In the first research of its kind to identify attitudes and expectations about funerals, its become evident that Australians are ditching solemn and serious funerals in favour of relaxed and reflective occasions.
“While many people see funerals as somber occasions almost 90% want their own to be relaxed and reflective, celebratory or fun and irreverent – just 1% wanted a somber occasion,” AFDA President, Darren Eddy said.
With music being a major part of most funerals, the research shows the most popular sentimental songs like What a Wonderful World and Somewhere over the Rainbow are on high rotation. Monty Python’s Always Look on the Bright Side of Life and football club theme songs are also popular, as are Abba and ACDC. Amazing Grace tops the charts as the number one religious song at funerals.
Top Funeral Song Categories
- Sentimental – Time to say goodbye
- Religious – Amazing Grace
- Defiant – Highway to Hell – ACDC
- Quirky – Most people I know – Billy Thorpe
- Celebratory – Happy – Pharrell Williams
There was also debate about whether funerals were for the deceased or those left behind.
Nearly 40 per cent of respondents believe funerals are for fare welling a life and reflecting on individual journeys, while 26 per cent believe funerals are for mourning and receiving support and comfort. Twenty per cent think funerals are a reminder of mortality and a time to reflect on things eternal, 59% want their funeral to be relaxed and reflective; 14% want jubilance and fun; 13% want fun and irreverence.
The national study involved more than 500 people aged over 50 and was commissioned by the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA).
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