How much does a funeral cost?

The cost of funerals in the UK

One of the main questions that we get asked is how much does a funeral cost. The simple answer is that the cost of a funeral varies depending on where you live in the UK due to differences in local charges. Perfect Choice funeral directors price their plans according to these local charges so you don’t end up paying more for your funeral than necessary.

One of the easiest ways to get an accurate cost based on prices in your area is to contact your nearest NAFD accredited funeral director using the postcode search box above or fill in the enquiry form and we will arrange this for you.

Funeral costs continue to rise. The Guardian has reported that funeral costs have risen by 61% over the last seven years with some bereaved families struggling to cover the expense (as at September 2011).

What does a Perfect Choice Funeral Plan cover?

We offer a range of set plans which include:

• The services of your funeral director
• Provision of the necessary funeral arrangements
• Professional advice on certification and registration of death
• Conveyance of the deceased to the funeral director’s premises (within a 10 mile radius)
• Provision of a coffin
• A hearse to convey the deceased to the nearest crematorium or cemetery
• Care of the deceased until the cremation or burial takes place

The Classic and Premier set plans also include a number of additional services. The average price for a set plan is around £2,800 (as at November 2011). We also offer a Personal Plan which can be completely tailored to your wishes and allows you to pay a contribution towards the cost of your funeral and select your funeral director and record your wishes in advance.

What the plan does not cover

The plan guarantees to cover your funeral director’s costs listed in your selected funeral director’s plan pricing guide and your family won’t have to pay a penny more for your funeral director's direct costs when the time comes. By pre-arranging your funeral you can fix your funeral director’s costs at today’s prices.

You can also make a contribution towards third party funeral costs (known as disbursements) which are the costs outside your funeral director’s control. These include crematorium costs, doctor’s fees and minister’s or church fees. Any money paid towards the cost of disbursements will rise in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI). If these costs rise at a rate in excess of RPI, this is outside the scope of the plan and your representatives must pay the difference in this situation.