Site Guide showing the cheapest funeral options

This comprehensive Site Guide offers a wide range of information and contact details to provide you with the cheapest funeral options on different funeral funding, organisation and bereavement.

Whether you are looking for a low-cost undertaker, a funding source from the Government, a benevolent fund, bereavement support or simply advice on death certificates, disbursements or will writing this page can help you with these and other helpful services for the cheapest funeral options.

Help with Funeral Costs

As most are aware, funerals are often expensive, and in times of grief and stress, it’s common for families to overspend without realising. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce funeral costs and explore the cheapest funeral options while still honouring your loved one’s memory. The UK Government offers financial support to those on low incomes or receiving benefits through schemes like the Funeral Expenses Payment.

Hand putting coin into blue piggy bank

Benevolent Funds

Benevolent funds are often overlooked as many people are unaware of them. They provide crucial financial and in some cases emotional support for families struggling with funeral costs and bereavement. Many of these funds relate to certain trades, professions, or communities, offering help to those who qualify. If you qualify, benevolent funds can certainly help you with the organising of the cheapest funeral options.

Shaking hands

Support with Bereavement

Organising the cheapest funeral options is one matter but for many dealing with the emotional weight of losing a loved one while organising a funeral can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are many bereavement support services available across the UK that offer free or low-cost counselling, advice, and emotional assistance.

Person sitting in a graveyard

Death Certificates

Obtaining a death certificate is an important necessary step in organising a funeral. Understanding the process can help save time and reduce stress. In the UK, you will need a certified copy of the death certificate from the local registrar in the area where the death occurred. Without this certificate it is impossible to go ahead with arranging a burial or cremation.

Death certificate

Funeral Disbursements

Funeral disbursements, also known as third-party costs, are additional costs paid on behalf of the family by the funeral director. These extra costs can build up and if you are looking for the cheapest funeral options understanding disbursements is essential, these can include the burial or cremation fees, flowers, medical certificates, and officiant services, such as a celebrant or humanist. These costs are often unavoidable but can vary depending on your choices.

Disbursement form

Cremations & Burials

Cremation is generally more affordable than burial in the UK. Direct cremations, which do not include a funeral service, are an increasingly popular low-cost option for families looking for which is often one of the  cheapest funeral options. They are a simple, dignified service and provide the option to hold a separate memorial service later if required.

Burials are mostly more expensive, mainly due to the increasing cost of burial plots. However, a natural burial in a woodland or eco-friendly burial ground can reduce costs.

Daises growing in a field

Funeral Packages

Funeral directors often offer pre-set packages that bundle various services together. While convenient, these packages can sometimes include unnecessary extras that inflate the cost. It’s important to ask for a breakdown of the services included and whether any can be removed or adjusted to better suit your budget.

Pink blossom on tree

Funeral Plans

Funeral plans have become more popular over recent years. They allow you to pay for your funeral in advance, locking in current prices and protecting you and your family from rising costs in the future. While this can be one of the cheapest funeral options, it’s important to choose a reputable provider and fully understand what is included in the plan. Some plans only cover the basics, leaving your family responsible for any additional expenses. 

Look for funeral plans regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to ensure they offer protection if the provider goes out of business. To help with the cheapest funeral options reputable lower cost funeral plan providers are listed.

Funeral hearse in cemetery

Writing a Will

Writing a will is a vital step in ensuring your wishes are carried out after you pass away. It can also help avoid additional stress for your loved ones. By simply stating how you would like your estate and personal belongings to be handled and distributed, you can avoid disputes and legal hold ups.

 Additionally, a will allows you to specify your funeral preferences, which can alleviate some of the decision-making burden on your family. There are low-cost options listed for the cheapest funeral options in drafting a will, including online services.

Writing a will

Why is it difficult to find the cheapest funeral options?

Large advertising budgets from the few larger funeral providers in the UK often dominate the market. This simply means that the independent lower cost services are unable to compete with these large advertising budgets. The public are then generally unaware of these lower cost cheapest funeral options. Save Funeral Costs aims to provide a one stop service to clearly list low-cost options with access to bereavement services.

Further low-cost funeral information can be found by visiting Steps 1 to 5. Additionally, the Funeral Directory lists contact details of services ranging from biodegradable handmade cremation ash urns to booking a humanist or celebrant as well as lower cost coffin and headstone suppliers.

SW Barratt
Founder: SW Barratt

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