Last updated: April 9, 2026
It wasn't so long ago that most funerals in the UK followed a very familiar pattern. A service in a place of worship, traditional music and a burial or cremation afterwards. While there were small variations, the format was often set by tradition rather than personal choice.
Today, things are very different. As our society has changed, so have our final farewells. Modern trends like live-streaming services mean that more people can be included, no matter where they are in the world. There is also a much wider variety of choice, giving you the opportunity to plan a send-off that truly reflects a person's life and passions. From the dress code to the music and venue, a funeral can be as unique as the person it's for. If you're planning ahead and thinking about what kind of funeral you might like, here are five of the main types to help you decide.
1. Traditional, faith-based funerals
Rooted in centuries of tradition, a faith-based service remains a common and reassuring choice for many families. Acknowledging their faith is the key thing many people expect from their funeral, and these services provide families with the comfort and familiarity of well-loved hymns and prayers at a difficult time. No matter to which faith a person belongs, the structure of a religious service is a reassuring touchstone for many people.
A person's faith can come with specific funeral requirements and specific costs. Knowing how much a funeral costs can help when planning, as traditional funeral prices vary depending on your choices. On average, a simple attended burial costs £4,758, while a simple attended cremation costs £3,518*.
2. Humanist and non-religious funerals
The number of people who say they have no religious conviction is growing. The 2021 Census for England and Wales found that 37.2% of people now report having 'No religion'.
This has led to a rise in non-religious funerals, which focus on the life, personality and legacy of the person who has died. Without the structure of a religious service, the format is very flexible.
These personal services are often led by a humanist or independent celebrant. They work closely with the family to create a unique tribute, telling the story of the person's life and personality. Your funeral director can help put you in touch with a celebrant, or you can contact organisations like Humanist UK.
3. Celebration of life
Increasingly, people are choosing to make a funeral a 'celebration of life' rather than a sombre occasion. This reflects a desire to focus on positive memories and the unique character of the person who has died.
This trend is growing. Recent research shows that 58% of those who organised a funeral described it as a celebration of life*. These services often feature colourful clothing, personal music choices and shared stories that celebrate a life well lived. These features of celebrations of life aren’t limited just to religious or non-religious funerals, they can feature in both. Blending the two together is just one way a person can personalise their send off. For example, you could have a religious leader hold the service, but ask them to use some of the time to allow people to share stories of the deceased’s life. The choice is yours.
A celebration of life can be flexible in other ways. They can be held anywhere, from a crematorium to a favourite local venue, and can be a way to put more focus on happy memories to help balance the sadness of loss.
4. Direct cremation
Once a niche option, direct cremation has become a mainstream choice. It now accounts for around 21% of all UK funerals*.
A direct cremation is a simple, unattended cremation that takes place without a formal service, and the ashes are returned to the family afterwards. Its popularity is partly due to its significantly lower cost.
But it's also chosen by people who simply don't want any fuss, like the pop legend David Bowie. For others, it offers the freedom to separate the cremation from the memorial, allowing them to arrange a separate celebration of life at a time and place that suits them.
5. Natural and woodland burials
For those passionate about the environment, a natural or woodland burial offers an eco-conscious alternative to a traditional funeral. The number of dedicated sites has grown to over 300 across the UK, offering peaceful settings for a final resting place.
These more eco-friendly burials use biodegradable coffins or shrouds to ensure minimal environmental impact. The aim is for the burial plot to have no visible impact on the natural landscape.
Costs for a grave typically range from £1,000 to £1,500, plus other fees for gravedigging. The Natural Death Centre charity has a list of sites across the UK.
Planning the right funeral for you
Thinking ahead gives you the space to decide exactly what you want for your final farewell. And with a funeral plan, you can set out all of those choices in advance while also taking control of the financial side. It’s a simple, thoughtful way to spare your loved ones emotional and financial pressure in the future, while ensuring your wishes are written down.
If you’d like to understand more about what a funeral plan includes and how it can support both you and your family, you can explore our funeral plans on our website.
When you're ready, we’re here to help you take the next step.
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