The inclusion of alcohol at funeral homes is generating discussion within the industry. Hunter Triplett, owner and CEO of the forthcoming Evergreen Funeral, Cremation and Reception in Columbus, Ohio, aims to provide a more personalized experience for grieving families by offering champagne toasts and signature cocktails. He envisions the funeral home, located in a converted chocolate factory, as a space where families can gather for receptions after memorial services, complete with catering options from a well-equipped kitchen.

Triplett's approach reflects a broader trend in the funeral industry towards celebrations of life and humanistic services. He believes this shift aligns with consumer preferences for more personalized and less traditional funeral arrangements.

Other funeral homes have also embraced this concept. Jon Kolssak of Kolssak Funeral Home in Wheeling, Illinois, has introduced "mimosa memorials," emphasizing that the focus remains on celebrating the deceased's life, not on the alcohol itself. He utilizes a mobile bar and catering service to facilitate this offering.

While some view this trend positively, others express concerns about maintaining the appropriate tone for a funeral setting. Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman cautions against creating a bar-like atmosphere, highlighting the potential clash between the solemnity of a funeral and the casual nature of alcohol service. Triplett clarifies that the intent is not to transform the funeral home into a bar, but rather to provide optional food and beverage services that enhance the personalization of the memorial. Alcohol service would only be available for events held entirely on the funeral home's premises and families can choose to decline the service.

Evergreen Funeral, Cremation and Reception is currently awaiting approval for its liquor license. Several other Ohio funeral homes with on-site event spaces have already secured such licenses, suggesting a growing acceptance of this practice.