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Millennials and Funeral Planning — “Is There an App for That?”

Millennials described as the generation most connected to digital were born between 1980 – 2000 during the information technology revolution, which encompassed the internet, texting, email, social media, and online shopping. They use technology far more natively than previous generations and integrate with it in ways most non-Millennials don’t fully comprehend. Millennials tend to think differently than previous generations. They’re typically more flexible and less attached to tradition. They tend to resist doing things a certain way just because that’s the way it has always been. They are also the generation that will struggle financially, more so than Generation X. They are earning less, saving less, and according to a recent survey by Charles Schwab, 62% of Millennials are living paycheck to paycheck. So, what does this all mean for the funeral industry?

Millennials are a thrifty generation that likes to shop around and are savvy enough to know that planning makes sense to avoid making rash, emotional decisions. Combined with the fact social media has removed many of the taboos associated with death, the thinking is that changes in funeral planning will occur over the next several years. Some believe it may even be the “death” of funerals as we know them today.

Some of these predicted changes include:

  • Personalization will be essential. Millennials want to do things their way—cremation and funerals are no different. A DIY approach will likely influence Millennials’ funeral planning. Things like homemade caskets, made of a beloved bookshelf or piece of furniture, to potluck parties themed with favorite foods, to more customized options like photo wreaths and personalized urns.
  • Funeral homes and direct cremation providers will need to incorporate more technology. Millennials want to be able to comparison-shop, which means making pricing and package information available online, possibly offering tools that allow you to pick from a menu of services and even live-streaming services could be of importance.
  • The increase in green burials and eco-friendly options will continue. The Millennial generation is interested in burial options that are only just becoming popular, like water-cremation, which is only legal in 15 states or getting buried without a casket, wrapped in a shroud or a personalized cloth. These kinds of environmentally-conscious options are very appealing to Millennials who were born into a world laden with the fear of a shrinking planet. Millennials want to leave a smaller footprint in both life and death.
  • As Millennials like to give back (even if they can’t afford it), they are likely to plan funerals with that sensibility in mind, picking funeral homes or direct cremation providers that give back to the community. They’ll look for charities to receive donations instead of flowers and will expect choices such as eco-friendly seed packets as funeral favors, and options that include having ashes used to plant a tree or to help replenish a coral reef.
  • Millennials not as bound by tradition will likely trigger growth in concierge-type, end of life event planners offering bespoke burials and cremations.
  • New mobile applications will provide the ability to design unique and meaningful memorial experiences at the click of a button or the ability to set up a will or estate plan from your phone or tablet.

No matter what your generation, preplanning helps ensure that your funeral is whatever you want it to be. Smart Cremation can help design your custom cremation package whether you want your ashes scattered at sea or delivered in an urn to a designated loved one, we’ve got you covered. Call us today: (844) 632-1896 or contact us via email.

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Published On: March 10th, 2020Categories: Articles, Uncategorized