If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, whether it's a close relative or friend, and have to take care of the funeral arrangements, you may be considering a cremation. One of the first things you will want to know is how much a cremation costs. Generally, a standard cremation with service costs around £3,673 in the UK. This number will depend greatly on where you are having the cremation in the country and how personalised the event will be.
In the following blog, we will discuss the different costs of cremation and look at ways to save money if you have a tight budget.
What is Involved in the Cost of a Cremation?
There are various costs involved in a standard cremation, including:
- Crematorium fees
- Doctor's fees (for the medical death certificate)
- Ministers fees
- Funeral director's fees (for aspects like legal documentation and paperwork, personnel, preparation and care for the body of the deceased)
These costs will vary from one funeral director or crematorium to another and from one part of the country to another.
Additional Costs Associated with Cremations
As well as the above, there are also various additional costs associated with cremations, including:
- Flowers
- Funeral notice
- Memorial
- Order of service sheets
- Obituary
- Hearse and limousine hire
- Service venue hire
- Catering
With the additional costs and the standard costs, a cremation, while still the cheapest funeral option, becomes more expensive.
Is a Cremation Really Cheaper Than a Burial?
You may wonder about the prices and all that's involved if there is much difference in cost. Yes, cremation is always cheaper than burying the deceased. This is because there is a shortage of land available for burials.
Tips to Reduce Cremation Costs
If you are looking for further ways to reduce the costs of ensuring your deceased loved one has the send-off they deserve while keeping to a tight budget, it doesn't mean you don't care. In fact, many of the cheaper options when it comes to cremation mean you are more involved in the whole process, making it a more personal and intimate affair.
Below, we have compiled some great tips for reducing cremation costs in the UK.
Shop Around and Compare Different Quotes
When you buy anything or pay for any service, you must shop around and request quotes from different crematoriums before deciding on one. We understand this isn't always easy because you may want to get things underway and dealt with so you can move on, but if you want to save as much as possible, it's best to do a little research.
Book an Off-Peak Day and Time for the Cremation
Just as the prices of cremations differ from one crematorium or funeral director to the next, the prices of cremations are on other days and at different times. Early morning on a weekday is by far the cheapest option.
Simplify Things
There are many parts of a traditional cremation funeral that are actually optional extras. This means you can take out the features you don't want or need for the cremation of a loved one and help save a bit in the process. This includes
- Not having the deceased embalmed – although many still go through with this process, embalming a body for cremation is not a requirement or necessary, so it can be avoided altogether.
- Don't use limousines – limousines are considered a traditional element of the funeral procession. However, if you are having a cremation and looking to reduce the price, you could find alternative, more subtle means of transport for the funeral party.
- Don't use pallbearers – instead of using pallbearers to carry the coffin into the crematorium, you could enlist the help of family members and close friends or even request a wheeled bier.
- Reduce the number of flowers – if you want to simplify all aspects of the cremation, why not reduce the number of flowers you buy? You could have a floral arrangement for the coffin and leave flowers out of the service.
- Simple but elegant coffin – you may not have realised it, but there are various coffins you can use, with some being more expensive than others. Many cheaper options are eco-friendly; more are made from materials like pandanus leaves or cardboard.
- Choose an affordable urn — you have a choice of more than 1,000 urns. From affordable urns to more expensive urns. Browse our collection of unique affordable urns.
- Save Money on Wake – it's unnecessary to have a wake or social gathering following a cremation, but if you still want one. Instead of hiring a hall and catering service, you could provide your own food and drink and have the event in a home.
- Opt for a Direct Cremation – direct cremations typically cost around 59% less than conventional options. This is by far the cheapest form of cremation available, and what it means is that the crematorium or funeral directors will take care of everything for you, and there is no actual service.
Do It Yourself Cremation
If you want to save, you may not have realised that a funeral director does not legally need to oversee a cremation. You and other family members and close friends of the deceased can take care of it yourself.
However, you must understand what this will entail, as it is very time-consuming, stressful, and laborious.
DIY cremations involve the following:
- Taking care of the body of the deceased before cremation
- Booking the actual cremation with a crematorium
- Taking care of all the essential documentation and paperwork, including medical and cremation certificates, etc.
- Sourcing, choosing and buying a coffin or casket
- Organising and overseeing the funeral ceremony or service
- Organising and providing suitable transportation for the body of the deceased to and from the chosen crematorium
- Arranging the order of service, venue, flowers, catering and more
There is no denying that arranging the best send-off for a loved one is a challenging task and a very costly affair. By opting for cremation and considering the various aspects we highlighted above, as well as the tips for saving money, you can find the right option for your dearly departed. If you need any further help, information or recommendations, don't hesitate to contact one of our team directly.
