How to Plan a Funeral on a Budget

Funerals are an inevitable part of life, but they can also be a significant financial burden. The average cost of a funeral in the UK is rising, with some families facing bills of up to £5,000 or more for a typical service. A typical funeral service in the UK usually involves a hearse transporting the coffin to a crematorium or church, followed by a ceremony led by a celebrant or clergy before either a committal for cremation or a burial.

While it’s impossible to predict when a funeral will take place, planning for this expense can help reduce the stress of paying for it when the time comes.

In this guide, we’ll discuss how much a funeral costs, factors that influence the price, and how a prepaid funeral plan can help you plan a funeral on a budget while still providing a respectful and meaningful service for your loved ones.

How Much Does a Funeral Cost?

How Much Does the Average Funeral Cost?

On average, the cost of a funeral in the UK is typically between £4,000-£5,000, depending on the level of service and region. This includes the funeral director’s fee, transportation and a coffin. More elaborate arrangements can push the total cost to £7,000 or more.

In general, funeral directors’ fees and the cost of the coffin/casket and disbursements are the largest portions of the total cost, but other factors, such as venue rental, flowers and catering for wakes, can increase the final bill.

How Much Does a Basic Funeral Cost?

A basic funeral is usually less expensive, with costs ranging from £1,650 to £4,000, depending on whether it is attended or direct, and whether it involves a cremation or burial.

How Much Does a Traditional Funeral Cost?

A traditional funeral, which includes additional services like a larger selection of flowers, a more expensive coffin, a memorial service, and transportation, can cost between £4,000-£7,000. Costs can be higher if there are additional services, such as a wake or personalised elements.

Factors That Influence the Cost of a Funeral

Each decision, from the type of service to the location, can influence the overall cost of a funeral.

Location

The region where the funeral is held plays a role in the overall cost, according to the Cost of Dying Report by SunLife. Funerals in major cities such as London tend to be more expensive due to higher service charges and burial or cremation fees. On the other hand, funerals in rural areas or smaller towns may have lower associated costs. Additionally, regional variations can affect the availability of services like cemeteries, memorials and specific funeral directors.

Type of Service

The type of funeral you choose will also influence the cost:

• Basic funeral: basic coffin, no limo, mid-week funeral (no choice of date/time) and a hearse.
• Simple funeral: choice of date/time of service, mid-range coffin, limo and a minister.
• Bespoke or premium funeral: a service, high-quality coffin, multiple limos, order of service, horse-drawn carriage and obituary notice.
• Direct cremation/burial: no attendees.

Customising a service with additional elements, such as live music, a special venue or a memorial video can also increase costs.

Personalisation

Funeral costs can rise if you choose to personalise the service. Some families opt for unique touches, like personalised coffins, memorial plaques or themed services. Special requests for transportation, such as hiring a vintage car or a horse-drawn carriage, can also add to the cost. The more bespoke and individualised the funeral, the higher the expenses may be.

Time of Year

During peak times, such as holidays or certain seasons when funeral services may be in high demand, costs may rise due to increased demand for venues, services and funeral directors.

Breaking Down the Specific Costs of a Funeral

How Much Are Funeral Director’s Fees?

The funeral director’s fees include the essential services provided by the funeral home, such as transporting the deceased, preparing the body, and coordinating the logistics of the funeral.

These fees typically range from £1,500 to £2,500 for a basic service. This may increase if additional services are included, such as embalming, use of facilities for the wake, or assistance with legal paperwork.

How Much Are Officiant Fees?

If you choose to have a religious or non-religious ceremony, an officiant (minister, priest, celebrant, etc.) will typically be required to conduct the service. Officiant fees can range from £150-£260. Some funeral directors may include officiant services in their package, while others may charge separately.

How Much Does a Coffin, Casket or Urn Cost?

Coffins, caskets and urns come in a range of materials and styles, from basic wood or metal models to more elaborate designs made from premium materials like mahogany or polished bronze. The cost of a coffin, casket or urn will depend on the material and style you choose.

How Much Does a Funeral Plot Cost?

If you choose burial, the cost of a burial plot can vary depending on location. In the UK, the burial costs can range from £500, depending on the cemetery and whether the plot is for a single person or a family plot. There may also be fees for the grave’s preparation, including digging and installing the headstone.

How Much Does a Wake Cost and is it Included in the Funeral Costs?

The wake or post-funeral reception is often a significant part of the funeral process, allowing family and friends to gather and remember the deceased.

While the cost of a wake can vary based on location, the size of the gathering and the type of catering, a typical wake can cost anywhere from £1,000-£4,000 or more. This may include the cost of hiring a venue, catering and drinks.

Typically, the wake is not included in the funeral costs. However, some funeral directors may offer packages that bundle the funeral and wake services together. It’s important to clarify with your funeral director what is included in the funeral package to avoid unexpected costs.

How Much is Transport for a Funeral?

A hearse is typically used to transport the deceased, and the cost for this service depends on the type of vehicle chosen. Additional transport for family members, such as limousines or minibuses, can also increase costs.

How Much Are Flowers for a Funeral?

Floral arrangements are often included in the funeral service, with prices varying depending on the complexity and type of flowers chosen. A simple bouquet or wreath can be affordable, while larger displays or custom arrangements can be more expensive.

Who Pays for a Funeral?

Understanding who is responsible for funeral costs and how funeral expenses are paid is important to ensure that the costs are covered and manageable.

Is Next of Kin Responsible for Funeral Costs?

In the UK, the next of kin or close family members are typically responsible for covering the funeral costs. However, there are no specific legal obligations for someone to pay for the funeral. That said, the family usually arranges payment unless the deceased has made prior arrangements, such as through a prepaid funeral plan.

If you are the next of kin and find yourself responsible for funeral expenses, it’s important to understand that these costs must be paid upfront, even if the deceased has assets or an estate. The costs will usually need to be paid to the funeral director before the funeral service is conducted, although some funeral directors may allow payment to be spread out if a funeral plan is in place.

Do Funeral Costs Come Out of the Estate?

Funeral costs are typically paid out of the deceased’s estate. This means that, once the will is probated and the estate is in order, the funeral expenses will usually be reimbursed from the estate’s assets. However, this can take some time, and families may need to cover the initial costs themselves before the estate settlement.

It’s important to note that the funeral costs should be prioritised over other debts when accessing the estate. This means that funeral expenses can be reimbursed before other outstanding payments, such as credit card debts or loans, are settled.

Why Prepaid Funeral Plans are the Most Affordable Option

One of the most effective ways to avoid a heavy financial burden when the time comes is to plan ahead with a prepaid funeral plan. A prepaid plan allows you to lock in today’s prices, protecting you and your family from rising funeral costs.

Golden Leaves’ prepaid funeral plans offer a range of options to fit different budgets, ensuring that your loved ones are not left with an unexpected financial burden. By paying for your funeral in advance, you guarantee that your wishes will be respected, and you provide your family with peace of mind during a difficult time.

The benefits of choosing a prepaid funeral plan include:

• Cost certainty: locking in today’s prices ensures that you won’t be affected by inflation or rising funeral costs in the future.
• Financial peace of mind: your loved ones won’t have to worry about how to pay for the funeral, which can alleviate stress during an already emotional time, unless they add other services to the funeral.
• A range of options: prepaid funeral plans can be tailored to your preferences, so you can choose the level of service that suits your budget.

By being aware of the typical costs involved in planning a funeral, and considering options like prepaid funeral plans, you can ease the financial burden on your loved ones during a difficult time.

At Golden Leaves, we offer a variety of funeral plans that can help lock in today’s prices, providing financial security and peace of mind for you and your family. For more information about planning a funeral or to explore our prepaid funeral plans, get in touch with us today by calling 0800 85 44 48 or request a callback.