Boomers Put the
Those tradition-bending baby boomers are at it again. Even the funeral industry hasn?t escaped the ?me? generation?s characteristic flair for individuality, and it?s adding a whole new dimension to the traditional perception of the funeral. From planning ahead and making them more meaningful to having a funeral party, the face of modern funeral culture is changing fast.
Getting Personal
Today?s funeral directors are ushering in a new style of funeral service marked by the personalization of everything from caskets and urns to committal ceremonies and memorials. Items like golf clubs, motorcycles, sports team paraphernalia and favorite clothing are making their way into funeral homes everywhere. ?This is one way for people to really show their individuality and express themselves,? says Robert McGill, a funeral planner in Toronto, Canada.
Not only are personal touches making an appearance, but more and more clients are ordering memorial items like thumbprint jewelry and diamonds formed from their ashes. ?It?s just another unique way to be remembered,? adds McGill. ?To bring everything into the open and embrace the individuality and importance of a loved one is a healthy way to process their passing.?
Pre-Planning
Many boomers are discovering the emotional and financial benefits of planning their funerals in advance, too. ?This goes beyond convenience,? emphasizes McGill. ?Pre-planning just makes sense, and it protects your loved ones from a lot of unpleasantness.? By pre-planning a funeral for themselves, many find comfort in knowing that the service they?re planning now will reflect their wants and needs after they?re gone.
Making Fun of Death
Prompted perhaps by their characteristic penchant for self-indulgence and their notoriously taboo-breaking behavior, many boomers are poking fun at death - and at themselves. Planning fun, celebratory funeral parties rather than the conventionally dour funeral services of old means boomers are having the last laugh. ?Nothing is too over-the-top,? McGill notes. ?I?ve heard of requests for marching bands, ice cream trucks, symphony orchestras, fireworks, beachfront barbeques and disco parties.?
The 40 to 60 set has always liked doing things their way, and even in death this generation of aging hipsters is shaking things up. Gone are the days of the somber, serious funeral services, the black-clad mourners and the conventional eulogy and burial.
Faced with the rising tide of the boom generation?s wish for personalized funerals, deathcare industry professionals have modified their services to meet their clients? needs. As such, McGill?s role has changed significantly in the last few years. ?Between booking bands and arranging for mountainside ceremonies, I would say my job is one-quarter funeral director and three-quarters event planner,? he laughs.
Christie MacLachlan is a compassionate authority on funeral planning and grief recovery. She is often found enjoying life to fullest. In her spare time she writes for FuneralPlanning101.com ? An informational source about funeral costs, burial interment, memorials and more.
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