
Understanding Funeral Costs - A Guide
Attending a funeral is hard enough, but planning a funeral whilst also grieving for a loved one is one of the hardest things that many of us will have to do.
Beyond the emotional side of things, the stress of planning the actual service and dealing with the admin that surrounds both the service and the death - one of the biggest challenges is the associated financial worries.
Sometimes, these costs can be covered in the will and taken as part of the sum of the estate or in a pre-paid funeral plan. But sometimes a person’s passing may be unexpected and there may be additional costs that you weren’t expecting.
To help alleviate some stress that you may be experiencing or expect to experience in the future, we’ve put together a rough guide of costs associated with a death and funeral.
This breakdown of what to expect should hopefully help give you more understanding and preparation. There are a few rough price estimates listed but do keep in mind that costs can vary depending on location and change over time.
Administrative Fees Before and After the Funeral
First, it’s useful to remember that admin fees will appear from time to time for certain different services.
This can start long before death. There are associated costs with having a will legally and professionally written, as well as fees for dealing with the will. The cost of a will varies from under £100 to a few hundred, depending on its complexity.
After a death occurs, you will need to register it. It costs around £12.50 for a copy of the death certificate; you may need copies in order to notify banks and insurance companies, deal with property matters and other administrative reasons.
There will also be fees to expect after the funeral, when dealing with the estate. This includes applying for probate, which gives a person the legal right to deal with someone’s estate (property, money, possessions) after they die. The person who can apply for probate will usually be named as an executor in the will.
The cost of applying for probate is £200+ for estates valued over £5,000, but there is no fee if the estate is under £5,000.
Prepaid Funeral
As mentioned, your loved one may have opted to purchase a prepaid funeral plan. The cost of everything is continuously rising, and funerals are no different. But with a prepaid funeral plan, the cost of a funeral when the plan is purchased is locked in, protecting you from paying more in the future.
Help to Pay
Besides a prepaid plan, it’s also useful to know that funeral directors may offer different ways to pay. There may be extra help or funding that you can get from the government and/or directors if you’re on a low income or receive certain benefits. Many directors also offer the option to pay for the funeral in instalments rather than all in one go.
Simply speak to your chosen funeral director or visit their website to discover your options.
Burial, Cremation Costs and Unattended Funerals
Costs will vary depending on whether a burial or cremation is chosen. Generally, cremations are less expensive, but each has its own uniquely associated costs.
There is also an unattended funeral, which, as the name suggests, involves no service or attendees. This can be done for both burials and cremations, though unattended cremations, also known as direct cremations, still involve the lowest costs.
Why do people choose unattended ceremonies? The costs are a big factor, but people also choose these options to celebrate life and pay tribute to their lost one in their own way.
Some people have mixed views on this; they may see an unattended service as disrespectful.
However, as traditions and attitudes change, more people are choosing this option rather than a big service. The most notable example is David Bowie, who had a direct cremation when he died in 2016 because he “wanted to go without a fuss”.
It’s still entirely understandable that people want a traditional service for family, religious, or personal reasons.
Cremation Costs
A direct cremation is usually the most affordable possible option, usually ranging from around £1,000 to £1,500.
Whereas a traditional attended cremation service at a crematorium or church will cost upwards of £3,000 - £4,000.
You will then choose an urn for the ashes, which can vary depending on the design.
Burial Costs
For burials you will need to factor in the cost of the burial plot, the coffin, and fees to cover the grave digging. There will also be the costs of the headstone.
The burial plot can vary depending on location and whether the plot is a single or double interment.
Family, usually a married couple, may be buried together in a double plot, sharing a headstone. In a popular cemetery such as somewhere in London, expect costs to be higher.
Generally, a burial plot can cost from hundreds to thousands.
The cost of a coffin also varies widely depending on the type and design. A simple wooden coffin can cost several hundred, whilst a more elaborate coffin such as a metal casket can cost thousands.
It will also cost several hundred pounds to dig the grave.
Finally, the headstone also varies depending on design. This may not be installed for several months after the funeral and burial. Average headstone prices range from £1,000 to £2,000+.
Additional Costs
Other funeral-associated costs worth mentioning include:
Flowers – vary on complexity, amount, and florist
Hearse and Cars - roughly £300 for the hearse plus £200 or more per car
Funeral Directors Fees
The Service and Celebrant’s Fees
Venue Hire
This covers the most common funeral-related costs that you can expect to encounter. There may be additional fees other than those listed here, and as stated, prices can vary due to various factors. Understanding these expenses can hopefully help you be better prepared, enabling you to plan the best possible send-off for your loved one.