In this article we answer your questions about the costs of a funeral.
How much does a funeral cost?
The most recent edition of the SunLife Cost of Dying Report estimates that the average cost of a basic funeral in the UK is around £4,141.
What is the most expensive item when planning a funeral?
The most expensive aspect of a funeral is usually the burial plot, followed by the coffin and funeral director fees. Costs vary by region and by type of funeral. It’s also important to be aware of disbursements. These refer to third-party costs that a funeral director pays on your behalf as part of arranging a funeral. These are not part of the funeral director’s own fees but are necessary expenses associated with the service. Common disbursements include:
- Crematorium or burial fees
- Clergy or officiant fees
- Doctors’ fees for certificates (in the case of cremation)
- Newspaper obituary notices
- Flowers or transportation
So, when discussing funeral costs, it’s important to remember that in addition to the coffin, burial plot, and funeral director’s fees, disbursements can significantly add to the overall cost.
On the whole, cremations tend to cost less than burial.
For a more detailed look at funeral costs, visit our guide on funeral costs in the UK.
What is the most popular type of funeral?
The Financial Times notes that cremations currently account for approximately 80% of the UK’s funerals. However, there are several different types of cremation. For example:
- Direct cremation : an unattended cremation.
- Early morning cremation : a 15 minute cremation service between 8:30-9:30am at a choice of 150 specific crematoriums.
- Cremation and service : an attended cremation service at any crematorium.
- Traditional cremation : an attended cremation service with funeral procession from the home.
What is the most popular day to hold a funeral?
Weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are the most common days for funerals. Weekend funerals are rare and often more expensive.
What is the cheapest type of funeral?
The cheapest type of funeral is a direct cremation. A direct cremation is an unattended cremation where the body is cremated with no accompanying funeral service and no mourners present. After the cremation, the ashes of the deceased are returned to their family for them to do with as they choose.
An unattended direct cremation can cost as little as £1,140 through With Grace.
Is direct cremation a popular funeral option?
Yes. Over the past five years, direct cremation has become one of the fastest-growing types of funeral in the UK. 1 in 5 cremations are now direct cremations.
Does direct cremation cost the same from all funeral providers?
No. As with all types of funeral, the costs vary enormously between different providers. One of the best value providers of direct cremation is With Grace, whose direct cremation plans start at £1,140. As a comparison, Pure Cremation would charge £1,495 for the same service*.
How can I save money on the cost of a funeral?
Firstly, it’s always important to check whether the deceased person had either a funeral plan or funeral insurance in place. A funeral plan means that the whole of the funeral cost is already paid for and you don’t need to pay anything else. If they had funeral insurance – or Over-50’s insurance – you will be able to claim money from the insurance policy which should cover some or all of the costs of the funeral.
However, if neither of these is the case, there are still ways to save money on the cost of a funeral. With Grace can arrange an unattended direct cremation from £1,140 and an attended cremation from £1,917.
Whatever type of funeral you choose, there are always ways in which you can reduce the overall cost. For example, using private cars instead of limousines, teaming up with others to buy flowers (or bringing your own), or having a simple wake in a home rather than an external venue.
And always remember that if you need any further support and guidance with funeral planning, remember that With Grace is here to help.
*Correct at time of publication – July 2025
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