Three modern funeral trends

There’s no one right way to approach a funeral and today’s ceremonies are increasingly stepping away from long-held traditions. Given that each individual leads a unique life, it follows that when a person passes away, he or she is commemorated in an equally unique fashion. Here are three ways forward-thinking families are customizing funerals for the modern age.

1. Not wearing black
Some families ask guests to forego the traditional garb and instead sport bright colors. This practice encourages people to regard the ceremony as first and foremost a celebration of the deceased’s life.

2. Themed funerals
This is another way of putting the accent on celebration and commemoration. A funeral can be themed around a personal passion, a special achievement, a favorite color, a choice book or film—you name it.

3. Green funerals
Environmentally conscious individuals are increasingly opting for eco-friendly funeral practices. Green funerals may include a burial in the forest, using remains to grow a tree and choosing sustainably sourced wood for the coffin.

These are just a few ways to personalize the funeral of your loved one. There’s nothing stopping you from expanding on these ideas or using your own, so long as the wishes of the deceased are taken into account