Understanding Funeral Costs to Relieve Stress & Plan Ahead

Are you planning a funeral for a loved one and not sure how to cover all the costs? Or are you preparing for your personal end of life plans and wanting to get your finances in order?

When a loved one dies, it can be a very stressful time for several reasons. The additional stress of having to cover funeral costs can be softened if you are able to plan ahead and prioritise the most meaningful aspects of a ceremony. We have gathered some of our suggestions to help you be more informed about funeral costs.

What is the Average Cost of a Funeral?

The average cost of a funeral in the UK is £4,056 although this varies for the kind of ceremony that you are planning. Direct cremations are typically cheaper whilst burials are usually the more expensive option. However, there are some adjustments that you can make for a burial to make them greener and more cost-effective, including woodland burials. Although you may be planning a ceremony for a dearly loved one, try to plan a funeral that is financially manageable for you and there are always affordable, meaningful ways to honour someone’s life. We have compiled a breakdown of funeral costs which shows every aspect and step that is covered to make it easier for you to decide what feels essential for your service.

Ways to Save Money on Funeral Costs

Saving money on funeral costs can involve changing what you think of as a funeral. There are traditional aspects such as a hearse, lavish flowers and visits to the crematorium that aren’t always a necessity. Things to consider when managing funeral costs:

• Choose to have a wake at home or a public space such as a park
• Don’t spend too much on funeral flowers
• Decide not to use a hearse or carriage
• Contemplate whether embalming is important
• Go for a more affordable coffin

Be Aware of the Journey

Be aware that if you choose to have a national direct cremation, the journey a body will take cannot be confirmed. To give you peace of mind, local cremation services can ensure you have more control over your loved one’s ashes. This may be a slightly higher cost but ensures that you know where and when the cremation will take place.

Help Towards Funerals Costs

If you are struggling to afford funeral costs, you can apply for a Funeral Hardship Fund through the government. This will not typically cover the entire costs of a funeral but can offer help if you are really needing it.

Sustainable can Often be Cheaper

Did you know that making sustainable choices can often be a great way to cut down on funeral costs? Green funerals are great for the planet and encourage simpler and thoughtful moments to honour someone’s life. Areas to think about include sustainable funeral flowers and bio-degradable coffins and scatter tubes.

Conclusion

Towners provide transparent and supportive information wherever possible. We are always happy to discuss any funeral costs that you would like to understand in greater detail. Please contact us by calling 01424 436 386 or email at info@towners.co.uk. And follow us on Facebook to be a part of our journey to raise awareness and spark important conversations about death.