Thank you to Clare Evans, Product and Customer Experience Manager at Distinct Cremations, who has contributed this month’s guide to organising and paying for a funeral.
Clare has worked in the end-of-life sector for more than a decade at some of the largest national funeral providers. Currently at the Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest cremation provider, Clare shares her knowledge on some of the practicalities of arranging a funeral.
—
Every person and family is unique, and therefore every funeral is unique and personal too. Whether the wish is for a simple funeral, an elaborate send off, or something in between, there are lots of choices when it comes to ensuring needs and preferences are met.
Choosing a professional to handle the funeral arrangements
When arranging a funeral, many people choose to use a funeral director or national online provider, though DIY funerals are also an option. Which option will be best for you if you’re arranging a funeral for someone close?
- Local Funeral Director: these professionals operate from physical funeral homes – either independently or part of a larger group – where you can make arrangements in person. They usually have mortuary facilities and may offer a Chapel of Rest for family visits.
- National Online Provider: these services operate online or by phone, without local premises. They coordinate funerals through nationwide teams and can be a more flexible and cost-effective option for families with time, budget or location constraints.
How do I find out if my loved one already has a funeral plan in place?
Start by looking through their important paperwork for any relevant documents. A plan might also be mentioned in their will. If you have legal access, you can check their bank statements for payments to a funeral plan provider. Can’t find anything? Contact the National Association of Funeral Plan Providers (NAFPP), who can help trace an existing plan.
What do you need to consider when arranging a funeral?
The main responsibilities to keep in mind include:
- Register the death: this must be done within 5 days in England and Wales, or 8 days in Scotland, unless referred to a coroner. The funeral can’t happen until the death is registered.
- Choose a funeral provider: contact a funeral director or online provider to take the person who has died into their care.
- Coordinate with the provider: share the wishes of the person who has died with your funeral provider in order to make key decisions about the arrangements.
- Decide on the type of funeral: choose between burial or cremation, and whether you’re after a simple or traditional service.
- Plan the service: choose the format, style, and any personal touches like flowers or a wake.
- Manage logistics: organise transport (your funeral provider can help with this), book venues, and arrange any catering for a wake.
- Sort out the finances: handle payments, contact banks or insurers, and check for any funeral plan or policies that may help to cover costs.
What is a direct cremation compared to a traditional funeral service?
A direct cremation is a simple, low-cost option where the cremation happens without a service or mourners present. It removes many traditional costs and allows for a personal memorial later, often with the ashes present. A direct burial can also be facilitated by some providers.
An attended direct cremation is still simple but includes a service at the crematorium, with the person who has died already resting in the chapel when mourners arrive.
A traditional cremation or burial often includes a full funeral service, with a hearse, limousines, and a formal procession, giving family and friends a chance to gather and pay their respects.
How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral costs vary based on the type of service and any extras you choose.
According to the 2024 SunLife Cost of Dying Report:
- Basic funeral (with service) was £4,285 (includes cremation/burial fees, funeral director, one limousine, and a standard coffin)
- Additional send-off costs was £2,961 (for things like flowers, notices, catering, venue hire, etc.)
- Direct cremation was £1,597 on average (a simpler, lower-cost option)
- Burial was £5,198 on average (typically the most expensive option, with a greater regional variation)
If your personal circumstances allow, it’s best to contact a few providers to ask for their costs.
Where can the money for a funeral come from?
Funeral costs can be significant, but there are several ways they might be covered:
- Pre-paid funeral plan: paid in advance (lump sum or monthly), a plan locks in costs at the time of plan purchase. The money is held in a trust or insurance policy until needed, covering the agreed services.
- The estate: the executor of the estate may need to access or sell property to cover funeral expenses. This process is lengthy and funeral costs most likely still need to be paid before this process is finalised.
- Personal savings: some people rely on savings. Just be mindful that if you do not have a joint account or Power of Attorney, bank accounts may not be immediately accessible.
- Life insurance: whole life insurance pays out whenever the policyholder dies (if premiums are maintained). Term life insurance only pays out if the death occurs within the set term (e.g. 10, 20, or 30 years). Whether any life insurance fully covers the funeral depends on the amount agreed when setting the policy up.
What if I can’t afford a funeral?
If you’re the next of kin and struggling to cover funeral costs, help may be available:
- Funeral Expenses Payment (or Funeral Support Payment in Scotland): you may qualify if you receive certain benefits. Any payment received is usually deducted from the estate of the person who has died, excluding their home and personal items left to a surviving spouse or civil partner.
- Public health funeral: if there’s no money or no one to take responsibility, the local authority will arrange a basic funeral. These are respectful, no-frills services to ensure everyone receives a dignified farewell.
How can I plan ahead for my own funeral?
A prepaid funeral plan lets you pay in advance at today’s prices and record your wishes, helping ease the burden on your family. In the UK, these plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to ensure transparency and protection.
Distinct Cremations offers low-cost cremation services and prepaid plans across the UK. Backed by the Westerleigh Group, the UK’s largest cremation provider, we offer direct, simple and more traditional options, ensuring your final wishes are respected without your family having a hefty and often unexpected bill at a distressing time.
With no health restrictions, anyone over the age of 18 can take out a plan to protect their family from the rising cost of funerals.
For more information on planning ahead, call Distinct Cremations on 0808 304 6775 to speak with our team of funeral plan consultants.
This article has been prepared by Adroit Legal Services and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
—
Practical bereavement support from the National Bereavement Service
The National Bereavement Service supports anyone who has experienced a bereavement, including sudden or traumatic bereavement, with practical and emotional information and advice from professional bereavement advisors with real, lived experience.
We help you to comply with legal requirements, signpost you to providers such as funeral directors and solicitors, and provide a listening ear that helps you through a very difficult time.
For personal, confidential, and practical help following a bereavement, or for advice when planning your future, call the NBS on 0800 0246 121 or visit www.thenbs.org
—
Trusted legal support for your people by Adroit Legal Services
Established in 2015, Adroit connects your people and your customer base to quality-assured, affordable and accessible legal services from trusted and experienced experts.
Legal specialists throughout the UK are tried and tested, delivering honest advice whatever stage of life you’re at to protect your interests, family and wellbeing.
Adroit’s panel of advisors, including probate, Will writing and estate planning specialists, offers a free initial consultation and discounted rates to make legal services accessible to everyone that’s important to your organisation.
Contact Adroit Legal Services to find out how we help our clients to protect their
