Death is an inevitable part of life, and when a loved one passes away, coping with grief is just one aspect of the challenges that you are faced with. Funeral costs can add significant stress to an already emotional time.
In the UK, funerals can be expensive, making it crucial for individuals and families to have a comprehensive understanding of the various expenses involved. That is why in this article we want to talk about the expenses that come with this process.
1. What are the funeral costs?
Funerals tend to reach great costs depending on what you might choose. In the UK, some of the expenses typically consist of several components, including:
a) Funeral director fees: in most cases when you need to plan a funeral you might opt for the help of a funeral director that has experience in this area and can help you with every aspect that comes with this process. Details such as arranging the funeral, preparing necessary documents, and coordinating with the cemetery or crematorium, are a few things that a funeral director can help you with.
b) Coffin, casket or urn: the cost of the coffin/casket/urn varies depending on the material, design, and craftsmanship.
c) Cremation or burial fees: these charges are set by the crematorium or cemetery and cover the cost of the service itself.
d) Transportation: here, the costs depend on where you need to take the deceased and if you have the funeral at a different location as the memorial service, this contributes to the overall expenses.
e) Venue and catering: if you choose to hold a gathering after the funeral ends, there will be expenses associated with renting a venue or maybe you want the gathering to be held at your house in which case you may opt for a catering service that will provide you with everything.
f) Flowers and memorial cards: in most cases, if floral arrangements and memorial cards are something you would like to have at your loved ones funeral, they are not a substantial expense but overall they will add on to the final costs.
2. What to take into consideration
We already established that funerals can get very expensive really fast. It’s not wrong or disrespectful to take a minute and think about the costs that come with this process. Your loved one would not want for you to get into debt to pay for their funeral.
You may want to reach out to a funeral director for their expertise in order for you to take a burden off your shoulders. Don't hesitate to get at least two quotes, and choose the one that fits your needs better. And keep in mind that the more expensive options don’t necessarily make a better funeral. Words, music and actions can be more meaningful than expensive cars and coffins.
3. What can you do in order to cut down costs?
One of the things you can do is pre-planning. What does this mean? Pre-planning your funeral allows you to make decisions about the type of service you want and lock in today's prices. You can buy a burial plot in advance, and put some money in a savings account.
Look into funeral plans and insurance policies. They can provide financial assistance to cover some of your funeral expenses.
Another method is to opt for a direct cremation. Choosing direct cremation, without a formal service, can be a more affordable option. In most cases a traditional funeral will end up costing you around 2 500£ up to 6 000£, if you choose a direct cremation, at Funero we have a fixed price of 990£.
Understanding funeral costs in the UK is crucial in order to make informed choices during a difficult time. Planning ahead, exploring options, and seeking financial assistance if needed can go a long way in managing funeral costs effectively.
We are here to help you with any question you might have, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@funero.co.uk.