Funerals Don't Have to Cost a Fortune
The average cost of a funeral in the UK is £4,141 according to SunLife's Cost of Dying Report 2024 — a figure that represents a significant financial burden for many families, particularly at a time of emotional distress. However, it is entirely possible to arrange a dignified and meaningful funeral for considerably less than this average, and there is financial assistance available for those who need it.
This guide sets out every practical option for reducing funeral costs, from low-cost funeral services to government help and what you can arrange yourself.
Direct Cremation: The Most Affordable Mainstream Option
The single most effective way to reduce the cost of a funeral is to choose a direct cremation. A direct cremation — where the deceased is cremated without a formal service, with ashes returned to the family — typically costs between £895 and £1,500.
This represents a saving of £2,500–£3,500 compared to a traditional funeral. Many families then choose to hold a separate celebration of life at home or at a local venue, where close family and friends can gather to share memories, at whatever additional cost they can afford — or at no additional cost at all.
See our full guide to direct cremation for a complete explanation of the process, what to expect, and how to arrange one.
A Simple Attended Funeral
If attending the cremation or burial in person is important to you and your family, you can still significantly reduce costs compared to a traditional funeral by choosing a simple attended funeral. This involves:
- A basic funeral director package with a simple coffin
- A short, unelaborated service at the crematorium (often 30 minutes)
- No limousine hire (family travel in their own vehicles)
- No flowers or minimal flowers
- No printed order of service
- A humanist celebrant or minister who offers lower fees
Many funeral directors offer a simple or basic funeral package that includes all essential elements at a fixed, lower price. Since 2021, all NAFD member funeral directors are required to publish their price lists, including a simple funeral package. You can compare these prices before making a decision.
Government Help: The Funeral Expenses Payment
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides a Funeral Expenses Payment (also known as the Funeral Payment) to help those on qualifying benefits pay for a funeral. It is significantly under-claimed — many people who are entitled to it do not apply.
What It Covers
The Funeral Expenses Payment covers:
- The full cost of a burial or cremation fee
- Up to £1,000 towards other necessary funeral expenses (funeral director fees, coffin, etc.)
- Travel costs within the UK for the applicant to arrange or attend the funeral
- Death certificate fees
Who Qualifies
You may be eligible if you are responsible for paying for the funeral and you or your partner receive one of the following benefits:
- Universal Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Child Tax Credit (in most circumstances)
- Working Tax Credit (with disability or severe disability element)
You must apply within six months of the date of the funeral. The payment is made to the funeral director directly if the bill has not yet been paid, or to you if you have already paid. Apply online or by phone through the DWP.
Any money from the deceased's estate will be deducted from the payment, but personal possessions and the deceased's home (in most circumstances) are not counted.
The Budgeting Loan
If you are on Universal Credit or other qualifying benefits, you may also be able to apply for a Budgeting Loan from the government to help cover costs before the Funeral Expenses Payment is processed. Budgeting Loans are interest-free and repaid through small deductions from future benefit payments.
Paying From the Deceased's Estate
Funeral costs are the first charge on a deceased person's estate and can be paid directly from their bank account before probate is granted. This means that if your loved one had money in the bank, you do not need to personally fund the funeral first and then claim it back.
Contact the deceased's bank with:
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- The funeral director's invoice
- Proof of your relationship to the deceased and/or authority to act
Most high street banks in the UK have a specific process for this and will release funds for funeral costs without waiting for probate to be granted.
The Council Funeral (Public Health Funeral)
Under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984, local councils have a legal duty to arrange a funeral when a person has died in their area and no arrangements have been made, either because there is no money in the estate or because there is no family or friends able or willing to pay.
A council or public health funeral is typically a simple direct cremation or basic burial, without a service or mourners. It is dignified and lawful, but it is a minimal provision. Some families arrange a separate memorial after the council funeral has taken place.
If you believe the council should be arranging the funeral, contact the local council's environmental health or bereavement services department directly.
Practical Ways to Reduce Costs Without Losing Meaning
The following steps can meaningfully reduce funeral costs without diminishing the dignity of the occasion:
Coffin Choice
A coffin is required for both burial and cremation, but you are not obliged to purchase a coffin from the funeral director. You can supply your own, or ask for the most affordable option. Simple cardboard, wicker, or seagrass coffins are fully legal, environmentally friendly, and typically considerably cheaper than wooden coffins — prices start from around £200.
Transport
A hearse is traditional but not compulsory. Some families choose to transport the coffin themselves (in an appropriate vehicle), or simply decline the family limousine hire (saving £250–£400). If the funeral is local, mourners can travel in their own cars.
Flowers
Flowers are optional and families often request charitable donations instead. If you do want flowers, purchasing directly from a wholesaler or supermarket rather than a specialist florist can significantly reduce costs.
Catering
A wake does not need to be held in a venue. A simple gathering at home with tea, sandwiches, and family-made food is entirely appropriate and costs a fraction of catering at a pub or restaurant.
Order of Service
A professionally printed order of service is a nice touch but not essential. A simple printed sheet from a home printer costs almost nothing.
Compare Funeral Directors
Funeral director prices vary enormously, even within the same town. Always request itemised quotes from at least two or three providers and compare them carefully. NAFD member funeral directors must publish their price lists — use these to make initial comparisons before requesting detailed quotes.
See our guide to funeral costs in the UK for a full breakdown of what to expect to pay.
What You Cannot Do Yourself
While many elements of a funeral can be arranged without a professional funeral director, certain steps require professional involvement:
- The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death must be issued by a doctor
- For cremation, statutory cremation forms must be completed by medical professionals
- The death must be registered at the register office
- The cremation or burial must be authorised and carried out at a licensed facility
However, there is no legal requirement to use a professional funeral director for a burial on private land, and it is possible (though complex) to arrange all other elements yourself. Most families find that using a funeral director — even for a simple package — is more practical and supportive than DIY arrangements.
This guide is provided by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), which represents funeral directing businesses conducting over 80% of all UK funerals. Find a trusted NAFD funeral director near you.
