Over 50s most want their children or Stephen Fry to read a eulogy at their funeral service

Father and Son

In a recent survey of over 50s, commissioned by funeral plan provider Ecclesiastical Planning Services, respondents commonly answered that they would like their son or daughter to read a eulogy at their funeral service. The most popular celebrity eulogiser, however, was academic and TV presenter Stephen Fry.

The research conducted by OnePoll asked 1000 men and women, aged 50 and above, who they would like to read their eulogy if ‘anything were possible’. The results show that most people would choose to have their children speak at their funeral. A large proportion of respondents also answered that they’d like to have a close friend read their eulogy.

Several respondents also provided the names of celebrity eulogisers they would like to read at their send off. Of these, Stephen Fry was the most popular. Other popular celebrity answers included world class documentarian David Attenborough, comedian Rowan Atkinson and the character Patsy from the sitcom Absolutely Fabulous.

While the question was limitless in the criteria, the fact that the vast majority of respondents chose someone close to them, for example a friend or family member, shows that sentimentality at their own funeral service is extremely important to a large portion of people.

A pre-paid funeral plan allows people to put their wishes down in writing and make arrangements for their service in advance. This includes making requests for eulogisers or speakers if necessary.

Emma Simpson, Marketing Manager at Ecclesiastical Planning Services, said: “It is very heart-warming to see that such a large proportion of people who responded to our survey would choose a loved one to read something at their service. We have always advocated that a funeral service is a very personal occasion and we believe there is no better or more personal way to purchase a funeral plan than through your local funeral director. This way, you can sit down with a professional and benefit from their industry knowledge and expertise when making your preferred arrangements.”

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact Ecclesiastical Planning Services on 01452 873238 or via email at marketing@epsfunerals.com.

About Ecclesiastical Planning Services
Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited, part of the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, is a specialist, UK-based financial services group which has been protecting people, property and funds since it was founded in 1887. It offers funeral plans via a network of funeral directors around the country. Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited is the funeral plan provider behind Perfect Choice Funeral Plans, one of the UK’s leading pre-paid funeral plan products.

Source: OnePoll Research of 1,000 men and women aged 50 and above on behalf of Ecclesiastical Planning Services, November 2017.