In this article we answer your questions about the costs of a funeral.
How much does a funeral cost in the UK?
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. This figure highlights basic funeral costs only and does not include optional extras or optional funeral costs such as venue hire or service sheets. Plus, funeral expenses vary depending on whether you choose a burial funeral or a cremation funeral.
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. Burial funerals often include items such as interment fees and church fees, which can add significantly to the total cost.
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 professional fees but are necessary expenses associated with the service. Common third-party fees and 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, cremation fees tend to be lower than burial costs.
For a more detailed look at funeral prices and how to cover 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 attract higher funeral fees.
What is the cheapest type of funeral?
The cheapest type of funeral is a direct cremation. A direct cremation is an unattended funeral where the body is cremated with no accompanying funeral service and no mourners present. After the cremation, the ashes of the loved one are returned to their family members for them to do with as they choose.
An unattended direct cremation can cost as little as £1,140 through With Grace, making it a low-cost and simple funeral option compared to a burial.
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. One in five cremations are now direct cremations. Many families choose it to reduce funeral costs while still arranging a meaningful send-off later.
Does direct cremation cost the same from all funeral providers?
No. As with all types of funeral, the costs vary depending on the provider. One of the best value direct cremation providers is With Grace, whose plans start at £1,140.
As a comparison, Pure Cremation would charge £1,495 for the same service*. While some funeral providers may charge the same rate, others include additional services and optional extras, so it is always worth checking.
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 prepaid funeral plan, life insurance policy 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-50s 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 funeral arrangements. With Grace can arrange an unattended direct cremation from £1,140 and an attended cremation from £1,917, ensuring care of the deceased with dignity.
Whatever type of funeral you choose, there are always ways in which you can reduce funeral costs. For example, using private cars instead of limousines, teaming up with others to buy flowers (or bringing your own), choosing a simple coffin, or having a simple wake in a home rather than an external venue.
If families do not have enough money to pay for a funeral, they may qualify for government help such as a funeral expenses payment or, in some cases, a public health funeral provided by the local authority.
And always remember that if you need any further support and guidance with funeral planning, remember that With Grace is here to help with funeral arrangements near you.
*Correct at time of publication – July 2025
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