How Much Does a Funeral Cost?
Worrying about how much a funeral will cost is something that many people wonder about when it comes to planning a loved one’s funeral.A funeral for a loved one is an extremely personal event, and that doesn’t always mean that it will spiral into out-of-control costs. Using our impartial support and free funeral planning tools, you can give your loved one the send-off that they deserve, at a cost that won’t break the bank.
According to the website MoneyHelper, the average funeral costs £4,383 for a burial and £3,290 for a cremation.
There are some things we recommend you think about before arranging a funeral:
- Think about your departed loved one; they would not want you to be in financial trouble after arranging their funeral.
- Expensive doesn’t always mean better; sometimes, the most beautiful funerals are the ones that truly reflect the loved one with sentimental touches.
- Independent financial advice can help you budget effectively when planning a loved one’s funeral.
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You Are In Control
There are basic funeral costs that cover the funeral itself, as well as optional costs for additional services.Essential Funeral Costs
Basic funeral costs are necessary for your loved one to have a funeral. Each funeral director will offer varying options, but basic funeral costs tend to be standard across the board.These costs usually cover:
- Being able to visit your loved one in the chapel of rest
- A ceremonial vehicle
- Help to complete paperwork
- Burial/cremation costs
- A coffin
Additional Funeral Costs
Additional funeral costs tend to be optional and personal to the family; some families prefer a simple funeral, while others prefer to add other services.It is essential to understand that there is no ‘right’ option, and a higher funeral cost does not reflect your love for the departed.
Additional funeral costs usually include things like:
- Embalming: £150
- Flowers: £193
- Headstones: £1,016
- Limousines: £336
- A church service: £164
- An alternative coffin choice: £800
- Venue hire for a wake: £282
- Catering: £450
- Funeral notice: £86
- Order of service cards: £94
- Urn: From £30
Reducing The Cost Of Your Loved One’s Funeral
It is important to never feel under pressure when organising a loved one’s funeral; grief is a long, complex process and adding financial worries can be too hard for many people to process.Think of things such as:
Help From Family And Friends
If you choose to have a wake after your loved one’s funeral, think about asking family and friends to help with catering rather than paying someone else.You can also ask family and friends for affordable recommendations and see if they can help with anything that you can do yourselves.
A Memorial
Having a headstone made is extremely expensive and is something that can come a few years down the line.In the meantime, having an online page for loved ones to donate to charity as a memorial is a beautiful, meaningful option.
Be Honest With Your Funeral Director
Everybody’s financial situation is different, and funeral directors will never pass judgement; instead, they will work with you to ensure that you don’t overspend and can organise a funeral within your budget.Your funeral director can walk you through the options that suit you and show you where you can save money while still having a beautiful funeral.
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Non-funeral options
Many people decide that a funeral isn’t what their loved one would want and instead opt for direct cremation.A direct cremation is self-explanatory – your loved one will be taken directly to the crematorium without a funeral service. The company that carries out your direct cremation for your loved one will collect their body and take it to be cremated.
A direct cremation starts at around £1,000 – if you choose to receive your loved one’s ashes back, that’s an additional cost of about £150.
Planning A Funeral With The Farewell Guide
By planning a funeral with The Farewell Guide, you can choose the right services to celebrate your loved one’s life without breaking the bank. To get started with our free funeral planning tool, please click here.