How Much Does A Funeral Cost?

Average cost of a funeral

In 2018, the average cost of a basic funeral in the UK was £4,271, which has risen by almost 5% in the past year and has doubled since 2004*.

Why planning ahead makes great financial sense

Funeral costs have been increasing year on year. You might be surprised to hear that while the average cost of a funeral in 2004 was £1,190, by 2018, it was £4,271*. That's an increase of 122% - and well above inflation*.

*SunLife Cost of Dying Report, 2018.

In 2018, the average cost of a basic funeral is £4,271*.

Funeral director's fees make up the majority of the £4,271 figure averaging at £2,595*. Then there is the burial or cremation cost, with the average cost of a cremation being £832, and burial totalling £2,174*. The final cost can vary on factors including where you live, the funeral director, and how much you spend on each optional costs, such as venue hire, catering, the headstone, flowers, and limousines.

Nobody wants their family to face money worries in the future. A funeral plan lets you fix the cost of the funeral director’s services in the plan at today’s prices.

No matter how much prices rise in the future, once your plan is paid for¹ you’ll have the reassurance of knowing there'll be nothing more to pay for these services - guaranteed.

*SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2018

¹Or after 2 years’ consecutive payments if paying by the fixed monthly payment option.

Additional funeral service costs

Along with the funeral director and cremation or burial fees, some people choose to pay for additional services for the ceremony, such as catering, venue hire for the wake, funeral flowers, and additional transport such as limousines. Research has found that these extras can cost up to £2,061*

These extra costs are completely optional and you shouldn’t feel pressured into paying for things that aren’t in your budget. Some people choose to ask friends and family to help – for example, could someone help with flower arrangements or do you know someone who could provide catering? These costs can vary, so it’s worth shopping around to find quotes that fit your budget.

*SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2018

Memorial headstone or plaque, along with engraving

Catering for the funeral

Limousine for the family

Venue hire for the wake

Flowers

Funeral notice in a newspaper

Death notice or obituary

Order of service sheets

Average Price*

Memorial headstone or plaque, along with engraving

£824

Catering for the funeral

£362

Limousine for the family

£264

Venue hire for the wake

£210

Flowers

£171

Funeral notice in a newspaper

£62

Death notice or obituary

£73

Order of service sheets

£82

Memorial headstone or plaque, along with engraving

Catering for the funeral

Limousine for the family

Venue hire for the wake

Flowers

Funeral notice in a newspaper

Death notice or obituary

Order of service sheets

Many people put aside money for their funeral, whether that’s in the form of a funeral plan, savings and investments. It’s important to talk about funeral arrangements with your loved ones so you know what provisions are in place, and what their wishes for their funeral service are. If the deceased does have a funeral plan, the funeral directors services included in the plan will be guaranteed. Some funeral plans offer an allowance for third party costs , such as cremation or burial fees, so make sure you fully check what’s included.

Find out more about Golden Charter funeral plans or request an info pack here.

Average cost of a funeral

In 2018, the average cost of a basic funeral in the UK was £4,271, which has risen by almost 5% in the past year and has doubled since 2004*.

Why planning ahead makes great financial sense

How much does a funeral cost?

Additional funeral service costs

Average Price*

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