13 Jul SERVICE TO REMEMBER: FUTURE TRENDS AND INNOVATIONS IN FUNERAL HOMES
Rumor has it, according to funeral home keynote speakers and futurists, that the industry is undergoing a period of prolonged and pronounced change. That’s because many service providers are adopting new trends and technologies, and doing so for a variety of reasons, largely driven by changing societal expectations, growing desire for personalization and the need for greater efficiency and improved services. Interestingly, you do not need to be a funeral home keynote speaker or futurist to understand the reasons behind these sea changes, however:
Individualization: Technology now allows for greater customization of services, helping to make each funeral feel unique and fitting for the person being remembered. We’re talking everything from personalized memorial videos to customized online obituaries.
Digital Memorialization: Companies now have the tools they need as well for creation of digital memorials such as online tribute pages where loved ones can share memories, photos, and condolences. It extends the memorialization process beyond the physical confines of a funeral or burial service.
Livestreaming Solutions: With travel often difficult for far-flung family members and friends, many companies now offer live-streaming of services, as funeral home keynote speakers and futurists have posited. Doing so allows those who can’t physically attend to still be a part of the service. Such offerings became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic when gathering restrictions were in place.
Efficiency and Coordination: New online services and high-tech tools can help funeral homes run their businesses more efficiently, from scheduling services to managing paperwork. For example, funeral homes can use software for everything from tracking sales and expenses to communicating with families and coordinating with cemeteries and crematoriums.
Pre-planning Services: More individuals are planning their funeral arrangements in advance, and technology can make this process easier. Online platforms can provide information about options and costs, and even allow individuals to make their arrangements virtually.
Environmental Considerations: Green funerals are increasingly becoming a growing trend, encompassing the use of new technologies such as bio-cremation (also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation), which uses less energy and produces fewer emissions than traditional cremation.
Online Commerce: Funeral homes may also sell products like caskets, urns, or memorial jewelry online, providing convenience for families and an additional revenue stream for the business.
