Planning a funeral can be overwhelming – especially immediately after a death. Many people are surprised by how much a funeral can cost, particularly if they’ve never had to organise one before.
This guide outlines practical ways to keep funeral costs down while still honouring the life of the person who has died. It also helps clarify what you are and are not legally required to do, and encourages making plans in advance to avoid unnecessary stress.
Understanding funeral costs
According to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, the average cost of a simple attended funeral in 2024 was approximately £4,285, a 3.5% increase from the previous year. In Northern Ireland, funerals tend to cost less than the national average. In London and other major cities, costs are typically higher.
Many people don’t realise that numerous elements traditionally associated with a funeral – such as flowers, a headstone, clergy or celebrant fees, and vehicles – are optional.
Direct cremation
A direct cremation is when a body is cremated without a funeral service or attendees. It’s often more affordable because:
Crematoria can schedule these outside peak hours (e.g., early mornings).
There are no costs for venues, officiants, or transportation of attendees.
Some families hold a separate memorial or celebration of life at a later date, in a setting of their choice – often more personal and cost-effective.
You have options
You are not legally required to have a funeral. You can choose:
Whether or not to use a funeral director.
Whether to hold a funeral service or any kind of celebration.
How you want your own death or a loved one’s death to be acknowledged.
Common funeral costs and how to reduce them
Here’s a breakdown of typical funeral costs and ways to save money:
Location and fees
Burial or cremation location: Prices vary widely by area. Check costs at local cemeteries or crematoria.
Home burial is legal but has restrictions – plan this well in advance.
Direct cremation is often the cheapest option.
Early morning services may be cheaper than those later in the day.
Weekend services usually cost more.
Ceremony costs
Officiant or celebrant: Ask a friend or family member to lead the service, though note it may affect their ability to grieve.
Admin and legal forms: If not using a funeral director, you’ll need to organise documents like the cremation certificate yourself.
Body preparation
Embalming: Not required unless for specific reasons (e.g., extended viewing).
Viewing the body: Avoid out-of-hours fees by scheduling during office hours. Home viewing is also an option.
Coffins, urns and clothing
Coffins: Request the least expensive option, or buy one yourself.
Shrouds: May be cheaper than coffins, but are not always permitted for cremation.
Urns: Shop around or purchase in advance.
Transport and staffing
Vehicles: Use only a hearse, or none at all. Friends and family can drive themselves.
Body collection: In some cases, you may collect the body yourself with proper paperwork.
Pallbearers: Ask family or friends to assist.
Extras
Flowers: Use flowers from your garden, ask attendees to bring some, or skip them entirely.
Charity donations: Consider asking for donations in lieu of flowers.
Notices: Avoid paid newspaper announcements; use free options like social media or homemade notices.
Order of service: Create and print your own.
Venue hire: Host gatherings at home or a local pub.
Catering: Ask guests to bring food or prepare simple refreshments at home.
Memorials: Use an online memorial site or create a special space at home.
Grave markers: Some cemeteries allow simple homemade markers – check local rules.
Planning in advance
Making your wishes known ahead of time is one of the most effective ways to reduce stress and unnecessary costs for your family:
Decide: Think about what kind of send-off you want, if any.
Document: Write down your preferences and include them with your will or in an end-of-life planning folder.
Communicate: Make sure your family or friends know where to find this information.