How to Save on the Cost of a Funeral
When someone you love passes away, the last thing you want to do is be worried about the cost of an expensive funeral. These days, funerals are more expensive than ever, with most funerals costing upwards of £4,000.
However, there are now more funeral offerings and products on the market than ever before, allowing you more choice and flexibility when it comes to paying for your funeral.
There are also a number of things you can do to reduce the cost of your funeral, some of which are explained below for you.
How much does a funeral cost in the UK?
In 2025, the average cost of a funeral is higher than it’s ever been. In fact, at the end of 2024, the average cost of a funeral sat at £4,706 [1].
This is a considerable amount, which is why it is more important than ever to plan for your funeral where possible and understand how you might be able to save on your funeral where you can.
Navigating these costs when you have lost a loved one is incredibly difficult, especially when you are in mourning and might struggle to manage any stress during this time.
There are lots of different types of funerals to cater for different needs and wants, which all have different cost implications.
These different funeral types are explained below for you, along with the different cost implications. This should give you a good idea on how to save on the cost of a funeral where possible.
1. Burial funeral costs
Burials are quite an expensive funeral choice, with most burial funerals costing over £4,000.
This will cover the cost of the service and the burial, including buying the plot at a cemetery, organising a priest and any funeral director fees.
Burials are becoming less and less popular due to the high fees.
2. Cremation funeral costs
Cremation funerals are just as expensive as burial funerals, with some costing more than £4,000. This, however, will also include everything from the crematorium fee, the funeral director’s fee and the service.
3. Funeral director’s fees
The funeral director is one of the most expensive aspects of a funeral in the UK. In fact, funeral directors have been known to charge upwards of £3,000 for a funeral. However, this fee can vary a lot depending on where you are in the country.
Government Help with the Cost of a Funeral
The Government offers what is known as the Funeral Expenses Payment. This will help somewhat when it comes to paying for the cost of a funeral [1].
They can help with a number of different things, including the cost of a burial plot, the cost of a cremation, the cost of a doctor’s certificate, travel to a funeral and the cost of moving and transporting a body to the UK if an individual passes away overseas [1].
You are usually awarded up to £1,000 that will go towards the cost of the funeral.
This will be deducted from any money you get from the individual’s estate, including any money from their property.
Not everyone will be eligible for the Funeral Expense Payment, which is why it is always important to check.
How to Save Money on Funeral Costs
When planning a loved one’s funeral, it is incredibly easy to feel overwhelmed by the additional costs.
Often, emotions are very high when a loved one passes away, which is why it is easy to tip over the edge when you realise how expensive they are.
However, there are actually a number of different things that you can do in order to reduce the cost of a funeral whilst still paying respect to your loved one.
Sometimes, the deceased individual will save some money in order to cover the cost of their funeral, which isn’t always guaranteed.
Below is a list of just some of the ways that you can reduce the cost of either your funeral or the cost of a loved one’s funeral.
1. Consider having a direct cremation with no service
Direct cremations are a whole lot cheaper than having a traditional funeral service, and there are also a lot of different direct cremation providers available up and down the country. With direct cremation, you will save yourself thousands of pounds.
Instead of a service, you will simply be cremated, no frills and no fuss.
2. Organise your own food
Organising your own food at your wake is another great tip when it comes to reducing the cost of your funeral, as caterers can often charge hundreds of pounds to put on a spread.
3. Consider simply scattering your ashes
Instead of opting for a traditional funeral, you could consider scattering either your or a loved one’s ashes if that’s what they wish.
By scattering your ashes, you will save a lot of money on the cost of a gravestone or plot and can opt for a simple service beforehand or simply a scattering.
You should pick somewhere that is personal to you, but always check that you are allowed to scatter ashes there. In order to check, you will need to ask the local council.
4. Choose a less expensive coffin
You can also significantly reduce the cost of your funeral or a loved one’s funeral by simply choosing a less expensive coffin.
Coffins are often one of the most expensive aspects of a funeral. However, by opting for cheaper materials, you can significantly reduce the cost.
For example, you can opt for a cardboard coffin as opposed to solid wood or metal.
5. Prepaid funeral plans
Planning your funeral is never an easy subject to talk about.
However, being able to pre-pay for your funeral in a finance plan that suits you will certainly ease any worries or concerns when you pass away, as everything will be already taken care of [2].
A pre-paid funeral plan will also give you peace of mind that you aren’t leaving your loved ones with a huge bill after you pass away.
This way, you can agree on your funeral plans whilst you are still alive and pay off the fee on a monthly basis or opt to pay off in one large lump sum [2].
6. Choose your funeral director wisely
Funeral directors are often the most important part of your funeral service, which means that they are often also one of the most expensive aspects of a funeral [3].
Whilst it is important that you find the right funeral director for you, you should also try to choose one who seems to offer good value for money.
They arrange everything about your funeral, from the collection and care of your body or your loved one’s body to how the day of your funeral will run [3].
So, make sure that you opt for a funeral director with a good reputation who does not charge extortionate fees.
If you’re over 65 and are worrying about the cost of your funeral or simply concerned about the cost of living, then talk to a member of the team at Equity Release Warehouse.
Releasing equity from your home can allow you to live a more comfortable lifestyle during your retirement, and our team of specialist advisers are on hand to provide you with the information and support you need regarding everything equity release related.
For more information on all things equity release, talk to a member of our friendly and helpful team by visiting the Equity Release Warehouse website or by ringing us on 0330 058 1579.
References
[2] https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/family/prepaid-funeral-plans/
[3] https://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/advice/how-to-reduce-funeral-costs/
