When planning a funeral for a loved one, it can be overwhelming to make choices while also dealing with grief. One of the key tools designed to help families navigate funeral costs is the Standardised Price List (SPL). Introduced by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in 2021, the SPL aims to make funeral prices clearer and easier to compare. But while it’s an important step towards transparency, it doesn’t tell the whole story about the true cost of a funeral.

But, what is the SPL, and why does it  matter? It’s also important to know what it doesn’t include, and how resources like The Farewell Guide can help you plan more effectively.

What is the Standardised Price List (SPL)?

The SPL is a legal requirement for all funeral directors in the UK. It sets out in a clear and uniform format:

• The price of a simple funeral service
• The price of additional products and services such as limousines, viewing the deceased, or embalming
• The cost of disbursements (third-party fees such as cremation, burial, or minister’s fees)

By using the same layout and wording, the SPL allows families to compare costs between different funeral directors quickly and easily.

Why is the SPL Important?

Funeral costs can vary significantly across the country and even between funeral homes within the same town. Before the SPL, families often found it difficult to compare like-for-like services because each funeral director presented prices differently.

The SPL is important because it:

• Promotes transparency. You know upfront what is included in a basic funeral service.
• Helps with comparison. You can see how funeral directors differ on core services and optional extras.
• Supports decision-making. Families can make informed choices based not only on price but also on the services that matter most to them.

In short, the SPL puts the power back into the hands of consumers, making it easier to find a funeral director who matches both budget and preferences.

What the SPL Doesn’t Cover

While the SPL is useful, it does have limitations. Importantly, it does not show the full cost of a funeral. Here’s why:

Disbursements vary widely. Third-party fees such as cremation or burial charges, doctors’ fees, and celebrant or minister’s fees can differ greatly depending on location and choice. These costs are estimated in the SPL but aren’t final until arrangements are confirmed.

Personalisation isn’t reflected. Many families want to personalise a funeral with choices like floral arrangements, music, printed orders of service, memorials, or eco-friendly coffins. These are not fully represented in the SPL.

Local differences. A “simple funeral” may look very different in one region compared to another. For example, burial plot availability or cemetery fees can dramatically change the total cost.

The emotional factor. Funerals aren’t only about price. The professionalism, compassion, and support offered by a funeral director matter just as much, but this can’t be captured in a standardised list.

Why the SPL Doesn’t Reflect the True Cost of a Funeral

The SPL is designed as a baseline for comparison, not a complete picture. A family who begins by looking at the SPL may be surprised when the final bill is higher than expected. This isn’t because funeral directors are hiding costs, but because the SPL only provides a framework.

For example, if you choose additional limousines, bespoke coffins, or a specific celebrant, these costs are not fully covered in the SPL. Similarly, disbursement fees can hundreds of pounds, depending on your location.

That’s why the SPL should be viewed as a comparison tool, not a full quote. It gives families a starting point but should always be followed up with a conversation with the funeral director.

Using the SPL as a Comparison Tool

The SPL is most valuable when used to compare funeral directors side by side. It allows you to:

• See which funeral directors are within your budget.
• Understand what is included in a basic package.
• Identify where costs may differ for optional extras.

Think of it as a map, pointing you towards funeral directors who may be a good fit. But to reach your destination, ie a meaningful, affordable funeral, you still need to explore further.

How The Farewell Guide Helps

This is where The Farewell Guide adds real value. While the SPL gives you a standardised snapshot, The Farewell Guide helps you go beyond the numbers.

For consumers, The Farewell Guide makes it simple to find funeral directors in your area who meet recognised professional standards. You can compare services, explore reviews, and record your funeral wishes, giving both choice and peace of mind.

For funeral directors, being listed on The Farewell Guide demonstrates a commitment to transparency and quality, helping families find them at the exact moment they need support.

By combining the SPL’s transparency with The Farewell Guide’s detailed listings and resources, families have a clearer, more complete picture when planning a funeral.

Final Thoughts

The Standardised Price List is a positive step towards clearer, fairer funeral pricing. It allows families to compare costs more easily and ensures a consistent starting point. But it doesn’t show the full cost of a funeral, nor does it reflect the personal touches and emotional support that matter most.

That’s why tools like The Farewell Guide are so important. We bring together transparent pricing, trusted funeral directors, descriptions of services and practical resources to help you plan a meaningful farewell with confidence.

When it comes to arranging a funeral, remember: the SPL gives you the facts, but The Farewell Guide helps you see the bigger picture.