How would you like your life to be commemorated? A recent survey suggests that, while some traditional funeral elements remain evergreen choices, some contemporary ideas are gaining definite ground among those thinking about their own funerals.
The survey was conducted by British Seniors, who questioned 1,500 people who had all arranged a funeral within the last five years. The answers, shared in their Funeral Report 2025, are food for thought if you’re arranging a funeral for a loved one and are trying to second guess what they would have wanted, or if you are thinking ahead to how you might like friends and family to remember your life.
When it comes to the question of burial or cremation, the majority of respondents (52%) said they would prefer cremation, while only 26% opted for burial. A smaller group (16%) said they didn’t mind or preferred not to say, with a similar number (15%) saying they’d rather have a wake, party or shiva than a funeral.
Interestingly, most respondents opting for either cremation or burial said they would prefer a simple affair. Only 1% of respondents said they would like a lavish cremation or funeral, against 19% and 14% respectively preferring a simple or direct cremation and 18% voting for a simple burial. Standard or traditional services were the second choice in each category, with 18% saying they would like a traditional cremation and 7% choosing a traditional burial.
These figures show that simplicity, cost, and emotional ease are key factors in modern preferences, especially among people planning ahead for their own arrangements.
The survey also highlighted what the features people wanted included in their funerals, with the most popular choices being:
It’s clear that many people want their funeral to be an occasion that reflects their personality – warm, reflective, and filled with meaning. At Welham Jones, we often help families incorporate personal touches like coffins and caskets, favourite songs, meaningful readings, or even a specific dress code to make the day feel more like a celebration of a life well lived.
Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping a loved one prepare, these practical steps can make all the difference in ensuring a funeral reflects personal wishes:
Whether you’d like a traditional, simple of lavish burial or cremation, whether you want Amazing Grace or the theme tune to your favourite TV programme, the best way to make sure your funeral truly reflects your wishes is to plan ahead, speak openly, and document everything clearly.
If you’re looking for support planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one, please contact us. We’re here to help.
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