Many want their ashes used in jewellery, tattoos or fireworks
More than a third of Gen Z are considering taking out a funeral plan soon – with many ditching traditional burials to go out with a bang. Gen Z are buying funeral plans earlier than any generation before them, research shows, and are abandoning tradition for bold send-offs, with ashes turned into jewellery, fireworks, tattoo ink and even scattered at the pub.A study of 2,000 adults commissioned by Simplicity Cremations reveals that 15% of Gen Z have already organised their own funeral plans, while a further 36% say they are considering purchasing one within the next five years. In fact, Gen Z appear to be outpacing older generations when it comes to preparation, with just 12% of Millennials and 13% of Gen X saying they currently have plans in place.While cremation is the preferred choice for many, Gen Z are far from traditional when it comes to their final wishes and they’re clearly thinking beyond just a simple urn. Nearly one in five (19%) want their ashes turned into jewellery, while 18% are opting for a send-off that quite literally goes out with a bang by incorporating them into fireworks.Others are taking equally unconventional routes, with 9% interested in being turned into tattoo ink and 5% choosing to be scattered at their local pub, proving some spirits never really leave. This marks a notable contrast with older generations, among the Silent Generation (80+), 45% would prefer their ashes to be scattered alongside loved ones or in nature, reflecting a more traditional approach to end-of-life wishes.Zack Sullivan, managing director of Simplicity Cremations, said: “Planning your own funeral at a young age might sound unusual, but Gen Z are showing it can be both personal and practical. This is a generation that is more prepared than those before them, with more people choosing to plan ahead earlier in their life.“What is particularly interesting is how they’re approaching it, not just as a practical decision, but as an opportunity to shape how they’re remembered. Whether that’s going out with a bang, becoming ink for a tattoo, or even being scattered at their local pub, they are seeing it as a chance to leave a lasting and unique impression.”This forward-thinking approach from Gen Z may not just be about peace of mind, but also financial awareness – as they lock in today’s prices rather than risk leaving loved ones with higher costs in the future. Simplicity Cremations say they are offering those that do want to make plans a straightforward and easy to arrange option with their direct cremation plans, without mourners, celebrants, costly services and packed chapels.
