Steps 1 to 5 for Cheap Funerals and Services
Step 1: Low-Cost Funerals
Planning a funeral can be overwhelming, especially when trying to keep costs down. Cheap funerals from low-cost undertakers provide a way to say goodbye to your loved one with dignity and respect, without the financial strain that often accompanies many other traditional funeral services.
The key to a low-cost funeral is making informed decisions and understanding what services are essential and where savings can be made. Independent lower cost undertakers can often provide a budget funeral, when comparing to many other services.
Step 2: Funeral Service
The funeral service is an important part of saying goodbye, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many affordable ways to create a meaningful service in line with cheap funerals that honours your loved one.
One option is to book a Salvation Army officer, celebrant or humanist directly rather than through an undertaker.
Step 3: Coffin Prices
One of the most significant expenses for cheap funerals can be the coffin. Coffins can range from basic, affordable models to highly ornate and expensive. Importantly a coffin doesn’t need to be expensive to be respectful.
Basic coffins, made from wicker, simple wood or cardboard, are affordable options that can be decorated and provide a dignified farewell.
Step 4: Funeral Wake Ideas
The funeral wake provides an opportunity for family and friends to gather, share memories, and offer support. However, when talking of cheap funerals traditional wakes can quickly become expensive when you add in the cost of venue hire, food, and drinks.
With some creative thinking, you can plan a memorable wake that is both affordable and personalised.
Step 5: Home & Natural Burial
When it comes to cheap funerals, home and natural burials offer a beautiful, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to traditional burials. A home burial is when the deceased is buried on private land, such as a family estate, farm or garden.
This option can eliminate burial plot costs, but it’s important to check local regulations to ensure it’s legal in your area.
Locating Cheap Funerals in 2025
What would be the cheapest funeral?
A cheap funeral is a home burial but for most this is not practical. Many have a direct cremation from a low-cost undertaker.
There is a lot of funeral poverty in the UK and many people find it difficult to find the money for most undertakers fees.
Funeral plans can lock in a price based on the present economy and are gaining popularity, as it is easier for a relative to deal with the funeral as it has already been paid and arranged.
Key takeaways
- Home burials are the cheapest funeral, but for most on a practical level direct cremations offer the lowest fees.
- Coffin prices vary enormously
- Funeral plans can lock in the cost of a funeral.
- Life insurance can be a good alternative to a funeral plan.
- It is possible to save extensively on funeral disbursement fees.
- The emotional benefits of planning ahead
Table of Contents
Your Guide to Cheap Funerals
Cheap funerals have gained momentum across every region in the UK as families are seeking dignified and cheap ways of dealing with the death of relatives. Most are looking out for affordable ways as funeral prices continue to increase. Importantly cheap funerals should not sacrifice the care.
Budgeted farewell planning involves thinking about options and understanding what choices exist. The guide discusses how to keep the cost of a funeral low without losing the quality of a dignified ceremony.
The myth behind cheap funerals and services
There is a common misunderstanding that cheap funerals do not offer quality and unless you spend a lot of money on a funeral it is not possible to give a loved one a decent funeral. This misunderstanding/myth is completely untrue, and in part is influenced by some of the larger chain companies promoting expensive undertaking services. Most people are unaware of low-cost cheap funerals due to the advertising domination of the few larger funeral companies.
Planning a cheap funeral doesn’t mean cutting corners on love, respect, or the chance to remember someone in a meaningful way. It’s about making thoughtful choices that focus on what truly matters and letting go of unnecessary expenses that don’t add to the moment.
What is a cheap funeral?
A cheap funeral is about opting for a low-cost undertaker without having a lack of respect and dignity towards the deceased. It’s about prioritising the essentials while still making the day feel special and respectful. Rising funeral costs in the UK have led many families to explore affordable funeral alternatives, helping them find peace of mind at a time when emotions are already running high.
A full-service funeral can quickly become overwhelming, both financially and emotionally, especially when unexpected costs start adding up. However, choosing a cheap option doesn’t mean sacrificing the significance of the farewell. It’s about focusing on what truly matters, ensuring a beautiful and dignified send-off while avoiding costly extras that don’t necessarily make the experience more meaningful.
Affordable options available via low-cost undertakers might include a direct cremation or simple unattended burial. These choices allow families to grieve and honour their loved ones without the additional burden of financial stress. Finding the right balance between honouring the deceased and staying practical is key.
The average cost of a UK funeral
Funeral costs in the UK vary depending on service type and location. Location often has a large impact on the cost. On average, at 55%* attended cremations are the most popular type of cremation in the UK.
Common funeral costs include:
- Funeral director services
- A coffin
- A hearse
- A spokesperson for the ceremony
On average, cremation tends to be cheaper than burial, with cremations costing around £3,980*, while burials often exceed £5,198*. Using low-cost services can greatly reduce these costs for example a direct cremation with a low-cost undertaker could cost around £1000.
The table below from The SunLife’s Cost of Dying Report 2025 shows the comparison from 2023 -2024
For reference a Direct burial is where the deceased is buried without a service, as can be see from the above table, this burial service offers huge cost savings compared to attended burials.
Other costs, such as flowers, catering, obituary notices, order of service sheets/booklets and transport, can quickly add up. Costs also tend to be higher in cities than in rural areas. Many families assume that a loved one’s savings will cover funeral costs, only to find out that they must take on the financial responsibility themselves. Benevolent funds can provide important financial and emotional help to many bereaved families.
Funeral costs in the UK can vary widely depending on location, services, and personal preferences, making it a fairly stressful aspect of an already emotional time. Many families find themselves caught off guard by the overall expense, especially as additional costs (disbursements) can unexpectedly mount up.
At a time when grief should take priority, financial concerns can add unnecessary stress. It’s something no one should go through, but sadly, so many have to. That’s why understanding the typical costs involved can help families make informed decisions, ensuring they can honour their loved one’s memory without feeling financially overwhelmed.
What is the cheapest funeral option?
The cheapest possible funeral is a home burial, as there are no undertakers fees to pay, no burial or crematorium fees. However this is not a practical choice for most people, which means that a standard direct cremation from a low-cost undertaker is the most popular cheapest funeral.
Ways to save on funeral costs
One of the simplest ways to save on funeral costs is opting for a direct cremation. This removes the traditional service and allows families to hold a private memorial at a later date. A direct cremation is where the deceased is cremated without a service and the ashes returned to the family, or scattered in the crematorium grounds.
A memorial service is typically called a “Celebration of Life”, it’s usually a small get-together (like at a home or restaurant) where the family fondly looks back on memories of the deceased.
Cutting back on disbursements such as economising on flowers, or asking family members and the mourners for a donation to charity, can reduce expense. Directly booking a funeral spokesperson to read the service and cutting down on transportation such as not using limousines to transport mourners will also greatly reduce overall expenditure.
A simple un attended burial is another cost-effective option that keeps things modest and personal. Smaller, intimate gatherings can still be deeply meaningful, especially when personalised with readings, heartfelt tributes, or chosen music. It’s the love and memories that make a funeral special, not how much money is spent. Overall, simplicity can often be just as beautiful as grandeur.
What is direct cremation?
Direct cremation has grown to be one of the most affordable and practical options here in the UK. Unlike traditional funerals, direct cremation involves no formal service or attendees, which alone makes them significantly less expensive.
Exploring coffin alternatives
Coffins are one of the most expensive aspects of a funeral. Thankfully, there are more affordable, cheap coffin options that are slowly becoming widely available.
There’s even personalisation that’s both more affordable and more environmentally friendly compared to traditional coffins. There are materials such as cardboard, wicker, bamboo, linen burial shrouds. All of these still allow for a dignified appearance during the service while keeping costs low and environmentally sustainable.
Some funeral directors operate a coffin rental service. This allows you to rent a coffin instead of purchasing.
Headstones
Headstones are one of, if not the most expensive funeral costs other than the funeral director’s fees. Lower cost headstone suppliers can help reduce this cost.
Pre-paid funeral plans
A pre-paid funeral plan allows individuals to lock in today’s funeral costs and relieve their family of future financial strain. Here in the UK, funeral plan providers are regulated by the Funeral Conduct Authority (FCA), meaning if a provider were to go out of business, compensation would be arranged.
Most providers offer flexible payment plans for these funeral plans, allowing people to pay in a lump sum or monthly instalments. Pre-paid plans can also offer personalisation options, so individuals can choose specific music, readings, or other elements they want at their farewell. However, if circumstances change, plans can often be adjusted.
A funeral plan can bring security and clarity, something that’s absolutely needed during funeral planning and mourning. Overall, choosing a regulated funeral provider ensures security and peace of mind, helping families manage future funeral expenses without stress.
Is life insurance a better choice?
For some, a low-cost life insurance policy may be a better choice than a funeral plan. But why? Well, these policies provide a fixed lump sum to help cover funeral costs, offering peace of mind with manageable monthly payments. Some policies require no medical with just an online application. It is always a good idea to shop around for different providers and compare quotations.
However, one downside is that inflation can reduce the payout’s value over time, meaning the policy may not cover all increasing funeral costs. Unlike a pre-paid funeral plan, life insurance doesn’t allow for specific service choices, leaving final arrangements to the family. Weighing the pros and cons carefully will help determine whether this option suits a family’s financial and personal needs.
How to plan a simple and respectful cheap funeral
A low-cost, simple, yet respectful funeral involves a kind of attention to planning, balancing simplicity with personal expression. These come in personal, family-led tributes and homemade memorial elements, adding individuality without costs.
Avoiding hidden funeral costs
As unfortunate as it is, unexpected fees often referred to as disbursements can significantly increase funeral expenses. You can expect that the common extra charges include body transportation, storage, and administrative fees.
To avoid surprises, families should ask for a detailed breakdown of all funeral costs upfront. Don’t be afraid to ask questions either and be direct. You’re not hurting your loved ones’ dignity just by asking these questions.
How to find a cheap undertaker
Locating a cheap undertaker requires research and price comparison. Ideally, families should compare funeral director prices and services to ensure they receive the best value. Online funeral comparison platforms can be useful, and word-of-mouth recommendations may lead to reputable, budget-friendly funeral providers.
A funeral director should be transparent about pricing and allow families to customise services to fit their budget, without pressure to purchase unnecessary extras. Families should look for those service providers who offer services to meet the budget while maintaining respect and dignity.
The emotional benefits of shopping around
Shopping around for funeral costs and planning ahead takes a huge burden off loved ones, this alone ensures that they aren’t overwhelmed with financial and logistical concerns at an already difficult time. Shopping around allows families to focus on remembering and celebrating life instead of often worrying about finances.
Pre-arranged funeral plans also ensure that personal wishes are honoured, making tough decisions easier for grieving families. Families need time to heal, they need to be there for each other. Having to stress over logistical concerns and finances can break down a family when they need each other the most. This proactive approach enables the loved ones to focus on remembrance and healing rather than logistical concerns.
Summary
Affordable, cheap funerals offer a dignified and heartfelt farewell without financial strain. It’s so important to know that choosing cost-effective funeral options doesn’t mean sacrificing love or respect, it simply allows families to focus on what truly matters. Just by planning ahead and exploring options, families can make informed choices that align with their needs and values.
By planning in advance and considering their options, the family is better equipped to make informed decisions. A well-communicated expression of preference makes for smooth arrangements and less stress. Thoughtful personalisation, balanced with affordability, creates meaningful farewells for loved ones.
At the end of the day, what matters most isn’t the cost of a funeral, but the love, memories, and time spent honouring a life well lived.
Further low-cost funeral information can be found by visiting the Site Guide, and Funeral Directory.
*SunLife’s cost of dying report 2025
