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Compare Dignity Funeral Plans vs Aura

9 minute read

If you’re looking to compare Dignity funeral plans vs Aura, this article can help. Dive into the offerings of the two providers and discover what makes each one stand out. We will cover price differences, payment options, any additional benefits and the type of support each provider can offer.

A funeral plan is a thoughtful way to ensure those you leave behind are cared for. It offers you the comfort of knowing your wishes are in place and your family will have nothing to organise or pay for when the time comes. However, there are many options available to you, and each provider has different offerings with different prices. That’s why comparing funeral plans is an important step in your purchasing decision.

Our goal is to help provide you with a detailed comparison of the plans that Aura and Dignity offer. We hope this helps you make a choice that best suits your needs.

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About Dignity Prepaid Funeral Plans

Dignity is a well-known, national funeral provider, that partners with local funeral businesses to deliver their services. 

Their funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and their partnered funeral directors are members of the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD). 

Dignity offers multiple services from traditional burials and cremations, to direct cremations and funeral plans. Your funeral plan will be personalised to your wishes, so prices for different services can vary. They have the option to customise the procession, coffin, and the way your ashes are handled all for extra fees.

What is an Aura Funeral Plan?

Established in 2019 by Paul Jameson, Aura is a family-operated funeral provider serving England, Scotland and Wales. Paul was inspired to redefine end-of-life planning following his diagnosis of motor neurone disease. Together with his son Dave, family friend Ben and an experienced team, Aura focuses on delivering compassionate direct cremation services from our family to yours. We offer a personal touch that larger companies can’t match making us unique in size and customer care.

For those who need us now and those seeking prepaid funeral plans, Aura is committed to delivering high-quality services for an affordable price. As a regulated entity by the FCA, we ensure high standards by partnering only with esteemed organisations and suppliers, including members of the NAFD and The National Society Of Allied And Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF).

Aura’s three funeral plan options:

  • Perfectly Simple: An unattended direct cremation.
  • Wonderfully Imagined Intimate: A direct cremation with a 15-minute attended service for up to 15 people.
  • Wonderfully Imagined Fully Attended: A direct cremation with a 45-minute service for the crematorium’s maximum guest count.

Aura vs Dignity Funeral Plans 

Prepaid Funeral Plan Costs

Aura provides three funeral plan options to meet different needs and preferences. Our Perfectly Simple direct cremation is priced at £1,595 and offers a straightforward funeral with no fuss. For those who do wish to have an attended service, we have two options starting at £2,195 for a small group and £2,695 for a larger gathering. 

Aura’s prices include all necessary services, providing you and your family with clear, comprehensive pricing without hidden fees or unexpected costs. 

The price of a Dignity funeral plan can depend on a number of things as they focus on personalisation which can increase costs. Their direct cremation can start from £1,495 and can go up to £3,505 or more for an attended cremation. However, the additional services you choose may change this base price.

It’s important to note that not all fees are included in a Dignity funeral plan. Additional charges may apply for collection fees if the deceased is over 50 miles from one of their crematoria. Also, there might be extra costs for an oversized coffin. This can lead to unexpected expenses, potentially increasing the financial burden on your family during a sensitive time.

All of these fees are already included in a funeral plan with Aura, ensuring that you know exactly what your funeral will cost upfront. Our all-inclusive approach offers peace of mind to those you will leave behind, making the planning and budgeting process much easier.

Payment Options

When choosing how to pay for your funeral plan, understanding payment terms is key to managing your costs. Both Aura and Dignity provide flexible payment options without any extra fees for instalment plans, although their terms do differ.

Aura simplifies the process, allowing customers to pay in full or through instalments over 12 or 24 months. These options are ideal for those who prefer clear, predictable costs settled quickly. 

Dignity allows for a longer payment period, offering plan instalments of up to five years for those who need more time to spread out their financial obligations. However, instalment payments must be completed before the plan holder’s 85th birthday.

Customer Service and Support

When organising a funeral plan, quality customer service is vital for you and your family. Both Aura and Dignity offer a respectful approach to supporting their customers with unique benefits.

Aura sets itself apart with its dedicated Aura Angels who look after the families of those who have passed and organise the funerals set out in a prepaid plan. This team not only specialises in arranging funerals and a celebration of life that honours the memory of those who have passed, but they also provide compassionate support to bereaved loved ones. We are family-focused, extending genuine care to every client with a personalised touch. As a national company, we are available online and on the phone, ready to assist when you need us.

Dignity connects clients with local funeral directors in their area. You can arrange plans over the phone, online or in person, providing convenience that suits different needs. However, choosing Dignity means you must use one of their partnered funeral directors, which might limit options for those who might have a particular director in mind.

Customer Satisfaction and Reviews

Reputation is a useful indicator of what to expect as a customer. Exploring the reviews from previous clients is an effective way to understand what a company can provide with their funeral plan.

When looking at Aura’s reviews, we have received impressive feedback from our customers. We are very proud of our 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, where clients have left heartfelt testimonials about our quality customer service. These reviews often highlight the compassionate support provided by the Aura team. Additionally, we have earned a 5-star rating from Fairer Finance which shows our commitment to excellent service.

Customer feedback for Dignity gives an insight into their care. They hold a three-star rating from Fairer Finance and a 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. While plenty of the reviews are very positive, about 15% of their over 600 total reviews on Trustpilot are 1-star (correct as of June 2024). Reading these negative reviews might offer prospective customers a glimpse into possible challenges, including service-related issues.

Flexibility and Customisation

When comparing funeral plans from Dignity and Aura, both companies offer flexible and customisable options that cater to different preferences. Neither company will charge you fees if you want to make changes to your plans and you can cancel at any time for no extra cost.

A Dignity funeral plan provides a range of funeral services that suit traditional needs like a burial or cremation with a service. They can also provide direct cremations. You can customise your funeral with Dignity by making financial contributions towards memorials, flowers, and stationery, enhancing the personal touch of their services. For the ashes, Dignity offers a basic box for no extra cost or various container options that come with a fee. Alternatively, you can be spread in the crematorium’s Garden of Remembrance for no charge.

Aura, on the other hand, provides a unique middle ground between a traditional service and a direct cremation with our Wonderfully Imagined ceremony. It’s a simple service without pallbearers or a procession, ideal for those seeking a dignified yet understated memorial. Aura’s options for ashes are between a scatter tube or being spread in the Garden of Remembrance, with no extra cost for either choice.

Overall, Dignity is a good option for those who want a traditional funeral whereas Aura’s approach might appeal more to those looking for minimalistic yet personal services.

Additional Benefits and Features

On top of price, support and services, exploring the additional benefits a company can offer you is a great way to consider your funeral plan options. Aura and Dignity provide unique features that make their funeral plans stand out and appeal to different preferences.

Aura offers a membership option called the Aura Circle. It’s free for anyone to join and provides tools and resources for future planning and managing end-of-life matters. You can share your life story and thoughtfully prepare for what’s next. Members also benefit from time-limited, exclusive discounts on plans. Members and non-members can also save more by purchasing plans for themselves and a loved one together.

Dignity differentiates itself by making it easy for you to add financial contributions to your plan. The money you set aside will then cover third-party items like flowers and memorials. This feature is helpful for those who want to ensure all aspects of their funeral are covered and aligned with their wishes.

Summary

When it comes to evaluating your funeral plan options, it’s important to consider what matters most to you. Weigh up the offerings of Aura and Dignity to determine which choice aligns best with your needs. Both companies bring a different approach that caters to different people.

Aura’s straightforward pricing and no hidden fees make it easy for customers. Our family-focused ethos and dedicated support from Aura Angels add a deeply personal touch to our services, making the process as stress-free as possible for bereaved families. 

On the other hand, Dignity’s long-standing partnerships with local funeral directors provide a blend of traditional and modern funeral services. Your plan can be highly customised down to the type of flowers you want. It is important to be aware that this will potentially add costs that are not covered in the base price. Dignity’s wider range of options might appeal more to those who prefer traditional funeral arrangements and services.

Both companies have a lot of similarities like their flexible payment options and cancellation policies. However, potential customers should consider reviews, personal values and desired level of service when making a decision.

If you are interested in setting up a funeral plan, get in touch with Aura for a chat. You can give our team a call to ask any questions you might have and to discover more about planning for the future.

Betty Gardiner

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