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Two Together: Save £100!
Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
Two Together: Save £100!
Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
8 minute read
Arranging a low-cost funeral can be a compassionate approach to saying goodbye, balancing respect and remembrance without an overwhelming financial burden. After all, facing the loss of a loved one, or your own end-of-life plans, is hard enough as it is without the unexpected strain of high funeral costs adding to the emotional toll.
We understand that “cheap” might not be how you want to describe such a meaningful and emotional event. However, many find themselves seeking out the “cheapest funeral” or the most “affordable funerals” in hopes of finding some relief from financial pressure. You and your loved ones do have options for a low-cost funeral and we are here to help you navigate these choices.
A low-cost funeral aims to minimise how much money is spent on the final farewell of those who have passed. They may look different from traditional services, but a budget funeral can still provide a dignified send-off.
One way to explain funeral costs is to look at optional versus unavoidable expenses. The unavoidable costs are the cremation fees or the cost of collecting the body. These are the parts required to legally and respectfully care for the person who has died.
The optional costs are those that surround the event. This can be elements like catering at a wake, flower displays and limousines. Some of the cheapest funeral options can involve reducing optional costs because while these touches can personalise the event, they are not always necessary for honouring the memory of those who have passed.
Affordable funerals aren’t just easier on your budget, they can help make planning smoother too. By stripping back these optional elements, families can focus on what truly matters: gathering together to heal after loss.
Navigating funeral costs can be daunting. It’s hard to put an exact figure on how much a funeral costs but we can estimate based on the current national average, which is placed at around £4,141 according to the data in the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024.
Direct cremation is a cost-effective funeral option for those seeking a price tag a lot lower than the national average. It’s a simple cremation process that eliminates many of the traditional ceremonies and frills associated with conventional funerals, focusing instead on the essentials.
There is no hearse, no embalming and, often, no ceremony. The funeral director selects the crematorium and the deceased is transported in a private ambulance from their current resting place to their cremation. It’s crucial to recognise that a direct cremation is carried out with great sensitivity and dignity, even if no attendees are present.
Direct cremation benefits include affordability, simplicity and flexibility, allowing families the time to take a breath. A memorial service can be organised at a time that feels right without being rushed. This approach has gained popularity over the last few years as it respects both the memory of the loved one who has passed and the financial realities many face today.
When it comes to low-cost funeral planning, there are places you can receive help and ways to reduce costs. And it’s no surprise that more people are seeking affordable alternatives. A study from Legal & General suggests that funeral expenses could potentially soar by 84% over the next two decades. This could push the costs from £3,395 in 2013 to a staggering £6,259 by 2033. Here are some ways to try to avoid these increasing costs.
For those looking ahead to their own end-of-life arrangements, one practical option is purchasing a funeral plan. Using a funeral plan to think ahead has its financial benefits as it allows you to pay for your funeral in advance at today’s prices, safeguarding against possible cost increases in the future.
With Aura, you can get a funeral plan for a direct cremation starting at £1,595. It’s more than just a cheap funeral plan, it’s a gift to your family that relieves them of the financial and planning pressures during a time of grief. It also gives you the peace of mind that everything is sorted for the future and your final wishes will be respected.
You can pay in a lump sum when you buy your plan with Aura, or we offer instalment options over 12 to 24 months with no extra fees. That way you can spread the payments without fear of it costing you any extra.
Other than a prepaid plan, there are a few options for funeral insurance. This alternative provides a lump sum to your beneficiaries upon your death, which can be used to cover funeral expenses. Unlike funeral plans, insurance does not pay for services upfront but ensures there’s money available when it’s needed. However, this option can be more expensive and involve longer payment terms.
If you’re currently arranging a funeral for a loved one who has just passed, there are a few funeral budget tips that can help. Leading the service yourself, choosing a simple coffin, and hosting the wake at home can all help reduce expenses.
Additionally, separating the cremation or burial from the memorial service can offer more flexibility. This gives you more time to budget for a meaningful gathering later on. It can also help make the process less stressful as it is not so time-sensitive.
Finding funds for funeral expenses can be challenging, especially if there is no plan, insurance, or money left in the deceased’s estate. However, there are several avenues for assistance that you can explore:
The UK government offers help through the Funeral Expenses Payment. This is available if you receive certain benefits and need assistance paying for a funeral you’re arranging. It won’t usually cover all costs and the amount you receive depends on your circumstances. You can check eligibility and apply on the government website.
If your partner has passed away and you are below the state pension age, you might qualify for the Bereavement Support Payment (This is also available in Northern Ireland). The eligibility for this support varies depending on whether you were married, in a civil partnership, or living together as if married.
You can also get support for funeral costs from charities if you are facing financial hardships. You can seek advice from a support worker, social worker, or Citizen’s Advice, or use the Turn2Us online grants search to find suitable charities.
If you’re unable to make funeral arrangements due to financial constraints, or if you choose not to, the local council can carry out the burial or cremation. This is known as a ‘Public Health Funeral’ but may also be referred to as a ‘Pauper’s Funeral.’ This service is a last resort and very simple, but it ensures that everyone receives a dignified farewell.
In times of need, turning to friends, family, and the broader community can be a powerful way to gather support. Crowdfunding can be a useful method to raise funds quickly for funeral costs. This approach not only helps cover expenses but also brings people together in a shared expression of sympathy and support.
Remember, while these options may not cover all expenses, they can significantly alleviate the financial burden and help you arrange an affordable funeral.
When arranging a funeral on a budget, you can still explore additional services to add to your plan that can help keep costs down while maintaining a respectful and heartfelt ceremony. With three different plan packages, Aura bridges the gap between a traditional funeral and simple cremation by offering the choice to add on an intimate service.
This affordable option allows your nearest and dearest to come together and commemorate. Our intimate service is a pared-back version of a traditional funeral but still includes elements that make the ceremony personal and meaningful. You can select music to be played and your loved ones can share memories or do a reading if they want. Choosing this in-between option allows for a personal and heartfelt tribute without the financial strain of a full-scale funeral.
If you are interested in this intimate option or a straightforward direct cremation, all of Aura’s funeral packages have inclusive pricing. This means that the cost of collection, cremation expenses, the coffin (even an oversized/bariatric coffin) and the hand delivery of ashes are included in the final price. There will be nothing left for your family to pay when the time comes.
Why not compare Aura’s funeral plans to find the right option for you? When you’re ready, you can contact us to discuss your low-cost funeral options or to start planning with our compassionate team.
