It’s tough to find the best provider at the right price. And this only gets more challenging when you are looking while bereaved. If you have lost someone you love, you don't need the extra stress and struggle of finding and comparing all the different providers to find one that works for you.
It can help to know what options are out there so that you can decide what you want, and what you don’t. The more you know, the more you will be able to narrow your search and the less time and money you waste trying to find a service that allows you to say goodbye in the way you wish.
Funeral and cremation costs in the UK are considerable. Knowing what you are looking for and the prices of these things will help ensure you don’t end up overpaying. An untrustworthy cremation provider may hide costs and rope you into paying for parts of a service that you don’t want or need.
Explore your options
Different UK cremation providers offer different sorts of services and packages. There are great affordable options for those who don’t want or have the money to spend on increasingly costly after-death services. There are also plenty of cremation providers who provide more all-inclusive services for those who just want to make sure everything is sorted in one place and don’t mind spending a little more to take some of this pressure away.
When a loved one passes away, you must plan a cremation service, which is a delicate and difficult task. There are so many choices to pick that it might be difficult to keep track of them all.
The death of a loved one is one of life's most traumatic events, and many people are making funeral plans for the first time in their lives.
While it may be tempting to go with the first option you come across, doing some research first will increase your chances of finding a cremation provider you are happy with. Consider availability, location, pricing and value, and whether or not the service is reputable.
When in doubt, look at the reviews of a company. See what other people are saying before you start organising to make sure you will be well taken care of and receive the service that you desire.
Cremations aren’t just for the person who has left. They are also for all of the people in their life who want to say goodbye. It can be difficult to find something that fits all of this, and that is why it is so important to find a provider that offers the types of services you want and the flexibility to customise things.
Cremation costs
So, we know that cremation costs are on the rise, but that doesn’t mean all providers offer the same things for the same price.
Your location in the United Kingdom can significantly increase or lower costs, with cremations typically being more expensive in the South West of England.
Crematorium fees can range from £500 to well over £1000. These prices tend to cover a ceremony in a crematorium chapel and cremation. Depending on what you want, you may also need to account for additional third-party costs, such as cremation or burial fees for your chosen venue, the celebrant, and doctor's certificates for cremations.
If you choose a basic cremation, on a standard weekday service, not including any funeral director, doctor, or optional extra fees, you can significantly reduce your expenses. One of the only things you always need for cremation is a doctor’s certificate. Currently, doctor’s fees cost approximately £82, so make sure you factor this in when considering cremation or funeral costs.
For anyone on a budget, it is worthwhile considering adjusting service times. You can save a lot or end up paying a fair amount more depending on when the cremation is hosted. Cremations hosted before 10 am tend to cost less than more popular service times between 10 am and 3 pm. You can also spend less if you choose a direct cremation, which provides all the necessary components without an attending funeral home or fancy extras.
Cost increases
There is a ray of sunshine for anyone considering a cremation since the average costs of cremation, including the usual extra fees, have risen by only 1% in recent years. A middling cremation is likely to set you back about £4,000.
Providers offering cremations for this price will typically include everything you need, like doctor fees and transportation of the body. You will also usually be allowed to choose a service in which people can say goodbye to the deceased and which will often be held by the crematorium. You may want to select a provider that offers a similar set of cremation services in your area if you are worried about having to arrange extras and want everything to be handled in one place.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to cremations. You just need to make a decision based on your particular situation and mindset.
Ultimately, not everyone has money to spare for their own cremation or that of a loved one. And it can seem unfair that the cost of death should affect the quality of life, but with rising costs, this is often the case.
If £4,000 sounds like a lot, then not to worry, there are other more affordable options too. Direct cremations, for instance, generally cost around £1,500. In contrast to most other cremation and funeral costs, which are at an all-time high, direct cremations have decreased in price over the last five years.
Not everyone wants to or can afford to spend a fortune on funerals or cremations. Direct cremations are an excellent option for anyone who wants to keep things simple and affordable. They offer people greater choice, flexibility, and less money stress. If this sounds like the cremation service for you, then why not check out local direct cremation providers, like Bare Funerals, to see if they can help?
Do your research
As with any sort of service, cremations can have hidden additional costs that affect the overall price. If you want these types of extras, then be aware that they may bring the overall price up.
Planning for death is stressful, and hidden costs only add to this strain. Many people don’t know what they need with cremation and end up paying more than planned because of unexpected and hidden costs. Knowing what to expect and planning accordingly can help.
There are some costs (like doctor’s fees) that you can’t avoid. You will also need to pay for the transportation of the body to a suitable crematorium and for the cremation itself. Beyond this, there are aspects like flowers, catering, and funeral service, that all add to costs and that not everyone necessarily wants. It is also essential to choose a provider you can trust.
A well-respected cremation provider will be able to help you through the process so that you don’t end up lost or with an ever-growing bill. It is also useful if you have had a conversation about what someone wants or wanted for their cremation. This will help you decide whether it is worthwhile opting for a provider who can offer extras such as flowers or if you should go with a provider who offers a more basic and simple package.
Finding a cremation provider that suits you
With so many different providers around, it can feel overwhelming. How do you know which to choose? Which will ensure you have the funeral you want and will keep things trouble-free for your loved ones during their time of grief? Or which company will assist you with planning and tailoring the cremation to better fit the wishes of someone who has passed.
There is a lot to think about when a person leaves this world. Some cremation providers make the whole process a little easier, while others can end up complicating matters. Choosing the right provider for you means saving yourself from even more upset.
Did you know that the only legal requirement for a funeral is that the body is cremated or buried in a licenced facility?
That means you don't have to spend a fortune on having a cremation with a big ceremony and tonnes of optional extras. You can reduce your expenses considerably if you opt to cut some frills.
Or, don’t cut any frills, and add even more. Make your cremation of that of someone’s special a real celebration. Get everyone together, have the crematorium decorated with their favourite flowers, and have all the delicious food you need.
It really is up to you. Cremations are deeply personal events, and no one can tell you what is right for you. All that truly matters is that you choose a provider that you can rely on and that matches your needs.
Questions to ask
We know that finding the perfect cremation provider is tricky. It can help to have some questions to ask if you want to guarantee that you and your loved ones are well looked after.
Where is the business located?
Does the provider you are looking at offer services within your area? If they don’t have a crematorium or the ability to host a cremation in your area, they aren't for you. You will want someone who can assist you with the transportation of the body and all other aspects of the service, and to do this, they should be relatively local.
Who owns the business?
Nobody enjoys dealing with a faceless organisation, especially when it comes to a sensitive and emotional matter like arranging a cremation funeral service. It is generally easier to build trust if you can put a name and face to the owners of a business.
Where will your loved one be cared for?
This may not be at the provider's web linked address, but it should be in a suitable facility. If nothing else, it's always a good idea to double-check this for your own peace of mind.
Is it possible to go to the crematorium?
You may like to observe the coffin's transfer to the cremator. The ashes can be left at the Crematory following the ceremony. The ashes might be sprinkled in the memorial gardens or buried in a columbarium. It can be reassuring to know that you are welcome to visit the ashes of your loved one any time you choose.
Watch out
And watch out for providers who keep trying to sell you more. Unfortunately, there is often a gap in knowledge between the companies providing cremations and the people who are trying to book them. Some businesses will use this to cut corners or get you to pay more than you need to. Always be wary of a provider who continually tries to up the price or change their terms.
Arrange a cremation peacefully
If you are looking for something simple, why not look into direct cremations, where the deceased is taken directly to the crematorium without a funeral ceremony. This type of service is becoming increasingly popular across the UK as people opt to cut out the middleman, reduce costs, and commemorate the lives of their loved ones in more personal and unique ways.
Cremation services are personal events, and you should be able to arrange your or your loved one's celebration of life in a way that suits them. If you want something simple and personal, consider a Bare cremation. Our cremation services are perfectly affordable and don’t include the added fuss or expense of an attending funeral home ceremony.
A Bare cremation includes all of the essential components of a cremation service without the expense of paying for things that aren't required, such as flowers, chapel hire, or fancy catering. You should consider a Bare cremation if you want increased financial control and flexibility when saying farewell to your loved one.
To learn more about Bare’s direct cremation arrangements or to get a quote, or give us a call on 0808 258 3583.
Re-inventing cremations
Many people are surprised at how costly a funeral can be, but there are some ways to lower expenses. You can arrange a low-cost funeral in the UK without sacrificing care, respect, or the ability to express what made your loved one unique.
If you want a cremation that allows you to celebrate the life of someone special, in a way that is as exceptional as they were and which still doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, then a Bare cremation may be the ideal option for you.
