Cremation: £832
Burial: £2,174
The alternative: You can be buried in your own garden, but the location of the grave must then be written into the deeds of the house.The local council’s environmental health department would need to confirm the chosen site is acceptable.
Clergy or officials: £159
The alternative: A friend or family member can act as a celebrant to officiate at a less formal ceremony.
Funeral Director: £2,595
Typically includes storing the body; the coffin and hearse. Can also provide professional services, such as organising venue hire, orders of service, flowers and announcements.
The alternative: Care for the body at home, though it is advisable to take advice from charity The Natural Death Centre (naturaldeath.org.uk). Private ambulances and taxis can be used in place of hearses and limos. Flowers and other arrangements can be handled by the family.
Memorial: £824
The alternative: Scatter ashes at a favourite spot, though check there are no restrictions on doing so – and be discreet.
Catering: £362
The alternative: Relatives can hold a highly personal funeral gathering at home at minimal expense.
Figures from Sun Life cost of dying report 2018.
Total (2018) for funeral and cremation: £4,772....
