If you're in the dark about funeral costs, paying for a funeral can be a worry, but there are several ways to keep a funeral as affordable as possible.
Whether you're arranging a funeral for someone else or want to cover the future costs of your own funeral to support your children or spouse, our supportive team can help. In this guide, we provide a breakdown of funeral costs and help uncover ways to arrange an affordable send off.
Planning a funeral can be overwhelming and the cost can add to the stress. Since 2004, funeral costs have more than doubled from £1,835 to £4,141.[1]
It's important to remember though that you don't need to feel pressured to spend more than you can afford. Putting pressure on your finances is unlikely to be what your loved one would have wanted and choosing a small, intimate send off with personal touches to reflect a person's life can be just as meaningful.
There are several ways you can minimise funeral costs for you and your family. Prepaid funeral plans, for example, let you cover funeral costs in advance to either plan and pay for your own funeral or arrange a funeral for someone else.
[1] Average costs for a basic funeral were £1,835 in 2004 and £4,141 in 2023 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
Planning a funeral can be overwhelming and the cost can add to the stress. In the UK, the average cost for a basic funeral is approximately £4,141, as reported in 2023. The cost has more than doubled over the years, increasing from £1,835 in 2004.[2]
The overall cost will depend on the type of funeral you would like. Important factors to consider include the location, type of coffin, type of service, funeral director fees, and any additional extras such as flowers or catering. But remember, it's important not to feel pressured to spend more than you can afford. Putting pressure on your finances is unlikely to be what your loved one would have wanted. Instead, choosing a small, intimate send off with personal touches to reflect a person's life can be just as meaningful.
If you know you'll be responsible for planning someone's funeral, being aware of the costs involved can help set your mind at rest and allow you to make informed choices about the best way to fulfil your loved one's funeral wishes.
There are several ways you can minimise funeral costs for you and your family. For example, you could arrange a direct cremation from just £1,199 and organise a personal ceremony separately. Additionally, prepaid funeral plans let you cover funeral costs in advance, allowing you to plan and pay for your own or another person’s funeral.
[2] Average costs for a basic funeral were £1,835 in 2004 and £4,141 in 2023 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
Whether you're arranging a funeral or considering your own funeral wishes, the type of funeral you choose will have the biggest impact on how much the funeral will cost.
The costs of burial, cremation or direct cremation vary significantly. Here’s a breakdown:
| Funeral type | Average cost[3] |
|---|---|
| Burial | £5,077 |
| Cremation | £3,795 |
| Direct cremation | £1,498 |
| A Distinct Cremations attended cremation | From £1,599 |
| A Distinct Cremations direct cremation | From £1,199 |
[3] Funeral costs by type taken from the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
Burials are a traditional choice but tend to be the priciest option for funerals. On average, burial costs in the UK are around £5,077. The cost can vary significantly based on several factors, such as the burial plot location, the headstone, and grave preparation.
Those who choose a burial funeral often like to include other traditional funeral elements like a hearse, a car to transport immediate family, floral arrangements for the coffin and orders of service for the mourners in attendance, all of which contribute to the costs.
Nowadays more people choose to be cremated than to be buried. Cremation costs average at £3,795 in the UK, but can vary depending on what you’d like to be included. A cremation funeral is cheaper than a burial, since the costs of a headstone and burial plot are not required.
The price of a cremation can vary, depending on how many people attend, when the service takes place, and whether it's led by a family member or a celebrant. Following the cremation ashes can be scattered, but if you would like them to be buried so your family has a grave to visit in future, this will cost extra.
A direct cremation is the most cost-effective way to have a funeral, costing on average £1,498. But with Distinct Cremations, it's even less at £1,199. The cremation takes place without any mourners present and allows you to celebrate your loved one's life in your own personal way instead.
It is a popular choice for those who either don't have the money for an extravagant funeral service or would rather gift the money to their family. Families may like to spend additional money on a celebration of life or ashes scattering event in remembrance of their loved one.
Burial
Those who choose a burial funeral often like to include other traditional funeral elements like a hearse, a car to transport immediate family, floral arrangements for the coffin and orders of service for the mourners in attendance, all of which contribute to the costs.
Cremation
A cremation funeral is cheaper than a burial and costs like a headstone and burial plot are not required. Aspects of a cremation service that can affect the price include how many mourners are present, the day and time of the service and whether the service is family-led or led by a celebrant.
Direct cremation
Direct cremation is the most affordable funeral option. It is a popular choice for those who either don't have the money for an extravagant funeral service or would rather gift the money to their family. Families may like to spend additional money on a celebration of life or ashes scattering event in remembrance of their loved one.
At Distinct Cremations, we specialise in direct cremation services and simple funeral plans. Our knowledgeable team can guide you through arranging a funeral for a loved one or funeral planning to set up and pay for a funeral for yourself and someone else in advance.
If you'd like more information about the costs of our services and what's included, please give us a call to chat with our friendly team.
Call us on 01543 212000Looking for ways to reduce the cost of a funeral is a practical consideration. Your loved one wouldn’t want you to feel stressed over funeral costs or get into debt paying for a funeral that's not affordable for you. Many people prefer to prioritise money for their families over having an extravagant funeral.
There are many ways you can reduce funeral costs and still have a unique and personal funeral that honours a loved one's memory.
Choosing a direct cremation significantly reduces funeral costs. Since direct cremation bypasses the need for embalming, a viewing, and a costly casket, it offers a more affordable alternative while still respecting the dignity of your loved one.
This choice allows families to allocate funds more meaningfully, perhaps towards a memorial service that can be planned without the immediate financial pressures that often accompany traditional funeral arrangements.
Call us today to arrange a direct cremation from £1,199.
For a more personal farewell without high costs, consider an attended direct cremation from £1,599. This option includes a direct cremation plus a private service for up to 8 or 20 people. It's family-led, allowing you to personalise the ceremony at one of 40 crematoriums across the UK. This choice offers a meaningful way to say goodbye in a close-knit setting, ensuring a dignified service without the financial strain of larger funerals.
To reduce memorial costs, consider saving over time or using funds from your loved one's estate. This approach allows for financial flexibility and eases the burden of immediate expenses.
For the venue, actively shop around to compare costs and services. Opting to host memorial drinks or a buffet meal at your home can significantly reduce expenses while providing a warm, personal setting for guests to reminisce and celebrate the life of your loved one.
Regarding the final resting place, scattering ashes in a meaningful local body of water, park, or even your own garden can significantly save on costs. This gesture allows for a personal touch without the need for expensive arrangements.
Where you live in the country also makes a difference to how much a funeral costs. The South West and North East have the most affordable funeral costs on average, whereas the most expensive area is London.
| Region | Average cost[4] |
|---|---|
| North West England | £3,802 |
| North East England | £3,973 |
| Scotland | £4,030 |
| South West England | £4,032 |
| Yorkshire & the Humber | £4,065 |
| East & West Midlands | £4,150 |
| Wales | £4,286 |
| South East & East of England | £4,643 |
| London | £5,171 |
If you live in a more expensive area, choosing a nationwide funeral provider could help you save money. Funeral providers that cater to the whole of the UK will have set prices for their services which may well work out cheaper than your local funeral directors.
[4] Funeral costs by region taken from the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
The funeral provider you choose will also impact the cost of a funeral. To make sure you're getting the best price, you can compare providers that specialise in your preferred type of funeral.
Consider which extras are included and excluded.
A low cost funeral with Distinct Cremations prioritises simplicity. Our cremation services include nothing unnecessary and are delivered at an affordable cost.
Our unattended and simple attended cremations offer pared-back and cost-effective alternatives to traditional funerals.
For additional information, please read our CMA standardised price list.
Our unattended cremation is a great choice for those looking for a simple, low-cost unattended cremation without a funeral ceremony. Unattended cremations take place with no service or mourners present at our high-quality crematoria where dignified care is guaranteed throughout.
Our attended, personal cremation is perfect for those looking for a fuss-free farewell and a final chance to say goodbye. With our dignified and affordable attended cremations you can have up to 8 people attend a 10 minute service or up to 20 people attend a 20 minute service.
Some funeral costs will be necessary regardless of the type of funeral you choose. Here’s a breakdown of typical funeral costs:
There are also some optional extras you may like to consider but you don't have to have if you'd like to keep costs down.
Being aware of the different ways to pay for a funeral allows you to choose the payment option that suits you best.
You can also make sure a funeral you're arranging for someone else hasn't been paid for already or find out how you can cover the costs of your own funeral.
Worried about how you would be able to pay for a funeral? There are a number of organisations that may be able to support you to ease the financial burden.
Government support
If you already receive government benefits, you can apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment (or a Funeral Support Payment in Scotland). Your eligibility depends on the existing benefits you receive and your relationship with the deceased.
This assistance can help with various costs such as burial or cremation fees, travel, moving the body over 50 miles within the UK, and necessary funeral documents.
You can also get up to £1,000 for additional funeral expenses, including the funeral director's fees, flowers, or the coffin. However, this payment usually doesn't cover all the funeral costs.
Employer support
Some employers offer death-in-service cover which provides a payout of several times an individual's annual salary if they die whilst employed by the company.
Children's funeral support
The Children's Funeral Fund for England is government support that covers the cost of a burial or cremation for someone under 18 so that these costs don't fall on the family. Other costs associated with the funeral may also be covered.
Policies and plans
Always check whether your loved one had a funeral plan to avoid paying for a funeral that's already been paid for. Check for any pre-existing life insurance or over 50s life cover policies too which could help you cover the funeral costs.
Charity support
Some charities also offer support with funeral costs if the individual suffered from a particular condition or was part of a specific group, club or profession.
Local council
If there is not enough money to cover the funeral costs via any of the above means, the local council will arrange a public health funeral. The family of the deceased may not be able to make any choices about the funeral arrangements.
We’re here to help and support you whether you’re arranging a funeral now or planning for the future.
If you’ve had a recent bereavement and you’re looking to arrange a funeral straightaway we can help you arrange a caring and low cost funeral.
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