A business idea?

[chickenfeet]

It seems that more and more people are opting out of the conventional funeral thing, i'e' the traditional mournful, black unsmilling stuff. Instead they are having upbeat memorials, "celebrations of life", wakes or whatever. The snag is, even if one organises the whole thing oneself one still has to deal with the conventional Funeral Director services for transport of the body (even if, like mine, the body is heading off to hospital or medical school), burial or cremation etc. For more elaborate funerals there are no other organising options. This seems to me to leave an unfilled niche (probably with an urn in it).

I'm wondering about the prospects for a new business venture, provisionally called Happy Endings™, which would act as a final logistics and party planning service. The premises could be used for wakes, the crematorium would be decorated in appropriately upbeat style, we would offer a range of not too expensive but fun coffins, a hearse painted like the magic bus etc. What do you think? Would you invest in such a venture?

Comments

[lilactime.livejournal.com]

Not without a clear business plan supported by lots and lots of market research. Death is one of those things that makes people (ie. living relatives) all wacky and pious, and once you're dead, even if you make all the arrangements in advance youself, the family can always undo the plans. A more serious example of this would be organ donation - no matter how many cards you sign or documents you file, the sister you haven't spoken to in 20 years might be in a position to undo your good deed because she doesn't believe in it.

I can see a lot of people thinking this proposal would be a good idea, only to have it thwarted by their religious Republican relative who thinks the whole thing is just a travesty.

[okoshun.livejournal.com]

Personally, I like that idea. I've always detested the whole funeral home/funeral/burial deals.

[parisbaby-2003.livejournal.com]

I'm with you, John. I personally know of people (and not even all Burners!) who have stated they would like their mortal remains to be cremated and have their ashes smoked in a huge bong by their best friends.

Speaking of friends, where's that bridge party, guys?!? Nothing sounds better than talk of death and bridge!!!

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

f friends, where's that bridge party, guys?

When would be a good time for you guys?

[parisbaby-2003.livejournal.com]

Weekends are best, as I tend not to leave the comfy confines of my nest once I'm in from work (as many, many, MANY broken dates with friends can attest!)

I many not have mentioned that FG is a super-swift cardsharp, yet has not been taught the vagariesof bridge (however he has played many a successful hand of euchre, so he is not too disadvantaged) - you don't mind giving some "teaching lessons" first off, do you?

We'll bring the gin if you suplly the squishy cream cheese and potted shrimp crustless sandwiches! (ask Lemur...)

[chickenfeet2003.livejournal.com]

How about Sunday afternoon then?

[parisbaby-2003.livejournal.com]

Either this or next Sunday I expect to be in Ottawa (am not sure which), but the alternate date sounds good, if you are still amenable. Let me talk it over with Mr. Grump and I'll get back to you toute suite!

BTW did you know that Winterlicious has started again? I know you are a fabulous cook (reading your posts about your culinary triumphs makes me want to run home and start "chef-ing" up something of my own!), but the week of Winterlicious only comes around once per year, and sounds like it may be something you and Lemur might enjoy!

[(Anonymous)]

Its an interesting concept. There is a company here who specialise in cheap coffins which are personalised, decorated in a variety of way(including DIY) and are enviro-friendly. Their website is http://www.lifeart.com.au/ I dont know if you may be able to find something similar in Canada.

In agreement with previous commenter though that it would need some market research to show how many people really want this and then it has to be taken into acocunt whether or not those people are actually going to follow through on that in their time of grief. Lots of variables but an interesting idea.

[pigsnout000.livejournal.com]

Twas Me who posted this.

[lemur-catta.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking you'd want to place more emphasis on the after-party than the corpse itself since I suspect most of your target market would rather have a quick, simple, environmentally-friendly cremation than than burial (let alone open-casket) but, still the possibilities are endless. The folks who pick up the body can wear funny costumes and drive a rainbow hearse. You could organise amusing urns shaped like bongs and hookahs and spaceships, ash-spreading balloon trips,
fully-catered, celebration-of-life memorial bashes with themes like Dia de los Muertos, Finnegan's Wake, or Karma Casino (spin the Reincarnation Roulette wheel to see what the 'guest of honour' might be next time round).

If they really want the open casket, maybe they'd like to be made up like their favourite character from Interview with a Vampire or even Cirque du Soleil! Pall bearers can be costumed accordingly.

[pigsnout000.livejournal.com]

I like it. Lots of fun, though it maybe that you would have to offer both services for people who still want the whole funeral service deal

[kalypso-v.livejournal.com]

But I like black!