HOW MUCH Does a Funeral Cost

The Cost of a Funeral with a Burial

Funerals can be expensive. According to Sunlife’s Cost of Dying 2022 Report, the average cost of a basic funeral with a burial in 2021 was £4,927. This can vary considerably depending on the location of the burial ground or cemetery (the cost is substantially higher in London) and the type of service.

By the time you have accounted for other possible expenses, such as flowers, coffin, the post-funeral gathering and fees for hiring someone to administer the estate, the total ‘cost of dying’ can often double.

Although there is no legal requirement to do so, the majority of people appoint a funeral director to arrange, co-ordinate and oversee most aspects of a funeral (see Appointing a Funeral Director). How much you wish them to take care of, and consequently their total costs and fees, is up to you. Some people choose a Funeral Director to just take care of the legal and more unfamiliar tasks (such as collecting and storing the body) and then organise transport, flowers, music, and production of the order of service, etc, themselves.

Possible Costs

*costs specific to a funeral with a burial

Researching Items in Advance

If you would like to research some of the items in advance, or get an idea of price, please visit the Providers section of whiteballoon or use the search facility above. For ideas and inspiration, please go to Inspiration or view the many beautiful photos on our Inspiration Wall.

Budget Planner in our Planning Tools section can help you to set a budget and keep track of costs.

The Cost of a Funeral with a Cremation

Funerals can be expensive. According to Sunlife’s Cost of Dying 2022 Report, the average cost of a basic funeral with a cremation in 2021 was £3,765. The average cost of a basic funeral with a direct cremation (a cremation with no funeral) was £1,647. This can vary substantially depending on the location (even crematoria in the same area can vary) and the type of service.

By the time you have accounted for other possible expenses, such as flowers, coffin, the post-funeral gathering and fees for hiring someone to administer the estate, the total ‘cost of dying’ can often double.

Although there is no legal requirement to do so, the majority of people appoint a funeral director to arrange, co-ordinate and oversee most aspects of a funeral (see Appointing a Funeral Director). How much you wish them to do, and consequently their total costs and fees, is up to you. Some people ask the Funeral Director to just take care of the legal and more unfamiliar tasks (such as collecting and storing the body) and then organise transport, flowers, music, and production of the order of service, etc themselves.

Possible Costs

* costs specific to a funeral with a cremation 

Researching Items in Advance

If you would like to research some of the items in advance, or get an idea of price, please visit the Providers section of whiteballoon or use the search facility above. For ideas and inspiration, please go to Inspiration or view the many beautiful photos on our Inspiration Wall.

Budget Planner in our Planning Tools section can help you to set a budget and keep track of costs.

The Cost of a Funeral Reception or Wake

The cost of a funeral reception or wake will vary greatly depending on where you hold it, what you choose to do in terms of catering and how many people you are expecting.

Some people decide to have a very simple gathering at home with sandwiches and cakes, often provided by family and friends. If necessary, and if you have a suitable outdoor space, a marquee or gazebo can provide extra room. Do not be afraid to ask for help. People are only too happy to give support at this very difficult time.

If you have quite a few people coming, or would rather host it elsewhere, local village halls, pubs and hotels are also popular.

Possible Costs to Consider

For ideas and inspiration, or lists of local venues, please look at Funeral Reception & Wake Venues in our Inspiration and Providers sections.

Ways to Reduce Costs

Funerals can be expensive, but there are a number of ways to keep your costs down while still creating a wonderful ceremony for your loved one.

Flowers

Flowers can be picked from your garden or ask a kind friend or family member to provide them. People are usually only too happy to help. Your Funeral Director may be able to source flowers for you, or you can order them directly from a local florist (see Flowers & Plants in the Inspiration and Providers sections of whiteballoon).

Coffins and Urns

There are many options for coffins, urns and shrouds with prices varying considerably depending on style and material.

A rented external wooden or wicker coffin with a cardboard coffin insert that is removed before cremation will significantly lower the cost.

Shrouds can be less expensive and are an acceptable alternative for most types of funeral. 

Coffins & Urns in our Inspiration and Providers sections have lots of lovely ideas and you can sometimes order directly, although many companies only supply through a Funeral Director. Also, please note that coffins and urns bought as part of a package from a Funeral Director are exempt from VAT. 

Crematoria

Prices vary not only from site to site to site but also depending upon the time of day, so do compare crematoria in your local area (see Funeral Locations).

Order of Service

Some people choose to print the order of service themselves or use an online company. For information on how to put together an Order of Service here and the Stationery for Funerals sections in Inspiration and Providers  has lots of examples and ideas and can connect you with suppliers.

Pallbearers

Typically, six pallbearers are used to carry or escort a coffin, although depending on the weight you may require a different number.

Some people choose not to have a procession and instead arrange for the coffin to be quietly placed inside the church, chapel or crematorium, ready for when mourners arrive.

You may like to ask family or friends. Both men and women can be pallbearers and it is a lovely opportunity for them to take an active part in the funeral. When choosing from family and friends, bear in mind how the coffin will be carried (on shoulders, at waist height, or on a wheel bier – a small trolley) and also the distance from the hearse to where the service is taking place. If it is to be borne on the shoulders of the pallbearers, choosing people of a similar height will be important. If the coffin will be placed on a wheel bier, then height, strength and distance is less important.

Catering

It is a time when family and friends really want to rally round and help. Spreading the load by accepting offers or asking those close to you to bring cakes or sandwiches can save time and money. If you do need outside help and want to compare the options, see our Catering Inspiration and Caterers and Planners Providers sections.

Headstones and Memorials

These come in many different shapes, sizes and materials and the prices vary enormously. The best thing to do is to decide on your budget then look for Inspiration and Providers in the Stonemasons & Memorials sections to get ideas and find local suppliers. Don’t forget to check with the place where your loved one is going to be laid to rest to see if there are any restrictions in size, etc. The stonemason or your funeral director will be able to give you further advice on what is available.

Grave Diggers

Some people choose to dig the grave of their loved one themselves. This will depend on the rules of the cemetery or natural burial ground and you would need to obtain written consent from the appropriate authorities.

Hygiene Treatment

Embalming is only necessary if the body is going to be viewed before the funeral. These days, chilled matresses can allow you to have your loved one at home for a few days before the service, so embalming is often not required.

Conducting the Service

There is no legal requirement to have an officiant take the funeral service. If your loved one was not religious and if the ceremony is not on consecrated ground, you, a family member or a friend can conduct the service.