How much does a funeral cost in the UK?

The average cremation funeral costs around £3,596, and burial around £4,561. According to The Guardian, a basic funeral now averages about £4,285, with the total cost of dying nearing £9,800 when including the wake and other services.

What types of funerals are there in the UK?

Types include traditional burial, cremation, direct cremation, green/eco burials, burial at sea, and religious ceremonies. Costs range from £1,300 to over £5,000 depending on type and services chosen.

Is burial or cremation better?

It depends on personal, religious, environmental, and financial preferences. Cremation is more common and often less expensive, while burial offers a physical gravesite and may align with religious traditions.

What is direct cremation?

A simple, no-service cremation where the remains are returned to the family. It typically costs between £1,395–£1,700 and allows families to hold a separate personal memorial later.

What is a celebration of life?

A less formal, often non-religious service that reflects the person’s life. It may happen before or after cremation or burial and allows for more personalization.

What are the legal requirements after a death in the UK?

Key steps include registering the death, obtaining the death certificate, and informing relevant organisations. A detailed checklist can help guide families through the process.

What should I ask a funeral director?

Ask about cost coverage, included services, cremation vs burial options, customisation, paperwork, transportation, and coffin choices. It’s important to understand all available options.

What is proper funeral etiquette in the UK?

Etiquette varies, but respect and empathy are key. While some funerals are formal, others are more relaxed. Avoid common misconceptions and follow the family's lead on tone and customs.

What should I bring to a funeral?

Typically, flowers, a sympathy card, or a charitable donation are appropriate. It’s also good to bring tissues. Always check if the family has specific requests.

What is a green or eco-burial?

A green burial avoids embalming fluids and metal caskets. It uses biodegradable materials and natural burial sites like meadows or woodlands. Grave markers are usually natural or GPS-based.

All you need to know about a direct cremation

Direct cremations are growing in popularity in the UK. Until relatively recently, most of us had probably never heard of the concept. But since the pop icon David Bowie opted for a direct cremation in 2016, it is becoming increasingly familiar, and the topic of many daytime TV ads.

Direct cremations are growing in popularity in the UK

But what exactly is a direct cremation? Are there any advantages to a direct cremation rather than a more traditional cremation? How do the costs compare? And how would you go about organising a direct cremation if you sadly lose a loved one?

In this article we answer those questions and tell you all you need to know about direct cremations.

What is a direct cremation?

A direct cremation is an unattended cremation where the body is cremated without mourners being present and with no accompanying funeral service.

After the cremation, the ashes of the deceased are returned to their family for them to do with as they choose.

What are the advantages of a direct cremation?

Some may feel a little uncomfortable with the concept of a direct cremation, perhaps feeling that it isn’t respectful of their loved one’s body, or is not enough of a “send off” for them. Others may have deeply held religious beliefs that determine a different kind of process when a loved one dies.

However, there is growing acceptance of direct cremations in the UK, and many people are beginning to choose them. Some advantages include:

Less pressure to make emotional decisions immediately after a death.
The flexibility to plan a personal memorial or celebration at a later date.
Freedom to choose a non-traditional celebration, like a gathering at home or outdoors.
It’s more eco-friendly, reducing environmental impact compared to traditional services.
It is significantly more affordable than a traditional funeral.

How do the costs compare between a direct and attended cremation?

According to SunLife’s 2024 Cost of Dying Report, the average cost of a simple attended funeral reached an all-time high of £4,285. This includes funeral director fees, cremation, coffin, limousine, and celebrant. By contrast, a direct cremation averages £1,498.

Choosing a direct cremation may leave more room to spend on a personal memorial or charitable donation instead.

How would you go about organising a direct cremation?

If you decide on a direct cremation for a loved one—or want to plan ahead for yourself Funerals with Grace can help. We offer a personalised funeral planning service that can help you arrange the best immediate cremation at the lowest price.

Whether you need a funeral now or want to set up a prepaid plan, we’ll support you every step of the way. If you need help, we are here for you.

We can help with arrangements at any time.

If you are receiving end of life care and haven’t made any decisions yet; or have any questions, you can talk to one of our team 24 hours a day on 0800 471 4689 or email us on support@withgrace.com