

Written by Mitch Tapner.
13 minute read

Planning a funeral now or in the future can feel like a challenge, especially when you’re trying to balance cost, care and simplicity. Aura Funerals and With Grace both aim to make things easier with prepaid funeral plans and direct cremation services that offer a respectful alternative to a traditional funeral.
Both providers offer a more flexible and affordable alternative to traditional funerals. This comparison looks at what each provider includes, from costs and flexibility to customer reviews and aftercare, so you can decide what’s right for you or someone close to you.

Aura is a trusted family-run provider offering simple, all-inclusive direct cremation services. Whether choosing an unattended option or preferring to be there with close family, Aura makes the process clear, affordable and personal. Aura partners with a network of local care centres and crematoria across mainland Britain to deliver meaningful services close to home.
With Grace operates in a similar space as a funeral plan and arrangement provider but takes a more traditional approach. Alongside direct cremation, they offer a range of prepaid funeral plans that include more conventional elements, often arranged through a network of partner funeral directors. This article compares the direct cremation services provided by both companies.
Direct cremation prices can play a big role in shaping decisions, especially for families who want something simple, respectful and within budget.
With Grace offers three types of direct cremation, with its basic package starting from £1,140.
Aura’s unattended direct cremations start from £1,195. If you’d prefer to attend, services begin at £2,095 and can be arranged at crematoriums across mainland Britain.
Aura is clear and upfront about pricing, with no hidden fees. However, there may be a few optional extras depending on your needs or preferences.



If a funeral is needed immediately, Aura requires full payment upfront. Customers of With Grace can either pay in full within three working days or pay a deposit: £500 for a cremation or £1,000 for a burial. If paying a deposit, the remaining balance must be settled at least five working days before the funeral.
For families who would like to be present, With Grace offers attended direct cremations through its ‘Standard Package’, with prices starting from £1,395. Their ‘Premium Package’ (£1,795) includes options like music and a funeral celebrant, allowing for some personal touches.
Aura’s attended direct cremations start from £2,095, which includes a short intimate ceremony for up to 15 people lasting 10 minutes. For those who want more time and flexibility, a fully attended 40-minute service starts from £2,695 and can accommodate as many guests as the crematorium allows.
The return of ashes forms part of the direct cremation process for many families. Aura returns ashes within 21 days in most cases. Hand delivery is available for a fee of £100.
Aura’s flexible approach means families can include music or invite a funeral celebrant or religious minister as part of the attended service. While the ceremony itself is kept simple, families are welcome to arrange separate celebrations of life, with full support from Aura’s team if needed.

Aura is a family-run provider offering calm, person-centred support. Their Angel team guides families step by step, explaining what to do when someone dies and helping navigate the process with clarity. With Grace also offers support, with 24/7 availability in their Standard and Premium packages.
Aura gives families time to decide. Their ‘No Pressure Promise’ means no hassle, just honest information when you’re ready.
Families can personalise the service with music, flowers or quiet reflection. Every detail is handled with care.
Aura’s care continues after the funeral, helping with paperwork, ashes, or ways to honour the person who has died.

With Grace has become a popular choice across the UK, thanks to its large network of independent funeral directors and wide range of service options. It regularly receives positive feedback for its clarity, flexibility and customer support, reflected in over 250 reviews and a 4.8/5 stars rating on Trustpilot.

Aura has also earned a strong reputation, with more than 1,000+ Trustpilot reviews and a 4.9/5 stars rating. Families often leave thoughtful feedback – recognising the team’s compassion and care during what can be a very difficult time. This support is a key reason many people choose Aura.
When comparing funeral plans, it’s important to consider not just the cost but also the level of support and simplicity that feels right for you and your family. A good plan should be both affordable and reflect the kind of care you want as part of your end-of-life planning. This section compares the prepaid funeral plans provided by both Aura and With Grace.
Aura’s prepaid funeral plans start from £1,695 for an unattended cremation, with clear, all-inclusive pricing and no hidden fees. With Grace offers four types of funeral plans, with its direct cremation option starting at £1,560.
*Terms and conditions apply. You will receive a funeral plan summary before purchase to help you understand the features, costs, and limitations.*
Aura’s funeral plans include flexible payment options. You can pay in full or spread the cost over 12 to 24 months, with no added fees regardless of how you choose to pay.
With Grace offers no instalment charges for payment terms up to 24 months. For longer terms, however, a 6.5% annual instalment fee is added to the total plan cost.
When it comes to cancellation, With Grace’s allows you to cancel free of charge any time within 30 days from Funeral Plan’s Start Date (if it is a Payment in Full or in instalments of less than 24 months) or 24 months from the Funeral Plan’s Start Date (if you are paying in instalments of 24 months or more). Any cancellation outside of this period will include a charge of £250. Aura does not charges a cancellation fee, no matter when you decide to cancel.
Aura’s ‘Two Together’ plan includes a permanent £100 saving when you buy two funeral plans at the same time, with no time limits or discount codes needed. With Grace does not currently offer any multi-plan discounts at the time of writing this guide (March 2026)
If you’re looking to purchase a plan for yourself and a loved one, you can save £100 when you buy two plans together.
Our ‘Two Together’ funeral plans include everything you’ll find in our single plans, but at even better value.
Please note, our Two Together plans are not yet available to buy online. For more information, please call our team or request a quote on the button below.

Aura offers funeral plans that include everything needed for a simple and respectful cremation, available across mainland UK. Each plan covers the essentials from 24/7 collection and care to cremation fees, a simple coffin, paperwork support and the return of ashes either by hand or scattered.
For those who wish to attend, Aura offers intimate plans from £2,595, which include a family-led early morning service for up to 15 people at any crematorium in mainland Britain. If you’re looking for a larger service, Aura’s fully attended plans start from £3,195. These include a daytime service with no limit on the number of attendees, subject to the terms and conditions of the chosen crematorium. With Grace also offers attended cremations through its ‘Rose Cremation Plan’, starting from £1,999.

Both Aura and With Grace are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and customer payments are held securely. With both providers, the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) also offers protection if your provider were to ever go out of business.
Aura’s approach has earned 5-star ratings from Fairer Finance and the Funeral Solution Expert, recognising their transparency, value and care. With Grace holds a 3/5 stars rating from Fairer Finance.
Aura’s dedication to supporting families has earned national recognition. In 2024, they were named SME Compliance Team of the Year by the ICA. In 2025, they received Gold for ‘Customers at the Heart of Everything’ and Silver for ‘Best Customer Service’ at the UKCXA awards – the most competitive categories of the event.
| Starting Price | £1,695 | £1,560 |
| Trustpilot | 4.9/5 stars | 4.8/5 stars |
| Fairer Finance | ||
| All-Inclusive Pricingℹ | ||
| Aura Angel Support for Familiesℹ | ||
| Free Cancellation Anytimeℹ |
This comparison includes direct cremation plans. Information is correct as of January 2026.
Many people choose a prepaid funeral plan for the peace of mind it brings, and both Aura and With Grace aim to offer that reassurance.
Aura holds a 4.9/5 stars Trustpilot rating based on 1,000+ reviews, with With Grace also rated positively at 4.8/5 stars from over 200 reviews. Independent reviewers like Fairer Finance have also awarded Aura 5 stars, compared to 3/5 stars for With Grace.

Choosing a funeral provider can feel challenging, especially with so many plans, prices and details to weigh up. Both Aura Funerals and With Grace offer direct cremation as a simpler and more affordable alternative to a traditional funeral, without added formality or cost.
What matters most is finding the provider that feels right for you or your loved one. If you’re not sure where to begin, Aura’s team is here to help you understand your options and guide you through the process with care.

If you’d like to know more about how to plan a cremation with Aura, our brochure is a helpful place to begin.
Our funeral plans are a helpful way to put everything in place for you or someone else.
When the time comes, our experienced team will be here to guide you through each step, offering support and advice whenever you need it.
To find out more about how our plans work, what’s included, and our story, you can request a brochure by clicking the link below. We will then send you a copy by email or First Class post—whichever you prefer.
Yes. With Grace works with a trusted network of independent funeral directors and has received over 200 positive reviews. They are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and customer payments are protected through independent trusts or insurance-backed arrangements.
Aura is also fully FCA-regulated and known for its compassionate, people-first approach. We offer clear pricing, flexible support, and are consistently praised by families for our kindness and care.
With Grace’s direct cremation plan includes:
With Grace offers several funeral plans. Their unattended direct cremation starts from £1,560. Attended options begin from £1,999, with more personal features available in higher-tier plans like the Premium Package.
When it comes to cancellation, With Grace’s allows you to cancel free of charge any time within 30 days from Funeral Plan’s Start Date (if it is a Payment in Full or in instalments of less than 24 months) or 24 months from the Funeral Plan’s Start Date (if you are paying in instalments of 24 months or more). Any cancellation outside of this period will include a charge of £250. Aura does not charges a cancellation fee, no matter when you decide to cancel.
Yes. Aura offers attended direct cremations, giving families the chance to say goodbye in person. A short 10-minute farewell for up to 15 people starts from £2,095, while a fully attended 40-minute service starts from £2,695.



If you have any questions, would like a brochure or simply would like a chat through our services, our award-winning team is here to help.
Unlike other providers, we won’t hassle you with constant calls. We’ll simply ensure you have the information you need and leave you to come to a decision in your own time. When you’re ready for us, our team will be ready to help.