Funerals that go beyond tradition are becoming more common, offering send-offs that showcase individuality, whether through themed ceremonies or light-hearted celebrations of life.

Funeral Guide, the UK’s largest funeral comparison site, has revealed some of the most unusual funeral requests. The list, compiled from in-house research and SunLife’s latest report, highlights changing funeral trends based on insights from 100 funeral directors and 1,500 Britons who planned funerals last year. One family chose to celebrate their loved one’s appreciation for simple pleasures by incorporating pork pies into the floral arrangements—a personal and meaningful tribute. A Star Wars-themed service ranks high on the list. Darth Vader and stormtroopers led the procession, and mourners were asked to dress as characters from the space opera media franchise. For a lively farewell, one service saw mourners lead a conga line to celebrate the deceased’s life, while attendees of another funeral dressed as clowns to add personal humour to the ceremony.

Managing Director of Funeral Guide, Ed Gallois, said: “Recently, there’s been a noticeable change in how people view their final farewell. More and more, individuals are choosing to infuse their personalities and passions into their funerals, turning the event into a true reflection of who they were in life. Whether it’s a themed service or quirky requests like dressing as a favourite character or adding unique touches to floral arrangements, it’s clear people want their goodbyes to be as memorable and personal as the lives they lived.”

Some of the most unusual funeral requests:

1. Pork pies incorporated into floral arrangements

2. Coffin strapped to the roof of a Mini Cooper for the procession

3. A Star Wars-themed service led by Darth Vader and stormtroopers

4. A 90-year-old naturist requested a nude funeral, with mourners also attending unclothed

5. A conga line leading the congregation in celebration of life

6. Deceased dressed as Father Christmas, complete with a beard

7. Procession arriving in an American rig lorry

8. Fruit Pastilles-themed floral tributes, with sweets distributed to guests

9. Funeral director dressed as Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings

10. All attendees dressed as clowns for the service