When someone close to you dies, there’s a lot to think about. Amidst the emotions and practicalities, the question of cost naturally arises, and with it, a worry that spending less might somehow mean caring less.
But a lower-cost funeral doesn’t have to feel like a lesser goodbye. At Pure Cremation, we believe that everyone deserves a send-off that’s personal, respectful and full of care, without the weight of unnecessary expense.
A simpler approach can still be deeply meaningful. It’s about focusing on what matters most: honouring the person who’s died and bringing comfort to those left behind.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can plan a thoughtful farewell that feels just right for you and your budget, proving that affordable never has to mean impersonal.
Can I have a meaningful funeral on a budget?
Yes. When you focus on the essentials, it’s absolutely possible to create a heartfelt farewell that reflects both your values and your budget. That might mean choosing a simpler venue, rethinking the format of the ceremony, or deciding which elements are truly important to you and your loved ones.
By exploring all your options, you can make confident decisions, knowing that care, dignity, and respect remain at the heart of it all.
How much does a funeral cost?
To understand the average cost of a funeral, we refer to the annual SunLife Cost of Dying report. This gives a realistic picture of the full range of end-of-life expenses, from the funeral itself (whether cremation or burial) to legal fees and any other practical arrangements.
Knowing what to expect can help you plan ahead and make informed choices that feel right for your circumstances.
The most recent cost of dying report tells us the average cost of a simple funeral is around £4,285. This is a 3.5% increase compared to the previous year. As not everyone puts aside enough funds to cover their funeral, those left behind face anxiety, stress and debt when faced with the prospect of paying for the send-off. For many families, this financial responsibility can be challenging. They may be forced to borrow money from friends and family, take out a loan, pay for it using a credit card, or sell possessions to cover the cost.
Understanding funeral costs
Funeral costs can vary considerably, depending on the type of service you choose and whether there are any extras. Funeral costs can be broken down into basic and additional funeral costs. Basic funeral costs include:
- Funeral director’s fees
- Doctor’s fees
- Clergy or officiate fees
- Cremation or burial fees
On top of this, there can be additional costs such as:
- A memorial
- Catering
- Limo hire
- Venue hire
- Flowers
- Order sheets/service cards
- Death notice
The most affordable option for a funeral: Direct cremation
Choosing what is known as a direct, or pure, cremation offers a different way to say goodbye, one that doesn’t follow the traditional funeral format. By choosing a direct cremation, families can save up to £2,000 compared to a typical funeral, giving them more financial breathing room at an already difficult time.
But it’s not just about cost. This simpler approach also gives you greater flexibility to plan a farewell that truly reflects the person who’s died, without being tied to the usual schedule or formalities of a service at a crematorium.
We believe that a provider should offer more than just a low price. That’s why we’ve created the UK’s first Direct Cremation Code of Practice, setting clear standards for quality, transparency and care, so you can make decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
Discover low-cost funeral plans in the UK
If you're thinking about the future and want to ease the burden on the people you love, a funeral plan can offer real peace of mind. It protects you from rising costs and gives you the chance to make your wishes known, so when the time comes, everything is clear.
Most affordable funeral plans in the UK offer flexible payment options. You can usually spread the cost over 12 months with no extra charges. And if you choose to pay over a longer period, there may be a small instalment fee.
Whatever you decide, planning ahead means one less thing for your family to worry about, and the reassurance that everything’s taken care of, exactly as you wanted.
Options for cheap funeral insurance
Sold in large numbers between the 1920s and 1960s, though dating back to the 19th century, penny policies were a type of insurance policy that people took out to specifically cover the cost of their funeral. Penny policies are no longer around, but there are still low-cost options for funeral insurance.
Low-cost funeral insurance is often another name for a whole-of-life policy, commonly known as an Over 50s plan. These policies pay out a fixed lump sum when you die, which your loved ones can use for any purpose, including funeral costs or other expenses.
However, it’s important to understand how this differs from a funeral plan. An Over 50s policy doesn’t lock in today’s funeral prices, and it doesn’t include any practical arrangements. In some cases, you might even pay more than the policy pays out, especially if you live for many years after taking it out.
That’s why it’s worth looking closely at what you’re getting and whether a funeral plan might offer more clarity and value for your money.
What if I can’t afford a funeral?
Sometimes, a person dies without close family or friends, and with no money left in their estate to cover the cost of a funeral. In these situations, there are still options to ensure a simple, dignified farewell.
It’s important to know that these arrangements are still carried out with care and respect. The funeral will be handled by a funeral director using the same professional facilities, staff, and vehicles as for any other service. That’s why terms like pauper’s funeral, which can feel outdated and unfair, aren’t typically used anymore.
Here’s how the process works, depending on where the death occurs:
- If someone dies in a hospital: Every NHS Trust has a small fund to arrange a funeral for patients who pass away in hospital, when no one else is able or willing to take responsibility.
- If someone dies at home or in a care setting: Local authorities also have a budget for people who die in the community with no known next of kin or anyone able to arrange the funeral.
These arrangements are known as public health funerals, and they are a vital safety net. However, they can take several weeks to organise.
If you’re unsure where to start, speaking with the hospital bereavement team or your local council can help guide you through the process.
Seek extra help with funeral costs
Funeral costs can quickly add up, even if you choose a simpler or lower-cost option. If you’re struggling to cover the cost, you’re not alone, and there is help available.
You may be able to get financial support from the government, certain charities, or other organisations. The type of help you can access will depend on your circumstances, such as your relationship to the person who has died, whether you receive certain benefits, and how much money is left in their estate.
We’ve outlined the main sources of support in the next section, so you can see what might be available and how to apply. Taking that first step can feel daunting, but there are people and services ready to help.
Does the government help with funeral costs?
The Department for Work and Pensions offers two types of financial support for people who are facing funeral costs. While these payments may not cover everything, they can ease some of the financial pressure at a difficult time.
- Funeral Expenses Payment: If you’re on certain benefits and need to arrange a funeral, you may be eligible for help with some of the essential costs, such as burial or cremation fees, travel, and certain documents. It won’t usually cover the full cost of a funeral, but it can make a difference.
- Bereavement Support Payment: If your husband, wife, or civil partner has died, you may be able to claim a Bereavement Support Payment. This provides a one-off lump sum followed by monthly payments for a fixed period. It’s designed to help with the immediate financial impact of your loss.
These schemes are here to support you, but the eligibility criteria can be complex. If you’re unsure, organisations like Citizens Advice or Turn2us can help you understand what you might be entitled to.
Charities that can help with support and expenses
There are lots of different charities that can offer some financial and emotional support. Here are some other examples:
- Cruse Bereavement Care: While primarily focused on providing emotional support to those grieving, Cruse Bereavement Care can guide families to resources or organisations that offer financial assistance for funeral expenses.
- Marie Curie: Marie Curie supports individuals with terminal illnesses and their families.
- Leukaemia Care: This charity provides practical and financial support to families affected by blood cancer, including grants to help cover funeral costs when needed.
- Friends of the Elderly: Dedicated to supporting older individuals, this charity offers financial assistance through grants that can be used for funeral expenses for those in financial difficulty.
- Care Workers Charity: Focused on care workers and their families, the charity provides crisis grants to cover unexpected costs, including funeral expenses, for those in the care sector.
- React: React helps financially disadvantaged families caring for children with life-limiting conditions, offering support for end-of-life arrangements, including assistance with funeral costs.
- Child Funeral Charity: Specialising in helping families who have lost a child, this charity offers direct financial aid to cover funeral-related expenses, ensuring a respectful farewell during a difficult time.
An alternative to seeking help from a charity is using crowdfunding websites.
Start your low-cost funeral arrangements
There are several ways to keep funeral costs manageable, and one of the most effective is to arrange a funeral plan. This lets you lock in today’s prices and personalise your arrangements to fit your wishes and budget. Whether you prefer to pay a single lump sum, a set number of instalments, or ongoing monthly payments based on your age, funeral plans offer flexibility and peace of mind, knowing the cost won’t increase over time.
If you want to find out more about Pure Cremation and our funeral plan, get in touch with our friendly team for free at 0800 470 23 93.
