1. Don't be pressured into more expensive options
When you're arranging a traditional funeral, you'll be given a range of options for things like the coffin, flowers and transportation. This can be difficult for many people, as it’s easy to feel pressured into choosing more expensive options. After all, nobody wants to be the person who chose the cheapest coffin or flower arrangement for their loved one’s funeral.
However, it’s really important to remember what mattered to your loved one when planning their funeral. For most people, a funeral is about remembering someone’s life, sharing stories about them and celebrating their achievements. These are the things we often see mentioned in the funeral wishes section of our wills. People don’t want their families to spend too much on a formal funeral – they simply want everyone to get together, listen to their favourite music and have a few drinks.
2. Shop around until you find a price you're happy with
When it comes to things like flowers and catering, there’s always a cheaper alternative – and remember that cheaper doesn’t necessarily mean worse. So whether you’re planning a traditional funeral through a funeral director or arranging an informal memorial service yourself, make sure you shop around for a price that suits your budget.
3. Arrange the funeral yourself with a direct cremation
Direct cremation is a simple cremation without a funeral service. For around £1,000, your loved one is collected and taken to a crematorium to be cremated. Their ashes are then returned to you in a temporary urn.
By taking care of the cremation straight away for a low, fixed price, you have the freedom to arrange a memorial service that’s right for you and your family – not a funeral director. You could hire out the town hall, take your loved one’s ashes to the park, or you could just have a simple gathering at your house. The choice, and the cost, is totally up to you.