A practical guide from the Fuze Foundation

Are you worried about paying for a funeral?

Many people feel anxious about funeral costs—especially at a time of grief. The good news is that there are real choices and practical ways to reduce costs without losing dignity or meaning.

This guide is for anyone planning a funeral now or in the near future. You don’t need to read it all—use the sections that matter to you.

What This Guide Covers

• Funeral planning: initial thoughts
• Cremation or burial?
• Cremation – ways to reduce costs
• Burial – cost-saving ideas
• Funeral options
• Funeral elements – what are my choices?
• Embalming – what is it and do I need it?
• Choosing a funeral director
• Understanding and comparing quotes
• Public health and hospital funerals
• Questions to ask funeral directors
• Funeral directors and your consumer rights

1. Funeral Planning – Initial Thoughts

When someone dies, it’s common to feel pressure to act quickly. In most cases, there is no need to rush.

Before agreeing to anything, ask yourself:

• What can I realistically afford?
• What matters most to me and the people attending?
• What could be simplified or removed?

💡 A meaningful funeral does not depend on expensive choices.

2. Cremation or Burial?

Cremation

• Usually cheaper than burial
• No need to purchase a grave
• More flexibility around timing and memorials

Burial

• Often more expensive due to:
  • Grave purchase
  • Digging and maintenance fees
  • Cemetery charges

There is no right or wrong choice—only what feels right and affordable for you.

3. Cremation – Ways to Reduce Costs

• Choose an off-peak time (early morning or late afternoon)
• Consider a direct cremation (no service at the crematorium)
• Hold a separate memorial later at a low-cost venue
• Use your own celebrant, or ask a friend or family member to lead
• Limit extras such as cars, flowers, or printed materials

🔗 Helpful guidance:

• Down to Earth (funeral cost advice):
  https://quakersocialaction.org.uk/we-can-help/helping-funerals/down-earth

4. Burial – Cost-Saving Ideas

• Ask about shared graves or lairs
• Consider cemeteries outside your local authority area (sometimes cheaper)
• Ask if a week-day burial costs less
• Choose a simple coffin
• Ask if memorials can be added at a later date

Burial costs vary significantly—always ask for a full breakdown.

5. Funeral Options

There are many ways to hold a funeral. You do not have to follow a traditional format.

Options include:

• Traditional attended funeral
• Simple funeral package
• Direct cremation
• DIY or family-led funeral
• Memorial service only

You can mix elements to suit your needs and budget.

6. Funeral Elements – What Are My Choices?

You can choose which elements matter to you. Everything else is optional.

Common elements include:

• Coffin (simple is just as dignified)
• Transport (a hearse is optional; limousines are not required)
• Venue (home, community hall, place of worship)
• Flowers (or none at all)
• Music and readings (recorded or live)

💡 Personal words, music, and shared memories are often the most meaningful part.

7. Embalming – Do I Need It?

Embalming is a process that temporarily preserves the body.

• It is rarely a legal requirement
• It is not usually necessary if the funeral takes place soon
• It may be suggested for long delays or viewing, but it is your choice

Always ask:

“Is embalming necessary, or optional?”

8. Choosing a Funeral Director

You do not have to use the first funeral director you contact.

• You can shop around
• You can ask for quotes without commitment
• You can arrange some or all of the funeral yourself

🔗 Independent guidance:

• The Good Funeral Guide: https://www.goodfuneralguide.co.uk

9. Understanding & Comparing Quotes

All funeral directors must provide:

• A Standardised Price List
• An itemised written quote

When comparing quotes:

• Check what is included and what is extra
• Ask about third-party costs (crematorium, burial fees)
• Question anything you don’t understand

🔗 Funeral costs explained:

• MoneyHelper: https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk

10. Public Health & Hospital Funerals

If no one is able or willing to pay for a funeral, the local council has a legal duty to arrange one.

This is known as a public health funeral.

• Usually a simple burial or cremation
• Arranged by the council (or hospital in some cases)
• Details vary by area

Even if you receive government help but cannot afford the shortfall, the council should still consider this option.

Contact:

• The council where the person died
• The hospital bereavement office (if applicable)

11. Questions to Ask Funeral Directors

• What is the total cost, including all third-party fees?
• Which parts are optional?
• Do you offer simple or direct options?
• When is payment due?
• Can I remove or change items later?

Taking notes and bringing someone with you can help.

12. Funeral Directors & Your Consumer Rights

You have the right to:

• Clear pricing
• Written quotes
• Time to decide
• Say no to services you don’t want

If you feel pressured or treated unfairly, you can seek advice.

🔗 Consumer rights and complaints:

• Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Free Specialist Help

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Down to Earth Funeral Costs Helpline
Run by Quaker Social Action, offering free, confidential advice across the UK.

📞 020 8983 5055
🌐 https://quakersocialaction.org.uk/down-to-earth

They can help you:

• Reduce funeral costs
• Understand your options
• Deal with funeral directors
• Explore financial support

A Final Word

A funeral does not need to be expensive to be meaningful.
With clear information and support, it is possible to honour a life without financial hardship.