From leopard print coffins to ashes scattered from the Golden Gate Bridge: The unique ways that Brits are choosing to say goodbye

15 April 2026

  • Co-op Funeralcare reveals the unique ways in which Brits are choosing to say goodbye.
  • Data from Co-op Funeralcare funeral directors also reveals the unique funeral choices that people have made including Kit Kat coffins and ashes being scattered from the Golden Gate Bridge*
  • This comes as research commissioned has found that less than two-fifths (38%) have discussed their funeral wishes with their loved one **
  • Co-op Funeralcare is encouraging Brits to discuss their funeral wishes with loved ones.

Co-op Funeralcare has revealed some of the unique ways in which that Brits are choosing to say goodbye, from a Kit Kat coffin to ashes scatterings at the Golden Gate Bridge.

The decision of whether to be buried or cremated can depend on a number of factors including religious beliefs and family reasons, with both taking many forms, from traditional services to more unique ceremonies.

When it comes to coffin options, there’s an extensive range of choices available meaning that each person is able to tailor it to reflect their personality and preferences, including the type of coffin they have.

The top 10 unique coffins chosen include

  1. Amazon parcel with deceased’s address
  2. Skip
  3. Fire truck
  4. Ant-themed
  5. Shipping container
  6. Leopard print
  7. Galaxy chocolate
  8. Pokémon
  9. Cloud design
  10. Darts-themed

Research commissioned by Co-op Funeralcare has found that one in six (18%) would like to be buried with a certain item that is deeply personal to them, and they would find comfort in having as a keepsake in their coffin. The member-owned organisation has seen clients choose a diverse range of keepsakes including a life-sized Tom Jones cardboard cut-out, a CB radio and lipstick.

However, cremations remain the most popular funeral method, with 80.6% of deaths ending in this way. *** When it comes to memorial options, ashes being buried in a cemetery with other family members or kept in an urn are among the most popular options, with some even choosing the ashes to be interred or even mixed into the ink as part of a tattoo.

The majority of those who would opt for a cremation, would like their ashes to be scattered and there are a whole host of locations chosen for scatterings to take place, often in a place that was deeply personal to the individual.

The top 10 unique locations for ashes to be scattered are:

  1. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
  2. Up Mont Blanc
  3. In the sea taken down by scuba divers
  4. Flower bed outside a bingo hall
  5. Out of a rally car window
  6. Forth Bridge
  7. Isle of Wight ferry
  8. The River Mersey
  9. Firework at a Cornwall beach
  10. Golf course

More than eight-tenths (81%) of people in the UK believe that it’s important to know the funeral wishes of their loved one and over half (52%) would consider taking out a funeral plan, with nearly a third (32%) considering doing so because they want their funeral wishes carried out.

Yet, less than two-fifths (38%) have discussed their funeral wishes with a loved one and just over one in six (17%) have a funeral plan in place, which means that the majority of people in the UK haven’t expressed or recorded what they’d like at their funeral. This means that, when the time comes, loved ones may be unaware of their wishes.****

Co-op Funeralcare is therefore encouraging Brits to think about and discuss their funeral wishes with loved ones.

Tim Bloomer, Head of Client Operations said:

“At Co-op Funeralcare, client choice is paramount and, whether it be traditional or contemporary, every funeral we carry out is unique and tailored to reflect the life lived.

“Our data shows the extensive choice available when it comes to saying goodbye, from leopard print coffins to ashes being scattered from the Golden Gate Bridge.

“However, concerningly, it seems that most people haven’t discussed their funeral wishes or recorded them in a funeral plan, which means that their loved ones may be unaware of their wishes.

“Discussing them with loved ones and recording them in a funeral plan, can provide people with invaluable peace of mind that their wishes will be fulfilled, which is why we’re encouraging more people to have those conversations.”

To learn more about Co-op funeral plans and member benefits, click here.

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

  • Research was conducted among Co-op’s Funeral directors and arrangers based on more than 90,000 funerals conducted in the last 12 months.

** Consumer research conducted by Opinion Matters among a sample of 2000 UK adults in September 2025

*** Figures from the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities. 80.6% of deaths in 2024 ended in cremation: https://www.fbca.org.uk/information/statistics/

**** Consumer research conducted by Opinion Matters among a sample of 2000 UK adults in June 2025

__Top 10 unique coffin keepsakes __

  1. Tom Jones cardboard cut out
  2. CB radio
  3. Lipstick
  4. Bingo books and dabbers
  5. Mug with dog’s face on
  6. Egg custard
  7. Galaxy chocolate
  8. Jelly
  9. Pet’s ashes
  10. Historic diary dating back to the Second World War.

__Top 5 unique ashes memorials __

  1. Kept in a tank bullet capsule
  2. Interred in a ring
  3. Interred into glass
  4. Ashes placed in a special compartment in a bird bath
  5. Fingerprints tattooed with ashes