Cheapest Funeral UK: How to Arrange Affordable Funeral from £995 2026

How do I arrange a cheap funeral in the UK?

To arrange a cheap funeral UK, choose direct cremation (£995-£1,800)—the cheapest option with no service, body cremated without mourners, ashes returned. Simple cremation with service costs £1,800-£2,500. Simple burial costs £2,000-£3,000. Compare 3+ funeral directors to save £1,000+. Steps: 1) Register death (5 days). 2) Choose funeral type (direct cremation cheapest). 3) Get 3+ quotes from funeral directors. 4) Book crematorium/cemetery slot. 5) Apply for Funeral Expenses Payment if on benefits (covers up to £1,000+). Average UK funeral costs £4,141—you can arrange affordable funeral for 75% less with direct cremation.

Cheapest option: Direct cremation £995-£1,800—no service, deceased cremated without mourners, ashes returned to family. Providers: Pure Cremation (£995), Simplicity (£1,195), Co-op (£1,595)
Simple cremation with service £1,800-£2,500—short 20-30 min service at crematorium, basic coffin, hearse (no limousines), ashes returned
Simple burial £2,000-£3,000—basic service, simple coffin, council burial plot (cheaper than private cemetery by £500-£1,000)
Save £1,000+ by: Comparing 3+ funeral directors (prices vary £800+), skipping limousines (save £200-£400), choosing simple coffin (save £300-£1,000), DIY flowers/catering (save £200-£500)
Financial help available: Funeral Expenses Payment if on benefits (covers up to £1,000+ for burial, £700 cremation), funeral director payment plans (0-12% APR), pre-paid funeral plans (from £1,695)
Regional costs vary: London funerals cost 20-30% more (£1,200-£2,200 direct cremation). Birmingham, Brighton, Manchester offer most affordable options (£995-£1,500)

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Funeral Cost Options: From Cheapest to Most Expensive

When arranging a funeral in the UK, understanding your options helps you choose the most appropriate service within your budget.

1. Direct Cremation

CHEAPEST

£1,000 - £1,800

No service at the crematorium. The deceased is collected, cremated without mourners present, and ashes returned to the family. You can hold a memorial service separately at your own pace. See our complete guide to direct cremation for detailed provider comparisons, pricing, and step-by-step guidance.

✓ What's Included:

• Collection of deceased
• Simple coffin
• Cremation without service
• Return of ashes

Who It's For:

• Budget-conscious families
• Those wanting simple arrangements
• Families preferring separate memorial

2. Simple Cremation with Service

£1,800 - £2,500

Basic attended cremation with a short service at the crematorium (typically 20-30 minutes). Family and friends can attend to say goodbye.

✓ What's Included:

• Collection of deceased
• Simple coffin
• Short crematorium service
• Hearse (no limousines)
• Return of ashes

Who It's For:

• Those wanting a modest service
• Small gatherings (10-30 people)
• Families on a tight budget

3. Standard Cremation

£3,500 - £4,200

Traditional cremation service with more options: better coffin, longer service time, limousines, flowers, and wake.

4. Standard Burial

£4,000 - £5,500

Traditional burial including plot purchase (£1,000-£5,000), service, and funeral director fees.

How to Arrange a Cheap Funeral: Step-by-Step

Arranging an affordable funeral doesn't mean compromising on dignity. Follow these steps to get the best value while honoring your loved one:

Ways to Reduce Funeral Costs

1. Skip the Limousines

Save: £150-£300

Family can drive their own cars to the funeral. The hearse is usually still needed for the deceased, but limousines are optional.

2. Choose a Simple Coffin

Save: £200-£2,000

Veneer or pine coffins work just as well as solid oak. Some families choose cardboard or wicker coffins (eco-friendly and much cheaper).

3. Limit Flowers

Save: £100-£400

Request "family flowers only" or ask for charitable donations instead. A simple spray from family is enough.

4. DIY Order of Service

Save: £50-£150

Design and print at home or use an online template. Much cheaper than professional printing.

5. Hold Wake at Home

Save: £200-£1,000

Instead of hiring a venue, host the wake at home or ask a friend/ family member. Provide simple refreshments rather than catered food.

6. Compare Funeral Directors

Save: £500-£1,500

Get quotes from 3+ funeral directors. Prices vary hugely—even in the same town—for the exact same service. Our average funeral costs guide shows typical price ranges by region.

Is a Cheap Funeral Right for You?

Choosing an affordable funeral is a practical decision that many families make. Consider these factors:

✓ A Cheap Funeral Makes Sense If:

• Budget is tight and you need to save £2,000+
• Deceased preferred simplicity and didn't want fuss
• You'll hold a memorial later when family can gather
• Religious/cultural traditions allow simple arrangements
• You want to avoid funeral debt and financial stress
• Small family with few mourners expected

⚠ You Might Want Traditional Funeral If:

• Large community expects to attend service
• Cultural/religious requirements specify traditional funeral
• Deceased expressly requested traditional service
• Estate has funds to cover costs without hardship
• Family consensus strongly favors traditional approach

Remember:

A cheaper funeral doesn't mean less love or respect. Many people now see expensive funerals as unnecessary, preferring to spend money on living family members or charitable causes the deceased cared about. There's no right or wrong choice—only what feels appropriate for your situation and budget.

Common Myths About Cheap Funerals

Let's clear up some misconceptions about affordable funerals:

❌ Myth 1: "Cheap funerals are disrespectful"

✓ Reality: Respect and dignity have nothing to do with cost. A £1,000 direct cremation provides the same professional care as a £5,000 traditional funeral. The deceased is handled with respect regardless of price. Many people specifically request simple, affordable funerals to avoid burdening their families.

❌ Myth 2: "You can't say goodbye with direct cremation"

✓ Reality: Some providers offer private viewings before cremation (small extra cost). You can also hold a memorial service weeks or months later, giving you more time to plan a meaningful celebration of life without the pressure of arranging it within days of the death.

❌ Myth 3: "Cheaper means lower quality service"

✓ Reality: Low-cost providers use the same crematoria and cemeteries as expensive funeral directors. The cremation process is identical. What you're saving on are extras like fancy coffins, limousines, and expensive venues—not on the care of your loved one.

❌ Myth 4: "No one chooses cheap funerals unless desperate"

✓ Reality: 1 in 4 UK families now choose direct cremation—not because they're desperate, but because it makes financial sense. Many wealthy people choose simple funerals because they don't see the point in expensive ceremonies. It's become a mainstream, respected choice across all income levels.

❌ Myth 5: "You'll regret not having a 'proper' funeral"

✓ Reality: Most families who choose affordable funerals report feeling relieved, not regretful. Avoiding funeral debt and financial stress allows you to grieve properly. You can still honor your loved one with a personal memorial service, scattering ceremony, or charitable donation in their name—none of which require expensive funeral director fees.

❌ Myth 6: "Cheap funerals are only for people with no family"

✓ Reality: Large, loving families frequently choose direct cremation or simple funerals. They prefer to gather at home for a memorial where they can share stories, photos, and memories in a personal setting—often more meaningful than a formal crematorium service with a 20-minute time limit.

Financial Help Available

Financial assistance is available to help with the funeral arrangement process. If you're struggling to pay for a funeral, these sources of financial help may be available:

Funeral Expenses Payment

If you're on certain benefits (Universal Credit, Income Support, etc.) and arranging the funeral, you can apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government.

• Covers: Burial/cremation fees, travel, death certificate, up to £1,000 for other costs
• Doesn't cover: Flowers, headstones, wake costs
• Apply online via GOV.UK within 6 months of the funeral

Bereavement Support Payment

If your partner died and you were under State Pension age, you may qualify for Bereavement Support Payment (£2,500 upfront + monthly payments for 18 months).

Apply online via GOV.UK.

Pay from the Deceased's Estate

If the deceased had savings or assets, you can often access funds to pay for the funeral before probate. Banks will usually release money for funeral costs with proof (funeral director invoice).

Payment Plans

Many funeral directors offer payment plans (monthly instalments). Ask about this when getting quotes. Read our funeral payment plans guide for details on financing options.

Public Health Funeral

If absolutely no one can pay, the local council will arrange a basic "public health funeral" (also called pauper's funeral). This is a simple, dignified cremation or burial.

The council may try to recover costs from the deceased's estate later.

Regional Price Variations

Funeral costs vary by location. Here's a rough guide to average direct cremation costs across the UK:

Region	Direct Cremation	Simple Service
London	£1,400-£2,000	£2,200-£3,000
South East	£1,200-£1,800	£2,000-£2,600
North West	£1,000-£1,500	£1,800-£2,400
Scotland	£1,100-£1,600	£1,900-£2,500
Wales	£1,000-£1,400	£1,800-£2,300

These are averages. Individual funeral directors may charge more or less. Always get written quotes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is direct cremation disrespectful?

No. Direct cremation is a personal choice and increasingly popular. Many families hold a meaningful memorial service later, giving them more time to plan and less financial pressure.

Can I still say goodbye with a direct cremation?

Some direct cremation providers offer optional private viewings before cremation (small additional cost). You can also hold a memorial service with the ashes present.

What's the absolute minimum I can spend?

Around £1,000 for a direct cremation from budget providers (Pure Cremation, Simplicity). This includes collection, simple coffin, cremation, and return of ashes—everything legally required.

Are "cheap" funerals lower quality?

Not necessarily. Lower-cost options simply remove extras (fancy coffins, limousines, elaborate services). The care and professionalism remain the same. Check reviews to ensure quality service.

Cheapest Funeral Options in the UK