Funeral Costs Explained

Arranging a funeral can be one of the most daunting things we will ever face. With the initial shock and grief, combined with the responsibility of making important decisions, we can often end up paying for things that are unnecessary and expensive. 

Internet research can also add to that confusion. Headline prices are not always clear, and funeral sector jargon can complicate things – especially if you have not had to arrange a funeral before.

At Aura we like to keep things simple, clear and transparent. We know what funeral costs are unavoidable and which costs are choices that can be added if you feel they are right for you.

Breakdown of Unavoidable Funeral Costs

Oversized / Bariatric Coffin Fees

The variation in coffin sizes is extraordinary, and can depend on the material, lining and size of the coffin that’s required. Aura coffins are simple and dignified, made from solid wood and standard sizes are included in our prices. If the person who has died is taller than 6ft 2”, or was heavier than 22 stone, an oversized or bariatric coffin will be required which will incur an additional fee of £250. For Aura Funeral Plan customers, these fees are included in our plan price.

Urgent Collection Fees

If death occurs in a hospital or another facility with a full-sized, fully staffed mortuary after death has occurred, the person who has died can be cared for in an appropriate and caring manner. However, if death occurs at home or in another setting that does not have suitable, temperature-controlled capabilities, an urgent collection will be required so that the person who has died can rest safely until the cremation takes place. At Aura, an urgent collection fee is charged at £250, however for Aura Funeral Plan customers, these fees are covered within the plan.

Breakdown of Optional Funeral Costs

Floral Displays

There is no doubt that flowers are expensive. According to Funeral Guide, floral tributes can cost anywhere between £40 and £400. However, although coffin sprays, wreaths and novelty floral shapes are popular with some, they are not essential. A hand-picked bunch of garden or wild meadow flowers, a sprig of Rosemary to symbolise remembrance or a single white rose can be just as meaningful.

Traditional Wake

Throughout history, family and friends have gathered together to eat, drink and share memories of the person who has died immediately after a funeral. The average catering spend, according to Money Helper is £450, which may increase with venue hire included. If these costs are worrisome but hosting a wake is important for you, you could ask family and friends to bring food to keep the cost low.

Ceremonial Costs

If you feel a funeral ceremony is essential, additional costs are inevitable. Even if a cremation is planned, if you opt to hold a ceremony prior to the actual cremation a charge will be raised by the crematorium (you can find your local crematorium’s fees by visiting their website). If you opt for a ceremony at the crematorium, you may also consider a celebrant to lead that ceremony and printed orders of service for attendees. Your funeral director will help you arrange these if they’re required, but may come at an additional cost.

Aura champions the idea that an end-of-life ceremony can take place anywhere that feels appropriate to those who are mourning. Our unattended direct cremation services start from £1,095, and attended service options start from £1,895. Click here to find out more.

How much does a funeral cost?

Burial v Cremation Costs

Wherever you live in the UK, according to funeralguide.co.uk:  “cremation is cheaper than burial, usually by more than 50%”. The choice between cremation and burial, especially if you are planning ahead, will be significant.

Funeral director costs

Another factor that will impact the overall cost of the funeral is who you appoint as your funeral director. High street funeral directors – independents and corporately owned chains –  often charge for their services. Depending on where you live, fees for funeral director services vary, but £2,600 is considered to be the average. It’s important to keep in mind that these costs rarely include the cost of the cremation/burial, any ceremonial charges, service stationery or catering costs.

Direct cremation costs

If you’re faced with paying for an unexpected funeral, or prefer to spend your budget on the memorial or commemoration of life arrangements, a Direct Cremation may be the most cost effective choice. 

A direct cremation is a cremation that takes place with no service and no attendees. The crematorium in which the cremation takes place is chosen at the discretion of the funeral director, and the person who has died is taken in a private ambulance from the facilities they are resting in, to the crematorium on the day of the cremation.

There are no hearses, pallbearers or limousines to spend money on. Instead, you can take a breath, do the things you need to do in the weeks after a loved one’s death, and arrange a more meaningful, personalised celebration of life at a time that feels right. Find out more about Aura’s Direct Cremation from £1,095 here.

Finding support with funeral costs

For those who may struggle to cope with the cost of a funeral, financial support is available. The Department of Work and Pensions runs two schemes to help families in need: The Bereavement Support Payment and The Funeral Expenses Payment. Other people contacted their loved one’s bank or building society and were able to pay funeral costs directly from funds held in the account, via the Grant of Probate scheme.

Tackling funeral costs with pre-paid funeral plans

Even though the cost of a funeral arranged today can be controlled by the choices made, no one knows what the costs will be next year, let alone in five or ten years’ time. What we know already is that, according to SunLife (2024) Cost of Dying Report, the average cost of a funeral has increased by 126% in a 20-year period, and is expected to keep rising.

According to Funeral Solution Expert, 15% of people are choosing a pre-paid funeral plan to avoid the damaging effect of inflation. 

Aura is the top-rated cremation plan provider, with all available plans rated five stars by independent experts Fairer Finance. We are also the highest rated ‘Cremation Services’ provider on Trustpilot, with an overall rating of 4.9/5. Our prepaid cremation plans offer cost guarantees built in so there is nothing left for your family to pay. We are the only prepaid cremation provider to offer free cancellation across all of our payment terms, and you can spread the cost of your plan across 12 or 24 months at no added cost.

To find out more about our funeral plans, call us on 0333 242 1088.