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How much does a funeral cost?

How much is a funeral?

Emma Lunn
Written by  Emma Lunn
5 min read
Updated: 27 Dec 2022

Key takeaways

  • Funeral costs vary depending on whether you have a burial or cremation and any extras such as flowers, a wake, and funeral cars.

  • A direct cremation is usually the cheapest funeral option.

  • Comparing the cost of funeral directors and choosing a cheaper coffin will save you money.

  • Pre-paid funeral plans or funeral insurance offer a way to pay for your own funeral before you die.

Bench under a tree on an autumn day

How much is a funeral?

The cost of a funeral in the UK can range from a few thousand pounds to more than £10,000, depending on various factors.

According to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, the average cost of a funeral is £4,141. This was up 4.7% from the previous year and is calculated using a weighted average of burial and cremation prices.

What are the different funeral options?

  • Burial

The average cost of a traditional funeral, involving a service, funeral procession, burial of the body in a graveyard and a headstone or memorial, was £5,077 according to SunLife.

Funeral director fees account for the largest proportion of the fees. These include costs for funeral personnel, and the services and items they provide such as the coffin and vehicles.

The cost of the casket or coffin also has a big influence on the cost, as does the choice of headstone or memorial.

Funeral director fees also include disbursements which are fees paid to third parties, such as a minister, doctors and the cemetery or crematorium.

  • Cremation

The cost of typical cremation costs £3,795, according to SunLife. Cost include the cremation fee, which can vary in different parts of the UK, the minister or celebrant fee and doctors' fees for cremation forms.

Legally, a deceased person cannot be cremated until the cause of death is definitely known and properly recorded. Before cremation takes place two certificates must be signed, one by the GP and one by another doctor. The fees are usually charged to the funeral director who generally passes on the cost to the family.

  • Direct burial

A direct burial is a straightforward burial with no service, mourners or ceremony. This no-frills option is cheaper than a traditional service, with an average cost of £1,657 according to SunLife.

  • Direct cremation

Similarly, a direct cremation is a straightforward cremation without a service. This is the cheapest option, typically costing £1,498.

What extras could I add and what would they cost?

Extra services are usually added to traditional burials or cremations, rather than direct burials or cremations.

  • Extras and their typical costs* are:

  • Flowers: £220

  • Venue hire for the wake: £347

  • Catering: £476

  • Death notice: £81

  • Funeral notice: £93

  • Order of service booklets: £111

  • Limos or hearse: £411

*Costs from SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024.

Is there VAT on funeral costs?

The services of the funeral director, minister and cemetery or crematorium are exempt from VAT, but items such as flowers, catering or any form of memorial are liable to VAT.

How can I reduce the cost of a funeral?

While funerals are expensive, there are various ways to reduce the costs without compromising on the dignity of the service. Here are some practical steps to save money:

  • Consider direct cremation

This is a simple, no-frills funeral option where the body is cremated without a ceremony. It’s the cheapest option, and the ashes can be returned to the family if desired. A direct burial is the next cheapest option.

  • Shop around for funeral directors

Funeral directors’ fees can vary widely. It's important to compare quotes from different funeral homes to find one that suits your budget.

Websites such as Funeral Choice or Funeral Guide can help you compare funeral director prices in your area.

  • Opt for a simple coffin or casket

Coffins and caskets can be a significant expense. Consider choosing a simpler, less expensive coffin. Wooden or cardboard coffins are often cheaper and are still a dignified choice.

  • Choose a cheaper timeslot

Choosing a cheaper slot for the burial or cremation, such as an early morning or a weekday slot, can lower the cost.

  • Spend less on flowers

Opting for simple floral arrangements or asking for donations to a charity instead can save a substantial amount.

  • Have a home wake

Instead of hiring a venue for the wake or send-off, host this at your home and ask guests to contribute food.

Can I get financial help to pay for a funeral?

If you are on certain benefits, you may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government.

You won’t have to repay this money personally, but if the person who has died left money or property, the payment might have to be paid back out of that.

If you can’t cover the cost of a funeral, you can get help from the local council who can organise a ‘public health funeral’ which is a basic funeral for the person who died.

Which insurance products cover funeral costs?

Pre-paid funeral plans or funeral insurance are marketed as a way to secure a funeral at today’s prices. By planning ahead, you can lock in current rates and avoid inflation.

However, these plans, which are usually payable by monthly instalments, can sometimes lead to you paying more than necessary.

Funeral insurance plans normally cover cost such as the coffin, funeral director, cremation or burial, and collection and delivery the body. But they might not include extras such as flowers and the wake, or the burial plot itself.

You can buy a funeral plan from either a funeral-plan provider or directly from a funeral director. The firm you buy it from will need to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to sell plans.

Providers usually offer three different plans: basic, standard and comprehensive.

Is funeral insurance worth it?

Funeral insurance or a prepaid funeral can offer peace of mind, so you can rest assured that your funeral costs are taken are of to a certain extent. They also offer the opportunity to set out your wishes about the type of send-off you want.

Many funeral insurance policies lock in the price of your funeral services, which can be beneficial if costs rise in the future. You can normally pay for your policy in instalments, rather than paying a lump sum.

Under new FCA rules, a funeral plan will always provide a funeral. The only exception is if you die within two years of taking it out, in which case a refund will be offered.

On the downside, funeral plans can be expensive. You may end up paying more than the funeral’s actual cost. Some policies don’t cover everything, meaning your family could still be left with out-of-pocket expenses.

Life insurance to cover funeral costs

Life insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides your loved ones with a cash lump sum. Part of this money can be used to cover the funeral expenses.

However, legally, your beneficiaries have the freedom to decide how to use the life insurance payout. They are not required by law to spend it on the funeral.

Some insurers offer funeral life insurance add-ons to their policies. This sets a certain amount of money aside to pay f

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