Joining in with your send-off while you are still alive is a growing trend, especially among young adults, according to a survey by funeral comparison website Funeral Choice.

It found that more than a quarter of UK adults (29%) are interested in having a living funeral or living wake, with more than half of 18-24-year-olds (53%) indicating their keenness for one.

Alix Baldwin, director of Funeral Choice, comments, “Historically, living funerals would be more commonly held for people who are terminally ill as a way to be present and say their goodbyes in their own way.

“What’s interesting is that our study has found that more UK adults are interested in being there for their own funeral, regardless of their age or health status.

“The funeral industry is ever changing as attitudes and preferences evolve within the UK. As a result, living funerals are starting to become more of an option.”

The study also found there are more than 18,000 Google searches made in the UK on the direct topic of ‘living funeral’ each month. And according to its search data analysis, this trend has increased by 30% over the past 12 months.

Exposure to living funerals depicted on screen such as in the Netflix rom-com Love At First Sight could be a contributing factor, Alix adds.

When it comes to preparing for a living funeral or wake, celebrant Jessica May, who specialises in these kind of events, advises people to, “Remember that most importantly it should reflect you and help you and your loved ones to process and heal in community.

“If you ‘don’t want a fuss’, then the chances are that you are not one for the limelight [and] an informal, gathering style would be best,” she told Funeral Choice.

“Try thinking about your favourite things – a meal at home with family, friends and pets? An afternoon tea, a picnic on the beach?

“Think about involving everyone in telling your story, in the music and the food, so that you don’t feel that it is ‘all about you’.

“If, however, you are a big party animal and you want glitter balls, sequins and a ‘ta da’ moment … damn well have one!”