- Brits are turning their backs on expensive traditional funerals, with 85% saying they want a simple ‘no fuss’ send-off instead of lavish ceremonies, hearses and packed chapels.
- According to the research, conducted by Simplicity Cremations, Norwich has been named the cremation capital of the UK, with 52% of locals choosing cremations, ahead of Brighton (46%) and Leeds (45%).
- Cost-of-living pressures are driving the trend, with 85% wanting to keep funeral costs low and 68% saying they would rather save the money now or leave more behind for loved ones.
Brits are ditching lavish send-offs and expensive funerals in favour of bargain ‘no fuss’ farewells as new research reveals that Norwich has been crowned the cremation capital of the UK.
According to the research, conducted by Simplicity Cremations, the nation is turning its back on traditional funerals, with families increasingly choosing direct cremations without mourners, celebrants, costly services and packed chapels.
The new data reveals a whopping 85% of Brits say they do not want a big fuss made when they die and would rather have a simple send-off.
The findings suggest Britain is undergoing a funeral revolution, with more people rejecting ceremony, religion and sky-high costs in favour of practicality.
Older Brits are leading the charge, with one in four (25%) over-60s saying they would now choose a direct cremation, while a massive 86% say they want a straightforward no fuss funeral.
Faith is also fading from funeral plans, with more than half of Brits (54%) saying they do not want a religious service when they die, while 17% are still undecided.
During the current cost-of-living crisis, money also becomes a major factor when considering funeral plans, the Simplicity Cremations study found that 85% want to keep funeral costs low, while more than a thirds (36%) say they would rather save cash on funeral bills so they can leave more behind for loved ones.
Zack Sullivan, Managing Director of Simplicity Cremations, said: “People’s attitudes towards funerals are changing rapidly. More families are moving away from the idea that a funeral has to be formal, expensive or complicated. Increasingly, people want something simple, dignified and affordable.
“A direct cremation allows families to say goodbye in their own way, whether that’s through a separate memorial, a gathering at home, or a celebration somewhere meaningful. It puts choice back in people’s hands.”
When it comes to Britain’s biggest fans of no-fuss funerals, Norwich tops the list, with 52% saying they would choose cremation over other funeral options.
Brighton came second on 46%, followed by Leeds on 45%. Meanwhile Belfast was the least keen on cremations, with just 20% opting for one.
David Jarmy of St Faiths Crematorium in Norwich said: “The families we speak to want something that feels right for them, not something that follows a rulebook. What matters most to families today is meaning, not convention. That shift has happened gradually, but it’s very real.”
MOST POPULAR CITIES FOR CREMATIONS
- Norwich – 52%
- Brighton – 46%
- Leeds – 45%
- Cardiff – 44%
- Newcastle upon Tyne – 44%
- Nottingham – 41%
- Bristol – 39%
- Glasgow – 39%
- Birmingham – 37%
- Liverpool – 37%
- Manchester – 37%
- Plymouth – 37%
- London – 35%
- Southampton – 35%
- Edinburgh – 33%
- Sheffield – 33%
- Belfast – 20%
With more Brits rejecting pomp and ceremony in favour of practical planning, direct cremations look set to continue rising as the funeral choice of the future.
Simplicity Cremations offers an affordable, respectful cremation service. As part of the Dignity Group, Simplicty Cremations have access to one of the UK’s largest networks of crematoriums, so they’re able to oversee every part of the process, ensuring exceptional care close to home.*
