15 weird and wonderful funeral requests

Last updated 23^rd January 2025
2 min read

When it comes to attending a funeral, we usually know what to expect – or at least we thought we did. But our latest cost of dying research has uncovered some unusual send-off requests.

Bright colours are replacing black clothes

One of the most common requests from people who talk about their funeral plans is 'no black'.

Some people ask for their loved ones to wear their favourite sports team's kit. But many have more 'out there' requests, such as Hawaiian shirts.

A Glastonbury fan asked everyone who went to their funeral to wear wellies, to commemorate their love of the festival. Probably not a bad idea considering the British weather.

Unusual intro and outro ideas

Unconventional transport is also a popular request. Why have a hearse when you can arrive in an American rig lorry or an old-fashioned milk float?

Another growing trend is to do something 'different' with the person's ashes. Often people's ashes are made into jewellery, or sometimes they're put into a firework to 'go off with a bang!' Either way, they'll be remembered.

Whether the request is warm-hearted, wonderful or wacky, personalisation is a great way to turn a funeral into a celebration of life.

Here's our top 15 out-of-the-ordinary funeral requests

1. Have everyone do the Time Warp at the Crematorium.
2. Wild West themed funeral, with the celebrant dressed as a cowgirl.
3. Fruit Pastilles floral tribute, and Fruit Pastilles for everyone at the service.
4. Have the coffin strapped to the roof of a mini.
5. Pork pies in the flowers.
6. Colourful Pagan funeral for a Druid high priestess.
7. Handwritten messages from loved ones on the coffin.
8. Bowling team came dressed in their bowling attire.
9. Wear tweed and bring gun dogs.
10. Take the deceased on a tour of London.
11. Have everyone dress up as clowns for the service.
12. Arrive in an American rig lorry.
13. Have ashes in a firework (to go off with a bang).
14. Lead the congregation with the conga.
15. Attendees to wear wellies.

Make it personal

Most of us don't like talking about death. It's a conversation we'll put off, often until it's too late. But, if you want a funeral personal to you, you can make your wishes known with our My Perfect Send-Off planner. Or why not use our funeral planning guide to help you start thinking about your own funeral.