Arranging a low-cost funeral: Direct Cremations

Over the past 10 years, the average price of funerals have risen by nearly 40%, with the current average cost of a traditional funeral being a whopping £4,056. For those planning a funeral for a loved one, finding these funds can be extremely difficult, especially if the death was sudden or unexpected, and without a pre-paid plan in place.

These rising costs have left many people searching for more affordable avenues that still allow a dignified send off without having to spend large sums of money. 

So, here is a helpful guide on how to save money and arrange a low-cost funeral.

Which is the most affordable funeral option in the UK: Direct Cremation

According to Sunlife’s 2022 Cost of Dying report, the most affordable funeral in the UK is currently direct cremation, at an average price of £1,647 (depending on the provider). This is a reduction of over half the price of a traditional burial or cremation.

What is a Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation means there is no hearse, pallbearers, or ceremony at the crematorium. The cremation is unattended and takes place with no mourners present. The ashes are instead delivered to the family after the cremation, who are then free to gather for a unique and personal send-off to celebrate the life of their loved one.

Why are Direct Cremations so affordable?

When compared to burials, direct cremations are 66% cheaper, and when compared to traditional cremations, direct cremations are 56% cheaper. But what is the reasoning behind such a large difference in price?

Well, when the price of traditional burials or cremations are broken down, much of the cost has been found to go on things such as: 

• Fees for the burial, funeral director, doctor, and minister or celebrant.
• The memorial, the death and funeral notices, flowers, order sheets, limousines, the venue, and catering for the wake.

Direct cremations, however, remove the need for these additional costs by offering a ‘unattended cremation’ service. This way, families do not have to take on the stress of forking out thousands for the above traditional funeral costs but instead, only need to pay for the cremation itself, the provider fees, and the collection and return of the ashes*. 

*Not all direct cremation providers include the same services within their price. Some may have hidden additional costs, so be sure to shop around before committing.

When compared to traditional cremations, direct cremations are 56% cheaper

Direct Cremations: are they right for you?

Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or arranging an at-need funeral for a loved one, choosing a funeral option that saves money but also allows for a special and dignified send-off can be difficult. Direct cremations allow you to do so by taking away the fuss and cost of a traditional funeral, whilst also ensuring you or your loved one gets a fitting farewell.

Depending on preference, a direct cremation may not be the right option for everyone. If this is the case, there are plenty of ways you can save money on a traditional burial or cremation, and help for this can be found here.

Which provider offers the lowest cost Direct Cremations in the UK?

Currently, at Celebration of Life, we offer one of the UK’s lowest-price direct cremations, both pre-paid and at-need. Starting at £850, our direct cremations include 24/7 help and guidance, collection from anywhere in Great Britain, a simple traditional coffin, care of the deceased at our mortuary facilities, removal of any electronic devices such as a pacemaker, and a direct cremation at our partner crematorium.

Arrange a low-cost funeral with Celebration of Life

If you have any questions regarding this topic or want to find out more about our pre-paid or at-need direct cremations, get in touch with our friendly team who are happy to help 24/7.