Brits follow Bowie direct cremation service option

In the past year, the number of David Bowie followers choosing cremation with no service or flowers has doubled. UK-based Funeral

Plan Market, the largest funeral plan comparison site, published data showing almost eight in ten people (79 per cent) are opting for direct cremation, almost double the number from 2020.

Direct cremations are unattended events where the deceased is cremated without a service, the remains returned to a family member or scattered in crematorium gardens.

Direct cremations came to public attention in January 2016 when Bowie was privately cremated with no friends or family present.

This month would have marked the rock star’s 75th birthday after life time influencing modern music.

Since then this trend has gone mainstream, people deciding to spend more money on their family while alive than have an elaborate funeral.

Last year traditional funerals with a cortège fell out of favour during lockdown as government restrictions necessitated smaller funerals.

A cost of living crisis and a seize the day mentality created by the pandemic also contributed to a retreat from lavish send-offs.

Direct cremations start at around £999, around half the price of a horse drawn carriage affair.

Funeral Plan Market founder Sally Howarth said: “The number of people opting for a direct cremation when they took out a funeral plan in 2021 has doubled compared to the previous year.

“Our view is that the dramatic increase has been caused by the pandemic making people want to spend their money on living rather than dying”.

Continued Sally: “Yes, a percentage of our customers will be feeling the cost of living squeeze. However, the pandemic has been a wake-up call about the importance of enjoying life while it lasts.”

“The reduced premiums that come with direct cremations mean people have more to spend on things that they can enjoy today.

“It may be the COVID pandemic, over time, has fundamentally changed our views on the need for a traditional funeral, which is seen as a dour event rather than a celebration of a person’s life,” added the Funeral Plan Market chief.