What’s a simple funeral?

Like many people, you may want to use the services of a funeral director.

But it’s not always clear what the simplest and most affordable service is.

Many parts of a traditional service are optional and often cost more money than doing it yourself. A simple funeral provides the services of a funeral director, but without the extras and additional costs. There is no one definition of a simple service, so talk to several funeral directors about their costs and inclusions.
Mary's Story
Mary took responsibility for arranging her mum’s funeral and chose a cremation at her local cemetery. Although she used a funeral director for basic arrangements, Mary looked for ways to keep costs manageable. People were coming from many different places to attend the funeral.
They were all driving, so Mary decided that rather than people travelling from her home in convoy, they would meet together at the crematorium. Instead of paying for the optional limousines, Mary’s next-door neighbour offered to drive her to the service.

CHOOSE YOUR REGION

Click the map to choose your region and continue to the next section to find out more

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Choose cremation or burial

Average cost of a simple service in London is:

SIMPLE FUNERAL

1.
What's included?

  • Funeral director’s time and overheads - professional fees
  • Collection/transport of body
  • Doctors’ fees
  • Simple coffin
  • Hearse
  • Celebrant/officiant fee
  • Crematorium fee or burial fee
2.
What does it cost?

According to the region of your choice, our estimated price is:

About our pricing:
These are average costs in your chosen region. Prices from SunLife’s ‘Cost of Dying’ 2016 report.

What if I can’t afford this?
Check out other options or see “What next” for more details on planning an affordable funeral.
3.
What next?

I like this option

  • This is an average price in your region - ask a few local funeral directors if they offer a simple funeral package, the inclusions, and the cost;
  • Check to see if you have a funeral director signed to the Fair Funerals pledge in your area;
  • See more details about planning and discussing your wishes at Down to Earth;
  • Make this choice clear by writing out your funeral wishes - let your family and friends know.
I want more options.

Faced with paying for a funeral and need help now? Call us on 0208 983 5055

For general information about planning for a funeral and our Down to Earth project visit our website

Want to know more about how we are campaigning for fair funerals? Check out the Fair Funerals campaign