08 November 2023
Planning a funeral isn't something anyone looks forward to, but to make your life easier, we've put together a guide based on research to help you calculate funeral costs in your area.
How much does a funeral cost?
The average cost for a funeral in the UK in 2023 was £4,450. This figure is an average of both cremation and burial costs, but more specifically, the average cost of cremation in 2023 was £4,176, and for burials it was £5,493.
The 'cost of dying' is on the increase
As you can see from the diagram here, UK funeral costs have been on an upward trend for some time, and look set to continue to rise.
If funeral fees keep rising at the current rate, the cost of a funeral could be £6,259 by 20332 - an increase of more then 40% compared to 2023.
Is the cost of living crisis affecting funeral prices?
Many households have been feeling the pinch, and the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measurement for August 2023 showed that consumer prices were 6.7% higher than a year before.
But while households may have less disposable income, that doesn’t mean funeral costs will be any cheaper. In response to the cost of living crisis, some local authorities, such as Hyndburn in East Lancashire, have opted to freeze funeral costs for local residents. As we’ll explore, there are significant regional variations in UK funeral costs.
Breakdown of funeral costs
Whilst knowing how much a funeral costs in 2023 is helpful, there are other factors that may determine how much a funeral might actually cost to arrange. That’s because the costs can depend on the type of funeral, and the level of service you require. But from the research we commissioned, here’s a breakdown of funeral costs and a summary of what exactly you get for your money.
Burial costs
In 2023, the average weighted cost of a burial funeral in the UK was £5,493. This includes the burial charges, such as the buying and opening of a plot, the minister’s fee, and funeral director charges.
Cremation costs
If you opt for a cremation funeral, you can expect to pay around £4,176. This covers the crematorium fee, minister’s fee, and funeral director’s charges, as well as doctor’s fees (not applicable in Scotland). However, the average cost of cremation alone was £937 in 2023.
Funeral director costs
Looking at funeral director charges in isolation, the average cost in 2023 was £2,953. This includes a number of elements: the transportation and care of the deceased, a limousine, a light oak or teak veneer coffin, the hearse and bearers, an opportunity for the family to view the deceased, and hygienic treatment such as embalming.
How to pay for your funeral
Even the most modest funeral is likely to cost a tidy sum, no matter where you live in the UK. Funeral prices might seem high at first, but it’s a great feeling knowing you can provide financial support for your family after you’re gone. By planning your funeral now, you could make life a little easier for your loved ones. Below, we explore some of the ways you can help meet your funeral costs - from prepaid funeral plans to Over 50s Life Insurance.
Who pays for a funeral?
The costs of a funeral normally come from the money left by the deceased (their 'estate'). However, a family member could bear the cost if they pay for a funeral and they cannot later reclaim the money from the deceased's estate. There isn't a law in the UK which states that the next of kin are responsible.
If the deceased had an Over 50s Fixed Life Insurance plan the payout could be used to contribute towards funeral costs. If the deceased had aprepaid funeral plan, in some cases the plan will cover certain aspects, but not all of the funeral. Make sure to check that everything you want is covered on any plan you take out.
Let's look in closer detail at some of these options for paying funeral costs.
- Paying through your estate
- Prepaid funeral plan
- Over 50s life insurance
Paying through your estate
Some people make a special provision that their funeral costs are to be paid from their estate. However, if funeral costs continue to rise, it may be necessary to review and increase the amount you set aside. So, if you haven’t done so already, now may be a good time to think about other options that can help cover your funeral costs.
Prepaid funeral plan
A prepaid funeral plan lets you pay in advance at current funeral prices. If you're considering this option, make sure you read the information thoroughly as not all plans are the same. For example, some plans guarantee to cover the third party cremation costs, while others only provide a contribution, which means there could still be outstanding costs left to pay for the cremation.
Over 50s life insurance
Over 50s life insurance is another option to consider if you don’t have funds to contribute towards your funeral costs. Legal & Generals Over 50s Fixed Life Insurance can be used to put money towards the cost of a funeral, as well as settle unpaid bills or to buy a small gift. Note that over 50s life insurance is not designed to meet the full costs of a funeral, and does not guarantee to do so.
Why are funeral costs so high?
Funeral costs are high largely due to the expense of appointing a funeral director, who carries out extensive professional work to conduct a funeral, as well as the third party costs for the burial or cremation; this includes the cost of the service, plus the minister or officiant. More specifically, think about the costs incurred for each element of the funeral, such as selecting a coffin, the hearse, transportation, and the hygiene methods used to embalm the deceased, all of which contributes to the overall cost.
To give you an idiea of how much your funeral might cost, the research looked at funeral costs region-by-region across the UK. As you'll see, funeral costs can vary depending on where you are in the country.
Given the wide regional variation in average funeral costs, it pays to plan ahead and consider how your loved ones might pay for your funeral. It can be daunting to think about funeral costs, but when you've spent your life taking care of your loved ones, the last thing you'd want is to leave them with financial worries.
Average UK funeral costs by region
The funeral costs shown in the table below are broken down into separate amounts for the funeral director charges only, and the total average cost of a cremation or burial funeral.
| Funeral Director charges | Cremation funeral (total) | Burial funeral (total) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greater London | £3,431 | £4,627 | £7,972 |
| South East | £3,232 | £4,527 | £5,878 |
| South West | £3,031 | £4,349 | £4,438 |
| East Anglia | £2,786 | £4,032 | £5,900 |
| North West | £2,836 | £4,026 | £5,012 |
| Yorkshire & Humber | £2,294 | £4,222 | £5,494 |
| North East | £2,650 | £3,874 | £4,885 |
| West Midlands | £3,053 | £4,265 | £6,262 |
| Scotland | £2,983 | £3,821 | £5,278 |
| East Midlands | £3,011 | £4,278 | £5,083 |
| Wales | £2,826 | £3,944 | £4,568 |
Cheapest burial funeral costs in the UK
Even within each region there can be high variations in funeral costs. So let’s look in closer detail at the cheapest places to arrange a burial funeral in the UK:
Deeside - £3,359
Carlisle - £3,619
Clacton on Sea - £4,110
Newcastle - £4,146
Lythm St Anns - £4,152
Cheapest UK cremation funeral costs
If you’re after a cremation funeral, here are the cheapest places according to the 2023 research:
Newcastle - £3,000
Carlisle - £3,139
Deeside - £3,180
Glasgow - £3,260
Clacton on Sea – £3,342
What are the optional funeral costs?
In addition to the cost of appointing a funeral director and the cremation or burial costs, there will be other funeral costs that depend on what kind of funeral you and your loved ones choose to arrange. Here are some optional extras:
- Floral tributes
- Memorial headstones and plaques
- Order of service sheets (if you arrange a service)
- An urn (for a cremation)
- Newspaper / online tributes or announcements
- Hiring an organist
- A dove release or other unique tributes.
Additionally, some of the more expensive optional funeral costs include purchasing a burial plot and/or opening an existing grave, or choosing a casket instead of a coffin.
What does a funeral director fee cover?
Your funeral director has an important role to play and their duties can go on far longer than you’d expect. They act as a guide in both planning and delivering the funeral, and together with their staff, will ensure all family members are cared for to make a difficult day as easy as possible.
While not all funeral directors will cover the following tasks, you can generally divide the funeral director's role into three stages:
Before the funeral
A funeral director helps with all aspects of arranging a funeral, which typically involves:
- Providing support and advice
- Collecting and preparing the deceased
- Helping to plan the service
- Arranging visits to the chapel
- Offering a choice of coffins
- Producing orders of service
- Co-ordinating floral tributes
- Completing the necessary paperwork
- Advising on a minister or officiant
- Masonry services
- Newspaper notices
- Liaising with all third parties such as the crematorium or church, minister or officiant and paying these fees on behalf of the family as well as managing all documentation.
On the day of the funeral
On the day, a funeral director ensures everything runs smoothly; for example, they will check that vehicles and pallbearers are in place, that if a funeral procession has been requested, it takes the right route and arrives precisely on time, and that a difficult day is as stress-free as possible. They’ll also be in constant contact with the crematorium and burial site staff so that those third parties know what they’re doing.
After the funeral
Once the funeral is over, they will keep in touch, often advising on the next steps regarding ashes, the collection and payment of charitable donations and the arrangement for any memorials. Also, many funeral directors provide support with probate matters.
The research found that the average cost of funeral director’s charges in 2023 was £2,953. Note, this figure refers to the funeral director fees – including one limousine plus a coffin – rather than the total cost of a cremation or burial funeral. Of course, your exact costs will depend on the choices you make, such as how many limousines you wish to hire, and the type of coffin material you want, but the figure of £2,953 is an average and takes all such decisions into account. There is also some regional variation in price; according to the research, Newcastle has the lowest average funeral director charges at £1,749, compared to £4,195 in Guildford.
How to find a funeral director
Understandably, organising a funeral can be emotionally difficult, but with a bit of research you can find the right funeral director at the right price. If the deceased was living in a care home, the staff may be able to recommend a good funeral director based on their experience.
You could also consider recommendations from family, friends and faith leaders. Your funeral director should ideally be a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF), which means they will follow specific codes of practice. It’s sensible to contact more than one company so you can compare funeral costs.
Planning a funeral - the basics
No one likes to think about their own funeral, but it’s a good idea to have honest conversations with your loved ones before they commit to planning a funeral on your behalf. Do you want a small or large occasion? Traditional or modern? Do you want the venue to be somewhere special that means something to you, or the nearest church or hall? You could consider writing these thoughts down and perhaps a letter of wishes.
Everyone is different, and the most important thing is that you have a fitting send-off according to your own wishes.
Is there help available for funeral costs?
If you’re bereaved and you’re planning a funeral following the death of a loved one, you can apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment if you receive specific benefits, such as Income Support or Child Tax Credit. You will need to meet certain rules on your relationship with the deceased – for example, being a partner, close friend or relative. Find out more on GOV.UK.
While there is no cheap ‘government funeral’ as such, you may be able to apply for a public health funeral through your local authority. This is because local councils are legally responsible for funeral arrangements in cases where there isn’t enough money in the estate to pay for it, or there are no relatives or friends who can arrange the funeral. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that these funerals are primarily designed to protect public health – as per the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. The law does not dictate how councils should carry out these duties, so the decisions made by local authorities – such as whether to appoint a funeral director – will differ across the UK.
Other ways to plan a low cost funeral
If you’re ineligible for government support and simply want to plan a low cost funeral, the cheapest way is to undertake many of the tasks yourself. For example, you can collect your loved one from their place of death yourself; legally, there is no requirement for them to be embalmed.
You can potentially save on cremation costs by booking a morning slot. You could also research coffins made of bamboo, wicker and even biodegradable cardboard, though be careful, as coffin prices vary and ‘green’ coffin options are not always cheaper. You can technically arrange a funeral yourself without a funeral director, though you will be responsible for booking the crematorium, transporting the body and choosing who will lead your ceremony, if you have one. What’s more, instead of hiring caterers, your family and friends may be able to help with preparing food and drinks at a post-funeral gathering. You’ll need to pay doctors’ fees for the cremation certificate, which currently costs £164 – the fee is waived in the event of a sudden or unexpected death as the death would be referred to the Coroner.
If you wish to arrange a burial yourself, you will need to obtain a burial certificate when you register the death. If you intend to buy a new grave or re-open an existing plot, you’ll need to sign a burial plot application form through your local authority or cemetery. You may also need to hire a professional gravedigger and comply with the rules outlined by your chosen cemetery.
In all these cases, planning ahead is key, and by doing your homework you can ensure peace of mind for your family and friends at a difficult time.
What is a direct cremation?
Some people opt for a direct cremation, where the deceased is taken straight to the crematorium with no family or friends present at the time. This approach is one way to reduce cremation costs, as there is no funeral service, embalming or viewing in a chapel of rest. You also won’t have to think about transportation costs, such as the hearse and limousine, which wouldn’t be required. As well as helping you to save money on funeral costs, a direct cremation is suitable for those who wish to avoid the emotionally difficult build-up to a traditional funeral, keep things simple, and put the emphasis on remembering the departed in their own way and their own time. It’s also the case that many direct cremation providers will give you the option to pay for time in the crematorium where a small family-led service can take place.
Future funeral trends
The one thing that’s inevitable in life is that we’ll all pass away one day, but the way in which we commemorate the end of our lives is ever changing. Take a look at some emerging funeral trends.
- Eco-friendly funerals
- Technology - driven funerals
- No-frills funeral
Eco-friendly funerals
Burials take up land resources, while cremations lead to emissions, so it’s no surprise that many people are opting for an environmentally-friendly funeral.
How to plan an eco-friendly funeral How to plan an eco-friendly funeral
Technology - driven funerals
The use of tech when it comes to funerals has been accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, when sadly, many families have been simply unable to say goodbye to their loved ones in person. But the advantage of being able to broadcast funerals to well-wishers on the other side of the world is one welcome trend that could be here to stay.
No-frills funeral
Big, traditional funerals could become a thing of the past as a new generation opts for informal funerals with pets, plain clothes and pop songs to mark the occasion.
Over 50s Fixed Life Insurance
Our Over 50s Fixed Life Insurance could allow you to leave a fixed cash sum to your loved ones that can be used to contribute towards your funeral costs, unpaid bills or even to enjoy as small a gift when you’re gone.
Find out more about Over 50s Life Insurance and how you can help contribute towards your funeral costs.
Over 50s Life Insurance Over 50s Life Insurance
Sources:
1. This independent research was carried out Legal & General in August 2023 in association with Matter.
2. 2033 forecast based on average annual compound growth rate of 3.47% each year between 2011 and 2023.
More articles & guides
- Paying for your burial or cremation The average cost of a funeral in the UK might surprise you. Learn more about how our Over 50s Life Insurance Plan can help to give you peace of mind.
- How to plan a funeral Funeral preparation and planning can be a bit daunting as it's such a trying time. To help, we have put together a brief guide to making funeral arrangements.
- What happens to debt when you die? Not sure what happens to debt after someone dies? Read on to learn about how debt is managed and paid after death.
- How to pay for your own funeral Prepaid funeral plans allow you to set aside funds for a funeral in advance. But is it the best way to pay for your own funeral? Read more in our guide.
- What to do with the ashes after cremation Learn about the regulations and possibilities for the interment and scattering of ashes after cremation.
- Senior life insurance Find out more about the life insurance options available to you as a senior with our helpful guide.
As an AI language model, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics. In this case, I can provide information related to the concepts mentioned in the article about funeral costs.
The article discusses various aspects of funeral costs in the UK, including the average cost of a funeral, the breakdown of burial and cremation costs, funeral director costs, and options for paying for a funeral. It also mentions regional variations in funeral costs and provides information on finding a funeral director, planning a funeral, and emerging funeral trends.
Average Funeral Costs in the UK
According to the article, the average cost for a funeral in the UK in 2023 was £4,450. This figure represents the average cost of both cremation and burial funerals. Specifically, the average cost of cremation in 2023 was £4,176, while the average cost of burial was £5,493.
Factors Affecting Funeral Costs
The cost of a funeral can vary depending on several factors, including the type of funeral and the level of service required. The article provides a breakdown of funeral costs, including burial costs and cremation costs. In 2023, the average weighted cost of a burial funeral in the UK was £5,493, which includes burial charges, the minister's fee, and funeral director charges. For a cremation funeral, the average cost was £4,176, covering the crematorium fee, minister's fee, funeral director's charges, and doctor's fees (not applicable in Scotland).
Funeral Director Costs
Funeral director costs include various elements such as the transportation and care of the deceased, a limousine, a coffin, the hearse and bearers, an opportunity for the family to view the deceased, and hygienic treatment such as embalming. The average cost of funeral director charges in 2023 was £2,953.
Paying for a Funeral
The article discusses different options for paying for a funeral. One option is to pay through the deceased's estate, where the costs are covered by the money left by the deceased. Another option is to consider a prepaid funeral plan, which allows individuals to pay in advance at current funeral prices. Over 50s life insurance is also mentioned as an option to contribute towards funeral costs.
Regional Variations in Funeral Costs
Funeral costs can vary depending on the region in the UK. The article provides a table showing average funeral costs by region. For example, in Greater London, the average funeral director charges were £3,431, while the total average cost of a cremation funeral was £4,627, and the total average cost of a burial funeral was £7,972. The article also mentions the cheapest places to arrange a burial or cremation funeral in the UK, such as Deeside, Carlisle, and Newcastle for burial funerals, and Newcastle, Carlisle, and Deeside for cremation funerals.
Optional Funeral Costs and Funeral Director's Role
In addition to the basic funeral costs, there are optional extras that can be included, such as floral tributes, memorial headstones, order of service sheets, urns, newspaper/online tributes, hiring an organist, and unique tributes like a dove release. The article also explains the role of a funeral director, which includes tasks before the funeral, on the day of the funeral, and after the funeral. Funeral directors provide support and advice, help with planning the service, arrange visits to the chapel, coordinate floral tributes, complete necessary paperwork, and liaise with third parties such as the crematorium or church .
Finding a Funeral Director and Planning a Funeral
The article suggests finding a funeral director through recommendations from care home staff, family, friends, or faith leaders. It is recommended to choose a funeral director who is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF). Planning a funeral involves considering personal preferences, such as the size and style of the occasion, the venue, and writing down thoughts and wishes. Honest conversations with loved ones are encouraged to ensure a fitting send-off according to one's own wishes.
Help Available for Funeral Costs
The article mentions that bereaved individuals can apply for a Funeral Expenses Payment if they receive specific benefits. There is also the option of applying for a public health funeral through the local authority in cases where there isn't enough money in the estate or no relatives or friends to arrange the funeral. The article also suggests ways to plan a low-cost funeral, such as undertaking tasks oneself, researching cost-saving options, and involving family and friends in preparations .
Future Funeral Trends
The article briefly mentions some emerging funeral trends, including eco-friendly funerals, technology-driven funerals (such as live streaming), and no-frills funerals that focus on simplicity and personalization.
Please note that the information provided above is based on the content of the article you shared.
