Funeral costs in UK: The Price Is right?

It was recently reported that the overall cost of dying is up 7.1% from 2012 prices. Although I think this is incorrect, as generally the dying bit is actually free. I think they meant that funeral costs are up 7.1%. 

The cost of a basic funeral has risen 5.3% since 2012, to £3,456. The average cost of a burial is now £3,914, which is about £1,000 more than the average cremation. Once discretionary costs are added - a headstone, flowers, choice of coffin, etc the basic cost of a funeral rises to an average of £7,662. Of course, there are regional variations: London area costs are higher whereas the least expensive place to die / arrange a funeral is Wales (average cost here is £6,096).

Now I should say that whilst the figures are higher than I anticipated, that's not to say that they represent poor value for money. There is an awful lot that goes into providing a funeral service: 24/7 service provision for one, the people that we rely on so much, the cars, the storage facilities, the specialist care and body management - we're often quite squeamish about the reality but there is a lot to factor in. And being realistic, the funeral directors also have boring things like VAT and tax to pay, even before they even think about a profit. And whilst being a funeral director is more of a vocation than a job, they still have mortgages to pay and even holidays to book (I know - outrageous!).

Even so, by most standards a funeral is a big investment. Which prompts two thoughts. One - I need to start saving (I'll talk about funding a funeral another day, since there are many different options and each have their merits). Two: if I'm going to spend lots of money I want to do things my way. Which is what this blog is all about - highlighting some of the different things possible to create the perfect ceremony for your loved one. So please keep visiting the blog to find out more...

(*) Figures as reported based on the Sun Life Direct's annual Cost of Dying report, published 4 September 2013. Andrew Jackson is an independent funeral celebrant based in Bristol & Bath.