Planning a funeral and the costs associated with funerals can be quite confusing and overwhelming to navigate on your own. You may find yourself searching “how much does a funeral cost?” when you begin your funeral planning journey. If you are worried about being able to afford paying for a funeral, we’re here to help you with money-saving tips and options for paying for a funeral.
A quick internet search may show you thousands of websites from funeral directors and funeral providers all offering similar services. With so many options to choose from, how do you know how to choose the funeral plan that works for you?
In this support guide for funeral costs we will guide you on the following topics:
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How much the average funeral costs in the UK.
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Tips and advice for how you can lower your funeral costs.
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Find a funeral plan at the best price by comparing thousands of trusted partners.
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How to compare funeral directors.
The Average Cost of a Funeral in the UK
In the UK the cost of a simple attended funeral is approximately £4,285. The cost for a simple attended funeral includes a burial or cremation with a service, funeral director fees, a mid-range coffin, a limousine, and doctor and celebrant fees.
The cheapest funeral option in the UK is a direct cremation at £1,597. A direct cremation is a type of cremation where the body is cremated soon after death and no funeral service is held.
How much a funeral costs in the UK can vary greatly, according to each person’s unique wishes, the type of funeral they want, and their budget. While the average funeral may cost up to £4,285 or more, it is quite possible to arrange a funeral at a lower cost that matches your budget.
All these types of funerals have different price tags attached to them:
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Direct burial (with or without added elements)
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Direct cremation (with or without added elements)
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Attended burial
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Attended cremation
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Eco/green funerals
Read about the differences between direct, attended and unattended cremations in our support guide here.
Funerals can be fully customisable to your needs, and there is no one-size-fits-all or “standard” funeral. We encourage you to explore your options and begin your funeral planning journey with us.
Tips To Lower Your Funeral Costs
Many people aren’t aware that a lot of the extra costs associated with funerals are completely optional, or available at a lower cost. You can have your funeral your way with these money-saving tips:
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Opt for a direct burial or cremation if you do not want a funeral service. Many people feel as though they “ought” to have funeral extras to keep with tradition but what really matters is what you want and if it aligns with your budget.
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You do not have to use a funeral director to plan your funeral. Arranging your own funeral may take a little longer but it will save you money on funeral director fees.
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You do not have to use your funeral director’s vendors for flowers, catering, coffins, or transportation. You can shop around and work with vendors who offer the same services at lower prices.
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Have your funeral service or wake at home, in a park, or any other free or low cost alternative.
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Choose to scatter your ashes in a special place instead of paying for a burial plot.
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Ask family and friends to contribute services like food or a funeral venue like their garden to help keep costs low and make your funeral more personal and intimate.
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Opt for a prepaid funeral plan and lock-in today’s price before the costs of funerals rise in coming years.
Compare Funeral Costs from Thousands of Trusted Funeral Directors on The Farewell Guide
The Farewell Guide has over 7,000 funeral directors registered on our platform making finding and comparing local funeral directors simple and convenient. You can browse through prepaid funeral plans and compare the costs from various funeral providers.
All the funeral directors on our platform are accredited either by Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) or National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD).
Our funeral planning tool and funeral director comparison platform are always completely free to use for users.
You can try out our free funeral planning tool for yourself! All you have to do is answer a few questions about what you would like for your funeral, and some personal details including your location, and you will be able to see our directory of available funeral directors in your area.
The Farewell Guide’s free funeral planning tool also has a space for you to record all your funeral wishes, important documents, and funeral plan in one secure place that can be shared with your loved ones and your Will solicitor.
The Farewell Guide is here to support you every step of your funeral planning process. Learn more about how we keep you safe when choosing a prepaid funeral plan by only accepting regulated providers on our platform.
More Support Guides: How To Compare Funeral Directors
We have put together a list of support guides to help you compare funeral directors and protect yourself when choosing a funeral director for your or your loved one’s funeral.
How To Compare Funeral Directors: A Guide
Why Don't People Shop Around for Funeral Directors?
An Easy Guide To Finding A Local Funeral Director
How To Find A Good Funeral Director
How Are Funeral Directors Regulated in the UK?