The cost of dying in the UK rose by 4.7%* from 2017 to 2018. This is a 122%* total increase on the average cost in 2004. This cost covers the amount spent on the funeral service, the send off, and legal expenses and fees.
*SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2018
In 2018, the average cost of a basic funeral is £4,271*. This is the average cost of organising a funeral directly with a funeral director.
Funeral director’s fees make up the majority of the £4,271*. This is the average cost of organising a funeral directly with a funeral director. 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
Since 2004, this cost has risen by 122.5%. Golden Charter have estimated that if funeral costs continue to rise at the same rate year on year, the average cost of a funeral will be more than £7,200 in 2027.
*SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2018
Read MoreRead Less
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
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
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.
