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AIBU?

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To not want the funeral filmed

313 replies

Uniquely187 · 25/02/2025 07:03

Asking on behalf of DH.

Mil has sadly died. A family member wants to film the funeral for those who can't attend to watch. DH doesn't want this. Feels its a private event and not for viewing entertainment.

Sil wants it filmed as she feels it's important for those who can't attend to feel part of the day.

Do DHs feelings trump sil?

OP posts:
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Summerbay23 · 03/02/2026 12:57

Linux20 · 02/02/2026 19:50

Can you do a livestream without actually recording it? That way people can log in and pay their respects if they can’t travel, but your grief isn’t recorded for all to watch on another occasion.

Agree with this

BagaChips · 03/02/2026 12:55

Linux20 · 02/02/2026 19:50

Can you do a livestream without actually recording it? That way people can log in and pay their respects if they can’t travel, but your grief isn’t recorded for all to watch on another occasion.

Probably a bit late now considering the funeral was a year ago

HotChocCreamAndMarshmallows · 02/02/2026 20:03

ZOMBIE THREAD*

Linux20 · 02/02/2026 19:50

Can you do a livestream without actually recording it? That way people can log in and pay their respects if they can’t travel, but your grief isn’t recorded for all to watch on another occasion.

snoopyfanaccountant · 01/02/2026 14:28

During covid, funerals were limited to 20 people in attendance at one point so even close family couldn't all attend so live streaming came into its own. The cameras are at the back of the church/crematorium and the only faces that were seen were those speaking or doing a reading during the service so anyone watching wouldn't see any more than someone sitting in the front row, other than perhaps the back of heads.
When FIL's brother died in 2021 the service was livestreamed from the church and family overseas were able to watch. When FIL died in 2022, again the church service was livestreamed and BIL's wife was able to watch from overseas (her passport had expired), as were other family members overseas or unable to travel in the UK. It was important for them to be part of the service as stories were shared of the deceased.

saraclara · 01/02/2026 13:23

MimiGC · 01/02/2026 10:52

How is watching a recording or live stream of funeral ‘paying respects’ to the dead any more than just spending some quiet time thinking about them and mourning them? The point of attending a funeral in person is to share in the communal event to mark their passing and to support their closest relatives. Watching it from afar does neither of things, in my opinion.

My mother in law's many relatives in Australia, who loved her dearly, would disagree. And we were comforted knowing that they would be able to watch and hear the eulogies, which included their own contributions of words of love and appreciation.

(And yes, I know this is an old thread, but all the same...)

wombat1a · 01/02/2026 11:49

I think live streaming is fine, filming.... not so.

We missed so many funerals when we were abroard, its not just the lack of streaming back then - its also the time-difference for many people. Often UK funerals would be at 8pm our time or 10pm. However I really think live streaming is a good thing nowadays esp when so many of 'their' friends are at an age they themselves can't travel.

NotAnotherScarf · 01/02/2026 11:07

I work for a funeral directors and it is not allowed to film the funeral. This is because the crematorium and/or church will offer a web cast system. Naturally they charge hence the ban on private filming in most situations.

Webcasts only last usually for a month after the service.

Personally I feel it would be in very poor taste to film it unless done very discreetly. I remember helping at a wedding many years ago where the professional video maker arrived late, marched to the front of the church and noisily set up just as the minister was starting. She gave him short shift.

Longtimelurkerfinallyposts · 01/02/2026 10:55

Tiswa · 25/02/2025 20:05

But funerals are traditionally public events

i disagree with all the people saying that funerals must be public, legally or otherwise. You are allowed to have a private (sometimes close-family-only) service. Or opt for -even cheaper- "direct cremation". There is no legal obligation to invite everyone/ let the public in!

BagaChips · 01/02/2026 10:54

I imagine OP has dealt with this now seeing as the funeral was a year ago!

MimiGC · 01/02/2026 10:52

How is watching a recording or live stream of funeral ‘paying respects’ to the dead any more than just spending some quiet time thinking about them and mourning them? The point of attending a funeral in person is to share in the communal event to mark their passing and to support their closest relatives. Watching it from afar does neither of things, in my opinion.

Longtimelurkerfinallyposts · 01/02/2026 10:48

do the dh's feelings 'trump' the sil's?

surely that depends on whether or not she is the daughter of the deceased mil (in which case their feelings are equally valid) or merely the dil (in which case his feelings are arguably more important as it's his mother).

and we still don't know if 'filming' refers to the funeral directors providing a fairly standard live-stream link as part of the service (usually a fixed camera, pointing at the coffin and whoever's at the front, speaking), or some random relative wandering around with a camera, which could be quite intrusive.

Aintgointogoa · 01/02/2026 04:33

I have "virtually" attended at least 3 celebrations of life / funerals. It really made a difference to be able to be present, in real time - the service, the readings, the eulogy etc. The last one was on Thursday last, the service provider was Obitus I believe. It's streaming not filming. a great comfort for those who are too far away to travel / can't make it for whatever reason. It's not filmed per se. I mean why would you want to watch it again ? The link is valid for 28 days. And I really appreciated it.

Melsss1956 · 01/02/2026 01:36

I strongly disagree with filming a funeral, my sister decided to film anyway so non attending people not close relatives could view, hence I didn't travel from Australia to uk,I feel totally betrayed by this action.

Lovehascomeandgone · 27/02/2025 13:57

Can you not stream it so people can join in live but then there is no recording?

Topseyt123 · 27/02/2025 01:21

EatAllDay · 26/02/2025 20:30

A middle ground; have it recorded with a password attached so only a select few can watch it. People that you both agree on

That's exactly what the livestreaming services offered are.

Topseyt123 · 27/02/2025 01:16

SALaw · 27/02/2025 00:41

Isn't that what the OP means by having it filmed?!

We don't know. She hasn't been back and clarified.

Filming to many people could mean someone videoing it on their phone, or using a camcorder device.

Livestreaming is the use of a fixed position webcam that is permanently and discreetly located in the crematorium. It can be viewed (using the online link and password given) live whilst the service is taking place and quite often for an agreed amount of time afterwards. My Dad's funeral was available for, I think, a couple of weeks.

The two are often conflated.

SALaw · 27/02/2025 00:41

K1ran · 25/02/2025 07:05

Agree that it is a private affair and the person who has passed should be sent off respectfully.
Most places offer a link to watch it live rather than film it.

Isn't that what the OP means by having it filmed?!

Owl55 · 27/02/2025 00:16

During Covid , an audio recording was done of my parent funeral for those who couldn’t attend . Many months later I listened to the service again even though I attended at the time , it was actually very comforting as that was a very distressing time . It had a you tube link that only family could access . I think if your husband is the only child it should be his decision only and he should inform funeral director of his objection .

steff13 · 26/02/2025 22:35

My grandmother's funeral was recorded. This was 2014, so pre-COVID. My uncle was uncle to attend due to his health, so we primarily did it for him. I can understand that some people might find it distasteful but conversely I can't really imagine what harm it would do.

Fallenmadonnawiththebigboobies · 26/02/2025 22:31

My Dad’s funeral was live streamed, you could only see the backs of the congregation. I’m glad we could have the option as there were several very close old friends who were unable to make the service but wanted to pay their respects.

The link was live for 30 days afterwards which was good for those in different time zones and was password protected.

SuzieQ300 · 26/02/2025 20:37

Filming a funeral is ridiculous! It's not flipping tiktok.

EatAllDay · 26/02/2025 20:30

A middle ground; have it recorded with a password attached so only a select few can watch it. People that you both agree on

exaltedwombat · 26/02/2025 20:22

Does 'film it' mean 'turn on the camera at the back of the room that connects to an Internet live stream'? This is pretty standard these days, in fact I can't remember a recent funeral where this service WASN'T offered. You need a password to view it, which you can share with as few or as many people as you like. Seems a very good idea to me.

Jack80 · 26/02/2025 19:01

Video link would be more appropriate