and 16% of residents in the UK were born abroad, while 5.5 million Britons – that’s around a tenth of Britain’s population – have themselves emigrated abroad.
All of this means that families are more dispersed than ever before, and that distance can make it hard to gather when someone passes away. The average funeral used to take place around two weeks after a death; even though it is now more like four to six weeks in London and the South East, this still often isn’t enough time for relatives living overseas to arrange travel or time off work.
There are also many personal reasons why someone might not be able to attend a funeral in person, including:
It’s important to remember that not being able to attend doesn’t mean you care any less. And with modern technology, there are many meaningful ways to still be involved.
One beautiful thing about humans is that we’re resilient. We’re problem-solvers. So, when the COVID-19 pandemic sought to keep us from mourning together, we found our way around it. And the digital infrastructure left in the wake of the pandemic now serves as useful tools to help families stay connected even across continents. Here are some thoughtful ways to ensure everyone feels included:
Ask your funeral director if overseas relatives can join the arrangement meeting by video so they can help shape the commemoration.
Many modern chapels and crematoria now offer live streaming so family and friends can watch the service in real time. At Welham Jones, our experienced funeral directors can help you explore suitable venues with streaming facilities across West Kent and South East London.
If streaming isn’t available, a laptop, webcam, and secure video platform such as Zoom or Facebook Live can be used instead.
Ask those living far away to send in photographs or written memories of your loved one. These can be displayed on a memorial table, included in the order of service, or read aloud during the ceremony. This personal touch helps everyone feel connected.
Your funeral director can often provide a digital version of the order of service, which can be emailed or shared privately online so that those at home can follow along in real time.
A slideshow or short video tribute featuring photos and favourite songs can bring distant family members closer to the celebration. It can even be shared online afterwards for anyone who couldn’t watch live.
Encourage those watching remotely to light a candle, raise a toast, or play a piece of music that reminds them of the deceased at the same time as the funeral. These gestures can bring unity and comfort, wherever people are in the world.
When arranging a funeral that includes long-distance family members, there are a few practical points to keep in mind:
As our world becomes ever more connected — and yet, physically more spread out — long-distance funerals are likely to become increasingly common. Independent funeral directors like Welham Jones are already helping families navigate these modern realities by blending traditional values with accessible technology. From video tributes to virtual memorial pages, the aim remains the same: to bring people together in remembrance, no matter where they are.
However far apart we may live, love, loyalty, and memories know no boundaries — and with the right support, every family member can feel part of the farewell.
When registering a death, you may be asked who your funeral director is by the registrar. This is a question that often leaves many grieving families a bit stumped, particularly if the death has come as a shock. So, what should you reply? And what does your answer change about the funeral planning process?
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for two titles in the Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine Awards 2025. We’re finalists in both the Employer of the Year and Sustainability & Community categories, with the winners due to be announced in December.
At Welham Jones Funeral Directors, supporting our local communities in West Kent and Southeast London is at the heart of everything we do. This Christmas, we’re once again spreading festive cheer through our annual chocolate appeal: collecting sweet treats for local children who might otherwise go without. If you’d like to get involved, here’s how you can support our branches across West Kent and Southeast London.
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