With the rising cost of living and more people looking to cut back on spending, it’s no surprise that people are looking for affordable funeral options when funeral planning.
So whether you’re dealing with the demise of a loved one or simply trying to figure out what type of funeral arrangements will work best for your family, this guide on key steps to planning affordable funerals in the UK can help you make some budget friendly choices without draining your bank account. Learn the simple tips below and likewise visit the links.
Quotes on funerals
It’s best to research the available options, one of the popular search terms is affordable funerals near me. Consider taking this step before you make any decisions. For example, many companies are available, but if for example you’re looking for an affordable funeral in Leeds then your choices are limited by the number of low-cost funeral directors in Leeds.
The following questions can help you decide which funeral provider might be best for you:
What are the costs?
What services do they offer?
Are there any extra fees you should know about?
These are just some of the queries you may want to ask as you narrow your search for affordable funerals and cremations. It is always advisable to ask for a written quotation, so that you can see exactly what the final cost will be.
Free† financial help
Having an idea of the money you want to spend on the funeral is helpful to a degree as it will help you choose a funeral provider. For example, you can save money by choosing a cheaper burial plot or opting for cremation instead of burial.
Free†financial help is available from the government and charities, this applies to both adult and child funerals. It is wise to make enquiries to see if the deceased had a life insurance policy, as this can be used to offset or pay for the funeral.
There are so many companies offering funerals, and there are so many details that it can be challenging to know which is best for your needs. Therefore, it’s best to take your time, know what you want, and compare prices from low-cost undertakers before making your final decision. These undertakers also offer affordable funeral packages.
Direct cremation
Direct cremations are by far cheaper than the traditional burial process. There is often no embalming required and no ceremony. Moreover, with this service, you’ll save on your funeral expenses, meaning you’ll have more money to spend on important things, such as a wake or memorial service.
Other benefits of direct cremations include simplicity and convenience. Many people today prefer their funerals to be simple and stress-free, so it makes sense for them to opt for direct cremation. These reasons make direct cremation an effective choice when planning an affordable funeral.
Saving funeral costs
Once you have found a low-cost funeral provider it is always worth asking if any costs can be cut down, such as if you were to supply the coffin, or a cardboard coffin could be used instead of wooden.
You could also ask about cheaper alternatives like urns or cremation jewellery instead of more expensive coffins. Generally, talking with funeral directors is a good way to get information so you can make effective choices while maintaining an affordable funeral.
Simple affordable funeral
Another way of arranging an affordable funeral is to make it as simple as possible. But how can you make a funeral simple and affordable?
Use online resources for cheap coffins and memorials and ask about the options for lowering costs by selecting inexpensive headstones, temporary markers, or simpler funerary services such as graveside burials without a formal ceremony.
Besides choosing cheaper funeral items, you can also arrange a simple and affordable funeral by requesting friends and family to take care of some expenses like flowers, catering, etc.
Do not rush!
It’s always important to take your time when planning a funeral – it’s a special service that needs to be done with care. Taking your time will also importantly allow you to look into whether you are entitled to any free financial help. It also helps you choose the right send-off service for you and your family – whether you’re looking for an affordable funeral or cremation.
Set aside enough time to think about first:
What kind of ceremony do you want?
What kind of coffin will best suit the person’s final resting place?
Where will the service be held?
Who should you invite?
How much will the funeral cost me
These questions will help you tailor a plan that suits your needs perfectly.
Conclusion
In the United Kingdom, a funeral service can cost up to £10,000. This can be extremely expensive for families with low incomes or people who don’t have life insurance. However, the above tips can help you a lot when arranging affordable funerals. By using the links above you can see a direct cremation from around £895.00 or similar.
Allowing family members and friends to help organise your burial or cremation will also help save money. You could also explore affordable funeral plans from companies offering lower-cost packages than many other funeral plans.
† Free financial help applies if the claimant is in receipt of certain Government benefits or is eligible for charity help.