Glitter coffins in demand
FUNERAL DIRECTOR SAYS MORE PEOPLE ARE REQUESTING COLOURFUL SEND-OFFS FOR LOST LOVED-ONES
A FUNERAL director says more and more people are turning away from traditional funerals to send-offs that are a little more “unique” as a way to celebrate a loved-one’s life.
Manny Badyal, 36, who lives in Aspley, joined Co-op Funeralcare six years ago and now works as a director at its Lenton funeral home, where his grandfather’s funeral was held.
Mr Badyal, who is Sikh, says he has been carrying out more Sikh funerals than ever, and explained many more people are choosing to opt for a more “bespoke” funeral over traditional religious ones.
A popular trend is for glitter coffins, which Co-op launched upon popular demand.
Mr Badyal said: “Every funeral is creative and unique in its own way.
“We always work with the family to create a bespoke and special send-off, adding elements to reflect the personality and character of those they love so dearly.
“We’ve arranged all kinds of wonderful funerals, including superheroes and Disney princesses, to part of the funeral taking place next to the 18th hole on a golf course.
Mr Badyal says his colleagues at the funeral home in Triumph Road are now like his “second family”, with no two days being the same in his job. It is something that has helped him along in the past year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with funeral homes being forced to adapt to a new way of hosting a send off for someone’s loved-one.
Despite the challenges and difficulties he believes they have managed to help families create “meaningful and unique tributes for their loved ones.”
He added: “It has been a tragic time of loss and sadness for so many families.
“Covid-19 and the restrictions have had a significant impact on families and funeral professionals over the last 15 months.
“It has been a challenging time, as you naturally want to offer bereaved families exactly what they want for a funeral.
“The use of technology is growing in popularity. Webcasting has allowed a lot more people to be involved in services and this is something that we are speaking to families about during the planning stages. It really helps people feel part of their loved one’s funeral if they can’t physically be there.”
In his years as a funeral director Mr Badyal says he has noticed the landscape of funerals slowly changing. He said: “Families are becoming even more creative and requesting personal touches in order to create a truly bespoke celebration of life.
“We’ve seen a trend over the past few years of people moving away from traditional black hearses and black attire.
“Many of the funerals we’re seeing now are colourful, celebration of life events, and although they are still terribly sad, the focus for many families is celebrating their loved one’s achievements and accomplishments as they say their final goodbyes.”