Planning a funeral is a significant task. Find comprehensive guidance on funeral arrangements, costs, and making the right choices for your loved one.
Planning a funeral involves many decisions, often made during an emotionally challenging time. Understanding your options—and what different choices cost—helps you create a meaningful farewell that reflects your loved one's wishes without unexpected financial strain.
Types of funeral service: The main choice is between burial and cremation. Around 77% of funerals in the UK are now cremations, largely due to lower costs and flexibility in memorial options. Within these, you have further choices: a traditional funeral with a full service, a simple funeral with minimal ceremony, or a direct cremation/burial with no service at all.
Funeral costs in the UK vary significantly. The average cost of a funeral in 2024 is approximately £4,000 for a cremation and £5,000 for a burial, though prices vary widely by location and provider. London is typically the most expensive area. Key costs include: funeral director fees (£1,500-£2,500), cremation or burial fees (£300-£1,500), officiant fees (£100-£300), and additional items like flowers, orders of service, and catering.
Direct cremation offers a lower-cost alternative at £1,000-£2,000. The cremation happens without a service, and ashes are returned for you to hold a memorial when and where you choose. This option is increasingly popular, chosen by around 15% of families.
Choosing a funeral director: You're not obligated to use a funeral director, though most people do. When choosing, get quotes from several providers—prices can vary by hundreds of pounds. Ask for an itemised breakdown and check what's included. Look for members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).
Planning the service: Whether religious or non-religious, traditional or unique, the service should reflect the person who died. Think about: readings or poems that meant something to them, music they loved, people who should speak, and any special elements they would have wanted.
Memorial options: After a cremation, you can scatter ashes in a meaningful place (with permission if it's private land), keep them at home, inter them in a cemetery, or choose a memorial such as a tree planting, memorial bench, or cremation jewellery. Burial offers cemetery plot options, natural burial grounds, or churchyard burial if the person had a connection to the parish.
Pre-paid funeral plans: If someone had a pre-paid plan, contact the provider as soon as possible. The plan should cover some or all funeral costs, though top-up payments may be needed for optional extras or price increases.
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Farra is a digital assistant that helps with death admin and bereavement support in the UK. From registering a death to applying for probate, Farra provides step-by-step guidance, essential documents, and practical help for families navigating the administrative side of loss. Designed to bring clarity and compassion to the most difficult moments, Farra simplifies estate paperwork, bank notifications, and funeral-related tasks so you can focus on what matters.