The Future of Funerals: The Top Trends Shaping the Industry in 2025
The way we say goodbye is changing. Funerals, once bound by rigid traditions, are becoming more personalised, eco-friendly and technologically advanced. As we move into 2025, the funeral industry is undergoing a profound transformation, reflecting the evolving values and preferences of modern society.
Here are the key trends shaping the future of funerals:
Personalised & Themed Funerals
A funeral is no longer just a formal goodbye—it’s a celebration of life. Families are moving away from one-size-fits-all services and embracing bespoke ceremonies that reflect the personality and passions of the deceased.
From Star Wars-themed funerals to services held at favorite holiday destinations, people want a send-off that tells their unique story. Music, video tributes and customised coffins are making funerals more meaningful.
Personalised coffins are becoming a significant part of this trend, replacing traditional wooden caskets with bespoke designs that showcase the deceased’s personality, interests and legacy. These can range from bright, artistic designs to coffins shaped like guitars, race cars, or even book covers, providing a truly unique and personal farewell.
The Green Funeral Movement
With climate change concerns at an all-time high, sustainability is now a major factor in funeral planning. Traditional burials and cremations leave a significant carbon footprint, and people are seeking eco-friendly alternatives. Biodegradable coffins, natural burials, and even human composting are gaining traction.
A 2024 survey by The Natural Burial Company revealed that 73% of respondents preferred to use the services of a funeral company that adhered to strong environmental standards.
A growing number of families are opting for eco-friendly cardboard coffins—often referred to as the "I just want a box" option—which not only reduce environmental impact but also offer a simple, cost-effective solution. The market for green burials is expanding rapidly, reflecting a shift toward more responsible and sustainable funeral practices.
Celebrations of Life
More people are choosing vibrant celebrations that honor a life well lived rather than focus on loss. This trend is particularly strong in the UK, where alternative funeral services—complete with storytelling, multimedia presentations, and joyful gatherings—are becoming the norm.
Co-op Funeralcare’s recent research highlights this shift, with an increasing number of people favoring joyful remembrance over traditional ceremonies. Venues such as gardens, beaches, and even pubs are being used to host personalised farewells that reflect the true essence of a person’s life.
Recent data underscores a significant shift in the UK towards personalised "celebrations of life" instead of traditional funerals. A 2024 report by Co-op Funeralcare reveals that 68% of people now believe funerals should be more of a celebration than a time of reflection, up from 58% in 2019 (The Guardian, 2024).
The Rise of 'Death Tech' in Modern Funerals
Technology is transforming the way we commemorate and grieve, with virtual memorials, AI-powered legacy recordings, and live-streamed services becoming mainstream. Families can now join services remotely, no matter where they are in the world.
The global funeral services market, valued at $72.14 billion in 2023, is expected to grow to $113.27 billion by 2030, with 'death tech' driving much of this expansion. Digital estate planning and online grief support services are also on the rise, offering a more accessible and streamlined way to handle end-of-life matters.
A New Era of Farewells
As the funeral industry evolves, it is becoming more aligned with the values of modern society—personalisation, sustainability and technology. The days of standard funerals are fading, making room for meaningful, responsible and heartfelt goodbyes.
For businesses in the industry, these trends represent a major opportunity to innovate and meet the needs of the next generation of funeral planners. And for families, they provide more options than ever before to honour their loved ones in a way that truly reflects their life and legacy.