Funeral Trends to Watch in 2022: Five Things You Need to Know

The funeral industry has undergone major changes over the past two years.

The pandemic forced everyone, including funeral providers, to do things differently, testing our collective resolve and ability to adapt amid an ever-changing landscape. Through it all, funeral providers have remained steadfast in offering compassionate care and in bringing families comfort at their most difficult times. As we begin a new year, it’s fitting to take a look at how funeral practices have evolved and at the trends that will continue into 2022.

Here are five key things to expect in the year ahead.

Live-streaming is here to stay

While most funerals will also be held in person, the live-streamed feature is likely to continue as an enhancement. It allows those who cannot attend in person to participate by viewing the services remotely. Those who live far away, the elderly, and the infirmed can attend the final farewells of their friends and loved ones via live-streaming.  Most funeral homes and churches now have the technology available to make live-streamed services possible with an excellent level of quality and professionalism.

Eco-friendly burials are growing

The number of “green” or eco-friendly burials exploded in 2021. With environmental sustainability top of mind for many people, a growing assortment of green burial trends is taking hold. The Green Burial Council notes that the most common practices for eco-friendly burial include foregoing embalming and choosing a biodegradable casket or urn.

Rising cremation rates spur expanded service offerings

The rate of cremations compared to traditional burials continues to rise. According to the National Funeral Directors Association’s 2021 Cremation and Burial Report, the rate of burial is projected at 36.6 percent for 2021, compared to a cremation rate of 57.7 percent. By 2040, the national rate of cremation is expected to reach an astonishing 78 percent. Cremation options have expanded amid this growth and can now include all of the elements of traditional funeral services, such as viewings, visitations, and burials.

New options for remains

There are many popular and emerging options for human remains beyond the standard interment or ash scattering. For example, Living Urns allows for cremated remains to be planted with a young tree in a special eco-friendly urn. Memory glass is a solid glass orb that is infused with the ashes of a loved one, creating beautiful keepsakes and décor items for family members. Cremation jewelry holds the departed’s ashes and can be worn as a necklace, ring, or bracelet. These cremation jewelry pieces often become beloved family heirlooms.

Advance planning is on the rise

There are many reasons that advance planning of final wishes and funeral arrangements is a smart idea. Among many other benefits, advance planning helps save time and reduce stress for family members at a difficult time. It also allows you to choose all the details for your funeral and plan something unique and deeply personal.

We hope this information is helpful as you travel your grief journey. If you have additional questions or need to make funeral arrangements, our caring professionals are always here for you. Please contact us anytime. 

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 20 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.