Can a non-Catholic have a Catholic funeral Mass?

A full Catholic funeral Mass is generally reserved for baptised Catholics. However, if a non-Catholic had a close connection to the faith — for example, a spouse of a Catholic — a priest may agree to lead a funeral service in a Catholic church, though it would not typically include the full Eucharistic celebration. It is always worth speaking directly with the local parish priest, who will consider the individual circumstances with compassion.

Can you have a Catholic funeral if you were not a regular churchgoer?

Yes. A baptised Catholic is entitled to a Catholic funeral regardless of how frequently they attended Mass during their lifetime. The Church's pastoral care extends to all the faithful, and a priest will generally be willing to celebrate the funeral Mass. If there is no existing parish connection, your funeral director or the local Diocese can help arrange an appropriate priest.

How long does a Catholic funeral Mass last?

A typical Catholic funeral Mass lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. If the Mass includes a eulogy, additional musical pieces, or a particularly large congregation, it may run slightly longer. The committal service at the graveside or crematorium usually adds a further 15–30 minutes.

Are ashes allowed in a Catholic church?

Yes. Where cremation has taken place before the funeral (though the Church prefers the body to be present), the ashes may be brought into the church for the funeral Mass. Catholic teaching requires that ashes be subsequently interred in a sacred place — such as a Catholic cemetery, a consecrated columbarium, or a designated church garden. Scattering ashes or keeping them at home is not in keeping with Catholic doctrine.

What should I wear to a Catholic funeral?

Smart, modest clothing in dark or sombre tones is most appropriate for a Catholic funeral in the UK. Traditional Catholic funerals tend to be fairly formal occasions, so business-smart attire — dark suits, dresses, or skirts — is a safe choice. Avoid very casual clothing such as jeans or trainers. If in doubt, err on the side of formality; the family will appreciate the mark of respect.

What is a Catholic funeral Mass?

A Catholic funeral Mass — also called a Requiem Mass — is a full celebration of the Eucharist offered for the soul of the deceased. It includes scripture readings, a homily, Holy Communion, and a Final Commendation in which the deceased is formally entrusted to God's mercy. It is the central act of the Catholic funeral rite and typically lasts 45 minutes to one hour.

What are the main Catholic funeral traditions?

Key Catholic funeral traditions include the Vigil (Wake) the evening before the Mass, the sprinkling of the coffin with holy water, placing a white pall over the coffin, the use of incense (thurible) during the Mass, praying the Rosary, the Rite of Committal at the graveside or crematorium, and ongoing Masses offered for the soul of the deceased (including a Month's Mind Mass approximately one month after death).

Can a non-Catholic attend a Catholic funeral?

Yes — non-Catholics are warmly welcome at a Catholic funeral. You should dress modestly in dark clothing, follow the congregation's movements as best you can, and refrain from receiving Holy Communion. If you wish to come forward during Communion, cross your arms over your chest to receive a blessing instead. There is no expectation for non-Catholics to kneel if this is uncomfortable.

Does the Catholic Church allow cremation?

Yes. The Catholic Church has permitted cremation since 1963. However, the Church prefers burial of the body, and strict rules apply: ashes must be interred in a cemetery or other sacred place and may not be kept at home, scattered, or divided among family members. The Funeral Mass should ideally take place with the body present before cremation.

What are the Catholic funeral rules on Holy Communion?

Only baptised Catholics who are in a state of grace may receive Holy Communion at a Catholic funeral Mass. Non-Catholics, including other baptised Christians, should not receive Communion. This is a fundamental rule of the Catholic Church. Non-Catholics who wish to approach the altar for a blessing should cross their arms over their chest to indicate this to the minister.

What readings are used at a Catholic funeral?

The Liturgy of the Word at a Catholic funeral typically includes a reading from the Old Testament, a responsorial Psalm, a reading from the New Testament (often from St Paul's letters or the Book of Revelation), and a Gospel reading. Popular choices include John 11:25–26 ('I am the resurrection and the life'), Romans 8:31–39, and Psalm 23 ('The Lord is my shepherd'). Families choose readings in consultation with the priest.

What is a Catholic vigil or wake?

The Catholic vigil — commonly called a wake — is a gathering of family and friends the evening before the funeral Mass. It may be held at the family home, a funeral home, or the church, and the body of the deceased is traditionally present. A priest or deacon may lead prayers and scripture readings. It is a time for communal prayer, shared memories, and mutual support in grief.

How much does a Catholic funeral cost in the UK in 2026?

The cost of a Catholic funeral in the UK in 2026 varies by location and services chosen. Funeral director fees typically range from £3,000 to £5,500 for a burial service. Church fees (priest, organist, church use) are usually £200–£600 depending on the parish. Cemetery plot fees vary widely — from around £1,500 in rural areas to over £5,000 in London. Use the NAFD funeral cost calculator for a personalised local estimate.

What is a Month's Mind Mass in Catholic tradition?

A Month's Mind Mass is a Catholic tradition of celebrating a Mass for the soul of the deceased approximately one month after their death. It is an opportunity for the community to gather again in prayer for the person who has died and to support the bereaved family as the initial intensity of grief continues. Anniversary Masses in subsequent years are also a common Catholic tradition.

Catholic Funerals: Mass, Traditions & What to Expect

Q: How much does a Catholic funeral cost in the UK?

The overall cost of a Catholic funeral in the UK will depend on a range of factors including the funeral director's fees, whether burial or cremation is chosen, the cemetery or crematorium fees, and any additional services such as flowers, obituary notices, or a wake. Church fees for the funeral Mass vary by parish but are typically in the range of £150–£400 in 2026. Using our funeral cost calculator can help you understand the full likely cost before making any decisions. An NAFD-accredited funeral director will provide a clear, itemised quote so there are no unexpected costs.

A compassionate guide to Catholic funeral traditions in the UK — covering the vigil, funeral Mass, committal, cremation rules, and what non-Catholic guests should know.

Losing someone you love is one of life's most profound experiences, and when a Catholic funeral is involved, the rituals and prayers that surround that loss carry centuries of meaning and comfort. Whether you are arranging a Catholic funeral for a family member, or attending one as a guest who is unfamiliar with the traditions, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — gently, clearly, and with the respect this occasion deserves.

In brief: A Catholic funeral in the UK typically consists of three stages — the Vigil (Wake), the Funeral Mass (Requiem Mass), and the Committal. It is led by a Catholic priest, follows the Order of Christian Funerals, and is rooted in the belief in bodily resurrection and life everlasting. Cremation is permitted by the Catholic Church, provided the ashes are interred rather than scattered. The complete guide below covers every stage of the Catholic funeral in detail, including traditions, etiquette, and practical advice for families making arrangements. For help finding a Catholic-experienced funeral director, /find-a-funeral-director/ to search NAFD-accredited funeral homes near you.

The Catholic Understanding of Death

At the heart of a Catholic funeral is the belief in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Death, in Catholic teaching, is not an ending but a transition — a passing from this life into the presence of God. The funeral rites are designed not only to mourn the loss of the deceased, but to commend their soul to God's mercy and to offer genuine comfort to all who grieve.

The Order of Christian Funerals, the official rite used in England and Wales, structures this journey of farewell into three distinct stages. Understanding these stages will help you feel more prepared and at ease, whatever your role on the day.

The Three Stages of a Catholic Funeral

A Catholic funeral in the UK follows three formal stages set out in the Order of Christian Funerals: the Vigil (or Wake), the Catholic Funeral Mass (Requiem Mass), and the Committal. Together, these rites commend the deceased to God's mercy, comfort the bereaved, and celebrate the Catholic belief in resurrection and eternal life.

1. The Vigil (or Wake)

The vigil — often called a wake in Irish and British Catholic tradition — typically takes place the evening before the funeral Mass. It may be held at the family home, a funeral home, or the church itself.

Traditionally, the body of the deceased is present, and family and friends gather to pray together, share memories, and offer support. A priest or deacon may lead prayers and scripture readings, though the vigil can also be a more informal gathering. In many communities, this is a time for storytelling and togetherness — a reminder that grief is not carried alone.

If the body is received into the church the evening before the Mass, a short Reception of the Body service is held, during which the coffin is sprinkled with holy water and a white pall (a large cloth representing the baptismal garment) is placed over it. This simple ceremony is deeply meaningful and marks the beginning of the formal farewell.

2. The Funeral Mass

The Catholic funeral Mass — formally known as the Requiem Mass — is the central act of the Catholic funeral rite and the part most people are unfamiliar with if they have not attended one before. It is a full celebration of the Eucharist (Holy Communion), woven together with prayers and readings specifically chosen to comfort the bereaved and entrust the deceased to God.

The Mass typically lasts between 45 minutes and one hour, though this varies depending on the parish and any additional elements chosen by the family.

What Happens During the Funeral Mass?

Introductory Rites: The priest greets the coffin at the church door, sprinkles it with holy water, and leads it to the front of the church. The white pall is placed over the coffin if not already done at the vigil.
Liturgy of the Word: Scripture readings are proclaimed — usually one from the Old Testament, a Psalm, a reading from the New Testament (often one of St Paul's letters), and then the Gospel. A homily (sermon) follows, in which the priest reflects on the readings and on the life of the person who has died.
Liturgy of the Eucharist: The central part of the Mass, during which bread and wine are consecrated and Holy Communion is received. Only baptised Catholics who are in a state of grace may receive Communion — more on this below for non-Catholic guests.
Final Commendation and Farewell: After Communion, the priest leads the Final Commendation — a moment of solemn farewell in which the deceased is entrusted to God's mercy. The coffin is again sprinkled with holy water and incensed (a fragrant smoke, symbolising prayers rising to heaven).
Procession to the Place of Committal: The coffin is carried out of the church as the congregation follows, often singing a closing hymn.

3. The Committal

The third and final stage is the committal — the moment of physical farewell. This takes place either at the graveside in a cemetery or at a crematorium. The priest leads a short service of prayers, and the coffin is either lowered into the ground or carried into the crematorium.

In Catholic tradition, the committal is brief but deeply moving. It closes the formal rite and marks the moment at which the deceased is, in the words of the rite, "returned to the earth from which we came."

The Role of the Priest

The parish priest plays a central role throughout the Catholic funeral. It is the priest who leads the Mass, delivers the homily, and guides the family through each stage of the rite. In most cases, the family will meet with their priest in the days before the funeral to discuss the readings, music, and any personal tributes.

If the deceased was a regular member of a parish, the parish priest will often have known them personally, which can bring an additional layer of warmth and personalisation to the service. If the family does not have a parish connection, a priest can still be arranged — your funeral director or the local Diocese can assist with this.

Choosing Readings and Hymns

One of the most personal aspects of planning a Catholic funeral is selecting the scripture readings and hymns. The Church provides a rich selection of approved readings, and families are encouraged to choose those that were meaningful to the deceased or that bring particular comfort.

Popular Catholic Funeral Hymns

Be Not Afraid
The Lord's My Shepherd (Crimond)
Abide With Me
How Great Thou Art
On Eagle's Wings
Ave Maria
I Watch the Sunrise

Families may also wish to include a eulogy or personal tribute, though this is typically delivered before or after the Mass itself rather than within it, in keeping with liturgical guidelines. Your priest will advise on the best way to incorporate personal tributes meaningfully.

Catholic Views on Cremation

One question that frequently arises is whether cremation is permitted in the Catholic faith. The answer is yes — cremation has been permitted by the Catholic Church since 1963, when the ban that had been in place for centuries was lifted.

However, it is important to understand the Church's conditions. Cremation is permitted provided it is not chosen for reasons that deny the resurrection of the body. The Church strongly prefers that the body be present for the funeral Mass, and that cremation, if chosen, take place afterwards.

Crucially — and this is a point that sometimes surprises families — Catholic teaching requires that ashes be interred in a sacred place, such as a Catholic cemetery or a columbarium (a dedicated repository for urns). The scattering of ashes or keeping them at home is not in keeping with Catholic teaching. In 2016, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reinforced this position clearly.

If cremation is your choice, speak with your priest and your funeral director early in the planning process. An experienced /find-a-funeral-director/NAFD-accredited funeral director[/LINK] familiar with Catholic funerals will be able to guide you through the practicalities whilst ensuring the arrangements remain in keeping with Church teaching.

Catholic Cemeteries in the UK

Many Catholic families choose burial in a Catholic cemetery or in a designated Catholic section of a local authority cemetery. In the UK, there are dedicated Catholic cemeteries in most major cities, often managed by the Diocese or by charitable trusts. Notable examples include St Edmund's in Ware (Hertfordshire), St Patrick's in Leyland (Lancashire), and the many Catholic sections within large municipal cemeteries across England, Wales, and Scotland.

Burial in consecrated Catholic ground carries great spiritual significance for many families. Your parish priest or funeral director can help you identify the most appropriate local option. If ashes are to be interred, many Catholic churches also have designated garden areas or columbaria for this purpose.

What Non-Catholic Guests Should Know

Attending a Catholic funeral as a non-Catholic can feel unfamiliar, but there is no need to feel anxious. The congregation at a Catholic funeral is always welcoming, and no one expects guests to participate in anything they are uncomfortable with. Here are the key things to be aware of:

Standing, Sitting, and Kneeling

During the Mass, the congregation will stand, sit, and kneel at various points. You are welcome to follow along as best you can, or simply remain seated respectfully if kneeling is not comfortable for you. There is no right or wrong approach — your presence and respect are what matter.

Holy Communion

This is the most important point for non-Catholic guests: Holy Communion is reserved for baptised Catholics who are in a state of grace. If you are not Catholic, please remain in your seat when others go forward to receive Communion. This is not unwelcoming — it is simply a sacred element of the Catholic faith. You may, if you wish, come forward with arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing from the priest instead.

Dress Code

Smart, dark, or sombre clothing is appropriate. There is no strict dress code, but modest attire is respectful — covering shoulders and avoiding very casual clothing is advisable.

Order of Service

Most Catholic funeral Masses will have an order of service booklet provided, which will guide you through the readings, responses, and hymns. Simply follow along, join in where you feel comfortable, and above all, know that your presence is a comfort to the grieving family.

Planning a Catholic Funeral: Practical Steps

If you are responsible for arranging a Catholic funeral, the following checklist may help:

Contact your parish priest as soon as possible — they will guide the liturgical planning and coordinate with the church.
Choose a funeral director experienced in Catholic funerals. /find-a-funeral-director/NAFD-accredited funeral directors[/LINK] adhere to a strict Code of Practice and can support you through every step, including liaising with the church and cemetery.
Decide on burial or cremation in consultation with the priest, keeping Church teaching in mind.
Select readings and hymns in discussion with the priest — involve other family members where possible.
Arrange the vigil or wake — speak with the funeral director about options for the evening before.
Consider a Catholic cemetery or interment plot for the burial or interment of ashes.
Communicate with guests — a brief note in the order of service about Communion and the order of the Mass can help non-Catholic guests feel at ease.
Plan the reception or gathering afterwards — this is an important part of communal grieving and support.

If you are unsure of the likely costs involved, our /funeral-cost-calculator/funeral cost calculator[/LINK] can help give you a realistic picture before you commit to any arrangements.

Finding Support When You Need It Most

Arranging a funeral — of any kind — is one of the most demanding things a grieving family can face. A Catholic funeral, with its specific liturgical requirements and traditions, adds a layer of detail that can feel overwhelming at the worst of times. Working with a funeral director who understands the Catholic rite, who has an established relationship with local parishes, and who treats your family with genuine compassion, makes an enormous difference.

Every NAFD-accredited funeral director meets rigorous professional standards, follows a transparent Code of Practice, and has access to the independent Funeral Arbitration Scheme — so you can plan with confidence, knowing you are in trustworthy hands.

/find-a-funeral-director/Find an NAFD-accredited funeral director near you[/LINK] — and take the first step towards a farewell that truly honours your loved one.

The Catholic Funeral Mass: What to Expect

The Catholic funeral Mass — formally called the Requiem Mass — is the liturgical centrepiece of a Catholic funeral service. It is a full celebration of the Eucharist, adapted to comfort the bereaved and commend the soul of the deceased to God. In England and Wales, it follows the rites set out in the Order of Christian Funerals and typically lasts between 45 minutes and one hour.

The Mass moves through four key parts:

Introductory Rites — The priest receives the coffin at the church door, sprinkles it with holy water (recalling baptism), and the white pall is placed over it. The congregation gathers as the coffin is processed to the altar.
Liturgy of the Word — Scripture readings (Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament epistle, Gospel) are proclaimed, followed by a homily in which the priest reflects on the readings and the life of the deceased.
Liturgy of the Eucharist — Bread and wine are consecrated and Holy Communion is distributed. Only baptised Catholics who are in a state of grace may receive Communion.
Final Commendation and Farewell — The priest leads prayers of farewell, the coffin is sprinkled with holy water and incensed with fragrant smoke symbolising prayers rising to heaven, and the congregation bids a final farewell before the procession to the place of committal.

Families may choose specific readings, hymns, and bidding prayers in consultation with their parish priest. If you are arranging a Catholic funeral Mass and need guidance on an appropriate funeral home, /find-a-funeral-director/ /find-a-funeral-director/ to find an NAFD-accredited funeral director experienced in Catholic rites.

Catholic Burial Traditions in the UK

Catholic burial traditions reflect the Church's profound belief in the resurrection of the body. Historically, burial in consecrated ground was the only acceptable practice, and it remains the Church's preferred choice today — though cremation is now permitted (see below).

Burial in a Catholic Cemetery or Consecrated Ground

Many Catholic parishes in England, Wales, and Scotland maintain their own cemeteries or have designated sections within municipal cemeteries that have been consecrated by a bishop. Being buried in consecrated ground is considered deeply significant — it is a physical expression of the community of faith that extends beyond death.

At the graveside, the priest leads the Rite of Committal — a short service of prayers, scripture, and a final blessing of the grave. The coffin is lowered, and the priest may sprinkle the grave with holy water. Family members often cast a handful of soil into the grave as a final act of farewell.

Grave Markers and Memorialisation

Catholic graves are commonly marked with a cross or a headstone bearing a religious inscription. Statues of Our Lady or patron saints are also traditional. In Catholic cemeteries, the graves are typically oriented east–west, reflecting the ancient tradition of facing east at the resurrection.

Months Mind and Anniversary Masses

A distinctive Catholic burial tradition is the Month's Mind Mass — a Mass celebrated approximately one month after death to continue praying for the soul of the deceased. Anniversary Masses on the first and subsequent anniversaries of death are also common, keeping the deceased within the ongoing prayers of the community.

Catholic Funeral Traditions: Customs, Symbols & Prayers

Catholic funerals are rich with symbolic traditions, many of which date back centuries. Understanding these customs helps both Catholic families making arrangements and non-Catholic guests attending the service.

Holy Water: The sprinkling of the coffin with holy water (the asperges) is one of the most recognised Catholic funeral traditions. It recalls the baptism of the deceased and their entry into the Christian community.
The White Pall: A large white cloth draped over the coffin represents the white garment worn at baptism — a powerful symbol that, in death as in life, the person belongs to Christ.
Incense (Thurible): The priest or deacon may swing a thurible (a censer burning incense) around the coffin. The fragrant smoke rising upward symbolises prayers ascending to God and honours the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
The Paschal Candle: The large Easter (Paschal) candle, lit at Easter and at baptisms, is placed near the coffin throughout the Mass. It is a powerful symbol of Christ's resurrection and the hope of eternal life.
Liturgical Colours: White or gold vestments are now most common in England and Wales, signifying resurrection and hope. Black vestments, traditionally associated with mourning, may still be used in some more traditional parishes.
The Rosary: It is common, particularly at the vigil or wake, for family and friends to pray the Rosary together around the deceased — meditating on the mysteries of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.
Prayers for the Soul: Catholics believe in praying for the dead, including through the doctrine of Purgatory. Masses offered for the deceased (known as Mass intentions) are considered among the most powerful forms of prayer, and families often request that Masses be said in the weeks and months after death.

Catholic Funeral Etiquette: Rules & Guidance for Guests

Catholic funeral etiquette asks guests to dress modestly in dark or muted colours, arrive before the service begins, and follow the congregation's responses as best they can. Non-Catholics are warmly welcome to attend but should not receive Holy Communion during the Mass.

What to Wear to a Catholic Funeral

Dark, conservative clothing is customary — black, navy, dark grey, or similar tones. Smart dress that covers the shoulders is respectful in a church setting. While strict dress codes are rarely enforced, the intention is to show reverence for the occasion and the family.

What Non-Catholics Should Do During Mass

Non-Catholic guests are genuinely welcome at a Catholic funeral Mass. The congregation will sit, stand, and kneel at various points — feel free to sit when others kneel if this is more comfortable. Join in any spoken responses and hymns as you wish. When Communion is distributed, non-Catholics should remain in their seats or, if they wish to come forward, cross their arms over their chest — this signals to the minister that they are seeking a blessing rather than Communion, which is entirely welcome.

Catholic Funeral Rules on Receiving Communion

Only baptised Catholics who are in a state of grace (i.e., have not committed a serious sin since their last Confession) may receive Holy Communion at a Catholic funeral Mass. This is a fundamental rule of the Catholic Church and applies to all Masses, not just funerals. Non-Catholics, including other baptised Christians, should not receive Communion — this is not a mark of exclusion but a reflection of Catholic teaching on the Eucharist.

Condolences and Signing the Book of Remembrance

It is good practice to offer brief, sincere condolences to the family either before the service or at the reception afterwards. Many Catholic funerals have a book of remembrance — signing it is a kind gesture. A simple acknowledgement such as "I'm so sorry for your loss" or "[Name] was a wonderful person" is always appropriate.

The Catholic Funeral Rite and Ceremony: An Overview

The Catholic funeral rite is the formal set of prayers, scripture readings, and liturgical actions used by the Catholic Church to mark a person's death. In England and Wales, it follows the Order of Christian Funerals, approved by the Bishops' Conference, and centres on the Funeral Mass (Requiem Mass) celebrated by a priest in a Catholic church.

The complete Catholic funeral ceremony comprises three principal rites: the Vigil (or Wake), the Funeral Mass, and the Committal at the graveside or crematorium. Each stage is accompanied by specific prayers, scripture, and symbolic actions that express the Church's faith in the resurrection and her care for both the deceased and the bereaved.

The rite may be celebrated with or without Mass in exceptional circumstances — for example, if no priest is available, a deacon or lay minister may lead a Funeral Liturgy outside Mass. However, a full Requiem Mass is strongly preferred and is the norm in the vast majority of Catholic funerals in the UK.

Catholic Funerals and Cremation: What the Church Allows

The Catholic Church permits cremation, a position formally established in 1963 when the Vatican lifted its previous prohibition. However, the Church maintains a clear preference for burial of the body, and cremation must not be chosen for reasons that contradict Catholic belief in the resurrection.

The Rules on Catholic Cremation

In 2016, the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued updated guidance (Ad resurgendum cum Christo) setting out the current rules for Catholics who choose cremation:

The Funeral Mass should take place before cremation where possible, with the body present. Some dioceses in England and Wales permit the Mass to take place after cremation with the ashes present, but this varies by parish — always confirm with the priest.
Ashes must be interred in a cemetery, mausoleum, or other sacred place. They may not be kept at home, divided among family members, scattered at sea or on land, or incorporated into memorial objects such as jewellery or fireworks. The Church teaches that the ashes of the faithful deserve the same reverence as the body.
The Rite of Committal can be celebrated at the crematorium before cremation, or at the place of interment of the ashes afterwards.

If you are arranging a Catholic cremation and are unsure about what is permitted in your diocese, speak to the parish priest at the earliest opportunity. An NAFD-accredited funeral director with experience in Catholic funerals can also help navigate these requirements — /find-a-funeral-director/ to find one near you.

How Much Does a Catholic Funeral Cost in the UK?

The cost of a Catholic funeral in the UK varies depending on location, the funeral director you choose, and the services selected. As a general guide for 2026:

Funeral director fees: Typically £3,000–£5,500 for a full burial service, including professional fees, transport, coffin, and care of the deceased. Cremation-based Catholic funerals may be lower.
Church fees: Parish fees for the use of the church, the priest's services, organist, and any altar servers vary considerably by diocese. Expect to pay between £200 and £600, though some parishes have a set scale of fees. Always ask the parish office for their current schedule.
Cemetery or burial fees: Purchasing a grave plot in a Catholic cemetery or a municipal cemetery varies greatly by location. In London and major cities, plot fees can range from £1,500 to over £5,000. In rural areas, fees are typically lower.
Flowers, order of service, and reception: Additional costs for flowers, printed orders of service, and a post-funeral reception will vary according to family wishes.

For a personalised estimate, use the NAFD /funeral-cost-calculator/ to understand the likely costs in your area. You may also be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the Department for Work and Pensions if you are on certain means-tested benefits.