15 weird and wonderful funeral requests
Last updated 31st May 2019
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 of the weird and wonderful funeral requests made by those who don’t want a traditional gloomy affair.
The brighter, the better
One of the most common requests from people who talk about their funeral plans is ‘no black’. While some will just ask for people to wear their favourite colour or their favourite sports team’s kit, many have more ‘out there’ requests, such as Hawaiian shirts or even cowboys and Indians dress code. While one Glastonbury fan requested everyone who attended their funeral wore wellies commemorating their love of the festival. Probably not a bad idea considering the British weather.
Arrive in style and go off with a bang
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, wacky or just downright weird, 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
You may even feel inspired.
- Arrive in an American rig lorry
- Have ashes in a firework (to go off with a bang)
- Star Wars theme with a Darth Vader funeral director
- Lead the congregation with the conga
- Attendees to wear wellies
- Be buried at home
- Pets at the funeral
- Being buried with a whistle (in case of waking up)
- Milk float as transport
- Plants and vegetables instead of flowers
- Cowboys and Indians dress code
- Motorbike procession
- Be buried with letters from the family
- Beach wear attire
- Have ashes made into jewellery
Make it personal
Most of us don’t like talking about death, and it is a conversation we’ll put off, often until it’s too late. But, if you want a funeral personal to you, make your wishes known with our My Perfect Send-Off planner or use our funeral planning guide to help you start thinking about your funeral arrangements.