What's the average cost of a funeral in the UK

Arranging a funeral for a loved one you have lost can add stress to an already difficult situation. One of the most important factors when planning a funeral is how much it’s going to cost. In the UK, funeral expenses vary depending on a number of things, which we’ll explore in this blog post.

The basic cost of a funeral in the UK ranges from £3000-£5000, and includes essential services such as cremation or burial fees, funeral director fees, and the coffin.

There can be additional factors that influence costs when planning a funeral. Some of these are detailed below:

Location
The cost of a funeral can vary depending on where you’re located within the UK. Urban areas such as London tend to have higher costs when compared to rural regions.

Service
The type of service you choose can impact the overall cost. A traditional burial, for example, will cost more than if you opted for a cremation. Cremations tend to be less expensive than burials due to lower cemetery costs. A direct cremation, which is a cremation without a funeral service, costs significantly lower than a cremation or burial.

Funeral Director
Funeral directors provide various services, including organising the funeral, coordinating transportation, and providing professional guidance. While having a funeral director is worthwhile, their fees can significantly impact the overall cost.

Venue
If you choose to hold a wake or reception after the funeral service, the cost of the venue, catering, and other arrangements will contribute to the total expenses. Having the wake at home can help to reduce these costs.

Coffin selection
There are many different types of coffins and caskets available, some more expensive than others. Choosing a simple coffin or shroud over a more expensive version can help to lower the overall cost of the funeral service.