The affordability of fuss free funerals

The enduring popularity of direct cremation funerals

With the price of a direct cremation falling for the third year running, we believe the trend for simpler, low-cost funerals is here to stay.

"More than half of our funeral plan customers are now choosing the option where there is no funeral service, and no family or friends present," said our Chief Marketing Officer, Mark Hull.

“The trend for direct cremations is increasing year on year with families increasingly choosing a lower cost farewell that is less stressful and more readily personalised.

“The average cost of direct cremations has dropped once again and is now at £1,498.* This makes direct cremation the only funeral type that costs almost the same as in 2022.

“It comes at a time when a record number of families struggle with funeral charges as high inflation increased prices and many are falling into debt to cover the cost.”

The annual SunLife Cost of Dying report found the average cost of a funeral, including either cremation or burial, a coffin, limo, and all undertaker fees, is now £4,141.**

Many people choose a simpler direct cremation to save money and also see it as an option to ease stress at an emotional time.

* The average cost of direct cremation in 2023 was £1,498 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs) ** The average cost of a basic funeral in 2023 was £4,141 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)