A recent article by NBC News Business has highlighted the seemingly rapid trend in the funeral/cremation business. That trend, becoming somewhat popular among the baby boomer generation, is celebrating the life of the deceased with alcohol at the wake/visitation or post funeral.

Funeral firms are searching for just the right way to offer this type of service while still being relative to the grief needs of the family. The NBC News article touched on three different ways that existing funeral homes are working the trend into their business operations.

Providence, Rhode Island mortuary Monahan Funeral Home, turned their 2,400 square foot attached garage into McBride’s Irish Pub. According to owner Mark Russell, many people come for wakes and then stop off at the pub for a drink. The pub has also started an evening custom where at 10 pm they ring a bell and “Last Call” toasts are given in memory of a loved one. Requests for toasts can be done in person or throughout the day via the firm’s web-site.

In White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Mueller Mortuary owner Scott Mueller renovated its building and put a bar in to be able to host beer, wine, and liquor events during the celebrations. They do not have a license for such so all of their needs are catered for by an outside firm. Costs to the consumer can run anywhere from $650-$2000 depending on the service needed.

And in Wheeling, Illinois, funeral home owner Jon Kolssak petitioned his community to operate a bar, with the help of an existing restaurant, in his funeral home. According to him it has been well received and more people than not choose the option. Packages for about a 50 person reception go for about $650.

Funeral Director Daily take: During my 35 years in the funeral business I have seen trends take hold. Wherever you go, you see things change — churches must change their operating methods to get new members, colleges have done it, auto dealers have done it, grocery stores have done it. . .even today brick and mortar retailers are doing it to keep up with the Amazons of the world. I’m old fashioned, yet I can see the writing on the wall. . . if a funeral home wants to stay progressive, my guess is that this is something that will become commonplace and the three businesses mentioned are trailblazers!!

The “Last Call” memorial tradition at McBride’s Pub