Great insights, Kyle! Thanks so much for sharing.

“Funeral homes do not have to be the dreaded first stop that families are forced to “get through” before they start out on the real road of celebration.”

That is one of the main reasons I started my fledgling business, I Want a Fun Funeral — because I couldn’t find any funeral homes that were different, unique, modern, and more focused on celebrating than mourning. What was expected and satisfying for our grandparents is no longer appealing. That old model needs more than a minor facelift, it needs a rebellion!

“Instead, they should be the place where the celebration kicks off.” I wholeheartedly support this vision! Funeral professionals have so much to offer, and even though I am a fan of the DIY and home funeral movement, I understand that it’s likely to appeal to a minority of people.

If our current longing for greater meaning, more personalized and unique sendoffs—and may I add, less expense in the way of “merchandise,” can be accomplished through a funeral home, then it’s a win-win. There will always be sadness and tears when someone dies, but the funeral should bring smiles of gratitude and joy…it should be supremely meaningful and memorable. Relying on the same old template, and just inserting a new name in the proceedings, is empty. The more the family can participate, be engaged, and have their unique values expressed, the more healing the experience is.

Being passive observers of professionals carrying out a ritual isn’t fulfilling for people anymore. This post is right on the money… make it the new normal for every funeral to have its own distinct character.

I’m so looking forward to seeing new and improved ways of saying goodbye!