Planning your own funeral

2. Think about service details

When planning your funeral, consider the specifics of how you want the service to be conducted. These details can greatly impact the overall tone and cost of the funeral. For example, you might want to think about whether you want a simple or elaborate ceremony.

If you did have a more elaborate ceremony in mind, it’s important to remember that this kind of service tends to be more expensive due to additional elements and arrangements.

Alternatively, a simple funeral without the details associated with traditional services offers a more affordable option.

Here are some key points to consider:

• Decide if you want your ashes scattered, kept in an urn, or divided among family members.
• Consider whether you prefer a simple service or an elaborate ceremony.
• Choose songs that hold personal significance or that you believe will comfort your loved ones.
• Think about whether you want a separate celebration of life event in addition to or instead of a traditional funeral.

3. Choose a funeral provider

Choosing the right funeral provider is an important step in planning your own funeral. The provider you select will play a significant role in ensuring your wishes are fulfilled and that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible for your loved ones.

The right provider should offer services that align with your preferences and budget while providing support and guidance during a difficult time.

Think about the following when choosing a provider:

• Compare prices to find a provider that fits your budget.
• Ensure they offer the type of service you desire, whether it's a traditional funeral, direct cremation, or something else.
• Consider providers with multiple locations or a nationwide presence for added convenience.

Here’s a checklist of questions to ask potential providers:

At Distinct Cremations, customer service is our top priority. Read our reviews to find out why we're one of the most trusted direct cremation companies in the UK.

4. Consider a funeral plan

When planning your own funeral, deciding how to pay for it is one of the biggest considerations. A pre-paid funeral plan can help you cover costs in advance and ensures all details are handled according to your wishes.

The biggest benefit of a funeral plan is that it locks in costs at today's prices, protecting against future price increases. With funeral costs having more than doubled from £1,835 to £4,141 ^[2], this can save you a significant amount of money.

This makes funeral plans one of the most popular ways to pay for a funeral, with 37% of people choosing this option. ^[3]

A funeral plan also provides financial flexibility. For example, at Distinct Cremations, our plans can be paid as a one-off payment, monthly over 12 months, or over 5 or 10 years.

Our funeral plans cover essential elements such as:

• Funeral director services, including legal and cremation paperwork.
• Collection by private ambulance and preparation for cremation.
• A coffin and cremation at one of our crematoriums.
• Ashes delivered back to the family within 14 days or scattered at the crematorium.

Considering a funeral plan can provide peace of mind, knowing that both the financial and logistical aspects of your funeral are taken care of in advance. Learn more about how funeral plans work in our guide.

^{[2] & [3]} SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/ funeral-costs