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Hi, I’m Sam Giedris, the Social Media and Video Specialist here at Frazer Consultants, and the year I’ve been at Frazer, I’ve noticed that a lot is changing in the funeral profession. Between the rising cremation rates, increase in home and green funerals, and new memorialization options, there’s a lot to keep track of. With all this change it’s good to look ahead, predict what trends may continue, and plan how your funeral home will adjust to new demands.

In the future, funeral directors will need to be more tech-savvy than ever. Families will always need a service to remember their loved one by, but technology will play an increasingly large role in adding value to cremation and aftercare services. And speaking of cremation, the cremation rate has already surpassed burials and is expected to keep rising. So, if your funeral home hasn’t adapted to this trend, now would be a good time to strategize about how to become more cremation focused.

There’s also been a significant movement towards alternative and green burials. Try researching natural and home burials, eco-pods, alkaline hydrolysis, and other alternative options to see if they make sense for your funeral home and client families.

Additionally, client family expectations of funeral homes are changing. Modern funeral homes tend to reject dark, somber colors and embrace brighter, more inviting colors and a homey atmosphere. Some funeral directors are already thinking outside of the box and creating funeral homes that can function as multi-event centers with catering capabilities and high-tech sound systems. While these options may not be for everyone, it’s important to consider what little touches can make families feel more accommodated and comforted in their times of need.

With new technology comes new ways for families to remember their loved ones. Some recent memorialization trends include digital memorials, movies, and 3D-printed tributes. But the future could hold even more out-of-the-box memorials like augmented reality, holograms, or even artificial intelligence.

To learn more about funeral trends and how your funeral home can prepare, download our eBook here.