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The article discusses how funerals develop between being binded by tradition and being places for personal expression and free choice. Building on research that depicts tradition as main reason for choosing church funerals, the analysis explores the role of tradition. Further, we look into newer funeral logics, and how different actors in the practice field understand and negotiate these concepts. The article argues that tradition and personalised choice are complex phenomena, and that there is a risk that they are compared before they are understood. We find that tradition for many families is an important concept but their articulation of it is ambiguous. Further, families perceive newer funeral practices not so much within logics of choice as arenas for expression of meaning. Funeral directors and clergy engage the changes with a range of opinions and strategies, between confirming and exhibiting scepticism towards the choices of the families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]