Attitudes towards funerals in the UK are changing. Not so long ago, most people would have chosen a traditional religious ceremony with a fixed order of service, black clothing, and familiar hymns. Today, more families are exploring alternative funerals that feel personal and unique. These occasions still honour a life and provide comfort, but they do so in ways that reflect the personality, values, or wishes of the person who has died.
Alternative funerals are no longer unusual or rare. They are now part of a growing movement towards choice, individuality, and authenticity in the way we say goodbye. From woodland burials to themed celebrations, families are discovering that a farewell can be as traditional or as unconventional as they wish.
What is an alternative funeral?
An alternative funeral is any service or farewell that differs from the conventional religious ceremony many of us are familiar with. It does not have to be unusual or extravagant. In fact, sometimes the smallest change can make a funeral feel more personal.
It might mean mourners are invited to wear bright colours instead of black. The ceremony might be led by a family member or celebrant rather than a minister. There may be no strict order of service, or music might be chosen from the person’s favourite films, rather than from a hymn book.
What defines an alternative funeral is that it allows people to do things their own way. Families can choose the elements that matter most, leave out traditions that do not feel relevant, and create a farewell that truly reflects the life that has been lived.
Personal touches that shape an alternative funeral
One of the defining features of an alternative funeral is the freedom to personalise every aspect. This can include:
Transport: Instead of a traditional hearse, families might choose a campervan, a tandem bicycle, a vintage car, or even a horse-drawn carriage.
Clothing: Guests may be asked to wear colourful clothes, fancy dress, or the shirts of a beloved football club instead of dark suits and dresses.
Music: The soundtrack might include pop songs, film themes, or live performances of favourites, rather than traditional hymns.
Coffins: Families often select eco-friendly options such as wicker, bamboo, or cardboard. Some coffins are decorated with personalised designs or photographs.
Each of these choices helps create a ceremony that feels unique and meaningful.
Types of alternative funerals in the UK
There are many different forms an alternative funeral can take. Here are some of the most common, along with what makes each one distinctive.
DIY funerals
A DIY funeral is organised by the family without the support of a funeral director. It can be less formal and often less costly. Many families find comfort in being directly involved, seeing it as one final act of care. It is important to research the legal requirements, but with planning and support, a DIY funeral can be a deeply personal experience.
Direct cremation
Direct cremation is a simple cremation without a service at the crematorium. No mourners are present. After the cremation, the ashes are returned to the family. This allows people to arrange their own farewell, whether that is a quiet scattering in a favourite place or a joyful celebration at a later date. Families often value the flexibility and affordability that direct cremation provides.
Body donation
Donating a body to medical science is less common but is a generous act that supports the training of healthcare professionals and contributes to vital research. Medical schools treat donations with great respect, ensuring that the wishes of the donor and their family are honoured.
Celebration of life
A celebration of life focuses on joy and remembrance rather than sorrow. Guests may share stories, play uplifting music, and dress in bright colours. The atmosphere is more about honouring what the person brought to the world than mourning their loss. These gatherings can take place with or without the body present and can be held in almost any location.
Humanist funerals
A humanist funeral is non-religious and is often led by a humanist celebrant. The structure may resemble a traditional service but without religious content. Instead, there may be readings, music, and reflections chosen by the family. Humanist funerals can take place in crematoria, community halls, gardens, or outdoor spaces.
Woodland burials
Also known as green burials, woodland burials are chosen by people who want an environmentally friendly option. The body is placed in a biodegradable coffin and buried in a natural setting. Instead of a headstone, the whole woodland serves as a memorial, often with trees or wildflowers planted nearby. There are many approved woodland burial sites across the UK, offering peaceful and natural resting places.
Burial at home
A home burial is possible if the family owns the property freehold and follows government guidelines. The burial must also be recorded on the property deeds, which can affect future sales. While this option is rare, it allows for a deeply personal connection to a resting place.
Green funerals
Green funerals go further than woodland burials in their eco-conscious approach. The body is buried without chemicals, and the coffin must be made from biodegradable materials. Services are often held outdoors, allowing mourners to connect with the natural cycle of life.
Burials at sea
Sea burials are rare but available to those with a strong connection to the ocean. A licence is required, and there are designated locations in UK water, including sites near the Isle of Wight, North Tyneside, and the Sussex coast. The person must not be embalmed, and the coffin and clothing must be biodegradable. For those who love the sea, this can be a powerful farewell.
Themed funerals
A themed funeral reflects the passions or achievements of the person who has died. Themes might centre around a favourite colour, a beloved place, a career, or a personal hobby. These funerals are highly individual and can create lasting memories for those who attend.
Football funerals
For dedicated fans, football funerals are a way to combine a lifelong passion with a final farewell. Clubs sometimes allow their facilities to be used for wakes and memorials. Matches played in honour of the person’s memory are another way to celebrate their life.
Planning an alternative funeral
When arranging an alternative funeral, the first step is deciding between burial and cremation. Both options have advantages and considerations, including cost, environmental impact, and personal or religious beliefs.
Once this is decided, you can explore whether to arrange a family-led funeral or work with a professional service. Many families choose a combination, such as a simple direct cremation followed by a memorial or celebration of life. This approach provides flexibility and allows more time to plan a truly personal occasion.
It is becoming increasingly common to separate the cremation or burial from the memorial service. This means families can hold a private farewell first and then arrange a larger event later, in a location that holds meaning for them. Doing so can also ease the pressure of planning during a time of grief.
Alternative memorial services
An alternative memorial service can take many forms. Some people host a gathering in a favourite pub, others organise a picnic in a much-loved park, and some hold a formal ceremony with readings and music. The key is that it reflects the life and character of the person who has died.
Unlike a funeral, a memorial does not require the body to be present. This opens up countless possibilities and gives families more time to think carefully about how they want to say goodbye. It also allows mourners who could not attend the funeral to gather and share memories.
Why alternative funerals are becoming more popular
There are many reasons why people choose alternative funerals. Some want to move away from tradition and create something that feels more authentic. Others are motivated by environmental concerns, financial considerations, or a desire to focus on celebration rather than sorrow.
For many families, the appeal lies in freedom of choice. An alternative funeral can be as formal or as relaxed as you like. It can follow a familiar structure or break away completely. What matters most is that it feels right for those who are grieving and honours the life of the person who has died.
Alternative funerals in the UK are no longer on the margins. They are an accepted and valued part of how people choose to say goodbye. From eco-friendly burials to themed celebrations, these occasions allow families to honour a life in ways that feel meaningful and personal.
At Pure Cremation, we love the idea of a farewell reflecting the individuality of the person it honours. That’s why we’ve created A Fine Farewell. It’s our free, simple send-off planner that gently guides you through creating a personal, heartfelt goodbye – at your own pace.
