When planning a funeral, many of us find ourselves navigating a sea of emotions and logistical challenges. Add to that the financial pressures revealed in the latest SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, and it’s no wonder that funerals have become a significant concern for bereaved families in the UK. At The Farewell Guide, we believe that saying goodbye to a loved one shouldn’t cost heaven and earth. Yet, we also deeply value the exceptional service provided by compassionate funeral directors, and we know the importance and value of families having the opportunity to say goodbye to loved ones in the way they want to. Our mission, therefore, is to bring transparency to funeral costs, empowering families to make informed choices and arrange beautiful and fitting farewells, without unnecessary stress or expense. 

It should also be noted that the SunLife report is based on the responses of only 100 Funeral Directors and 1,500 people who have been involved in planning a funeral last year. We strongly believe that a bigger sample is needed to get a truly accurate view of the situation and are hoping to bring our own substantial data into the arena in the future.

Key Findings from the Cost of Dying Report 2025 

The SunLife report offers a sobering look at the rising costs associated with funerals: 

1. The Overall Cost of Dying: 

• The average cost of dying, which includes a funeral, professional fees, and optional send-off expenses, has reached an all-time high of £9,797 — a 1.4% increase from 2023’s figure of £9,658. 

• While professional fees have decreased slightly (-3.5%), the cost of funerals and send-offs continues to climb. 

2. Funeral Costs: 

• A standard funeral now averages £4,285, marking a 3.5% increase from £4,141 in 2023. 

• Direct cremations, an increasingly popular option, have risen by 6.7% to £1,597, remaining more affordable than traditional burials (£5,198) or cremations (£3,980). 

• However, Sunlife acknowledge, and from our own research we know, that many people are still unclear about exactly what a direct cremation entails. [Click here to find out more.] 

3. Regional Disparities: 

• London remains the most expensive place to die, with average funeral costs at £5,449, while Northern Ireland is the most affordable at £3,441. 

4. Financial Strain: 

• 18% of families experience financial strain, often having to find an additional £2,371 to cover costs. 

• The rise of crowdfunding platforms and government grants highlights the growing struggle to meet these expenses. 

The Human Impact 

The Guardian recently highlighted how the soaring cost of funerals is forcing families to make difficult choices. Bereaved families are increasingly turning to crowdfunding to manage expenses, while others cut back on services or seek more affordable options like direct cremations. These financial burdens are not just monetary; they often take a toll on mental and physical well-being. According to the SunLife report, 75% of those experiencing financial strain whilst paying for a funeral report impacts on their mental health. 

Our Perspective: Balancing Value and Compassion 

At The Farewell Guide, we acknowledge two essential truths: 

1. Funerals Shouldn’t Break the Bank: 

• Every family deserves the opportunity to honour their loved ones without facing undue financial hardship. Rising costs shouldn’t dictate the quality of your farewell. 

2. Good Funeral Directors Are Worth Their Weight in Gold: 

• Exceptional funeral directors bring compassion, professionalism, and a personal touch that makes all the difference during difficult times. Yes, funerals can be expensive, but if a family knows what they want and is served well by their provider, we think it can be worth it to have a goodbye that feels right. 

Empowering Families Through Transparency 

Funeral pricing often feels opaque, leaving families unsure whether they are making the right financial choices. This is where The Farewell Guide can make a real difference. Our free comparison tool allows you to: 

• Plan Ahead: Use our platform to document your wishes and estimate expenses, reducing stress for your family. 

• Access Transparent Information: Our detailed breakdowns ensure you know exactly what you’re paying for, from basic services to optional extras. 

• Search and Compare Prices: Find funeral directors in your area and compare costs for attended funerals, direct cremations, and additional services. 

Trends to Watch 

The 2025 report and recent news highlight several emerging trends: 

1. Direct Cremations: 

• With affordability and simplicity as their main draws, direct cremations now account for 20% of all funerals. Awareness of this option has risen dramatically, from 52% in 2019 to 80% today. 

• However, many people are not fully aware of exactly what is offered with a direct cremation. More education is needed on the topic, so that everyone knows and can understand the concept before they’re faced with making that choice. 

2. Personalisation: 

• Funerals are becoming more about celebrating life, with 51% described as celebrations of life. From themed services to personalised music and tributes, families are finding creative ways to honour their loved ones. 

3. Digital Adaptation: 

• The use of live-streaming and social media to involve remote attendees has become standard practice, especially since the pandemic. 

4. Cost-Cutting Measures: 

• Families are finding ways to cut costs, such as choosing simpler coffins, opting out of embalming, or holding smaller gatherings. 

Practical Tips for Managing Funeral Costs 

To help you navigate this challenging time, we’ve compiled some actionable advice: 

• Plan in Advance: Document your wishes, talk about them with your family members or those close to you, and set aside funds to cover the costs. Tools like The Farewell Guide’s planning feature can make this process seamless. 

• Shop Around: Compare prices from multiple funeral directors to find the best fit for your budget and preferences. 

• Consider Alternative Options: Direct cremations or smaller services can significantly reduce expenses. 

• Seek Support: Explore government grants if financial concerns arise. 

• Know What to Skip: Extras like embalming, multiple limousines, or elaborate flower arrangements are optional and can be adjusted based on your budget. 

Looking to the Future 

The SunLife report calls attention to the urgent need for greater regulation and transparency in the funeral industry. The introduction of mandatory price lists and clear breakdowns has been a step forward, but there is still work to be done. As The Farewell Guide, we aim to bridge this gap, ensuring families have access to fair pricing and trusted services. 

Final Thoughts 

Funerals are deeply personal, and the way we say goodbye to our loved ones matters. But these moments of reflection shouldn’t come at the cost of financial strain. By leveraging tools like The Farewell Guide, you can honour your loved ones in a way that is both meaningful and manageable.  

If you’re planning a funeral or simply want to explore your options, visit The Farewell Guide today and take the first step toward clarity and peace of mind. 

A quote from our COO Kate Davidson MBE:

We welcome the information provided by the Sunlife Cost of Dying report, as it highlights the financial challenges some families may face during one of the most difficult times in their lives. At The Farewell Guide, we believe our tool is uniquely positioned to help families navigate these challenges by simplifying the process of finding and comparing funeral prices whilst supporting funeral directors who play a vital role in delivering good quality funerals, which are so important for helping grieving families say goodbye in a way that feels right. 

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