Planning a funeral can be emotionally challenging - and one of the hardest parts for families is understanding the costs involved. At Levertons, we believe in listening and providing complete transparency so you can make informed choices without surprises. In this guide, we’ll walk you through typical funeral costs in London, what drives them, and how you can manage your budget.
Things to consider to help stay within your budget
Obviously, some families wish to spend lavishly on the funerals of their loved ones, particularly upgrading the quality of the coffin or choosing a particular grave plot, or paying for a number of limousines to transport a large family together to the funeral in comfort. But often this can be afforded by cutting back and reducing costs in other areas. For example, choosing a nice coffin, but opting out of limousines and asking everyone to make their own way to the crematorium, or spending all the time and effort on a service or wake that celebrates a life, while requesting minimal flowers.
It is therefore possible to achieve what you want and what you feel appropriate by carefully managing the overall costs. The important thing is that the funeral director you choose, or whoever is advising the family, provides all the available options and prices in order to allow you to make the most suitable choices. Funeral directors are required by their professional code of conduct to provide an estimate or quote for funeral arrangements to be agreed by both parties before a financial commitment is made. You can also compare the prices of the funeral director’s professional fees for the services they provide by looking at their standardised price list- something that every funeral director is required by the CMA to display in their premises and on their website.
What factors impact the cost of funerals?
Generally, the two choices of funeral for most people are burial or cremation. In the UK, approximately 70% of funerals are cremations, which tends to be the cheaper option, especially in urban areas where cemetery space is more restricted and where the price of plots is high. Funerals that include a service in a church or other venue before proceeding to the cemetery or crematorium for the committal often cost more due to the extra time and logistical complexities involved.
What is the minimum required for a funeral?
In most cases, the minimum required for a funeral would be:
- A coffin (or another suitable container)
- A vehicle, usually a hearse, for the conveyance of that container to the point of committal
- A funeral director or another person can arrange the funeral
- The fee for the chosen committal option, whether for cremation or a burial plot.
Of course, families can keep costs to a minimum by choosing the most basic option - Direct Cremation is an obvious example. Any funeral director can provide this service – so don’t be afraid to ask.
However, most elements of a funeral come with a range of options, and selecting higher-end choices can increase the cost significantly. For instance:
- Solid wood or metal caskets may be chosen rather than a simple MDF or cardboard one.
- A traditional (or not-so traditional) hearse can be used instead of a more standard vehicle.
- Flowers and other extras can add hundreds of pounds to the cortege.
- Crematoria often charge more for popular times like weekends, and cemeteries may price burial plots higher in sought-after locations.
On top of this, the local authorities will charge families who do not live within the borough twice or three times the fees for purchasing and digging a grave in their council-owned cemeteries. This last point often takes people by surprise, particularly if they live in the vicinity of the cemetery which is owned by another local authority. All this means is that families can choose to pay many times more than the lowest possible price.
Breakdown of funeral costs
Funeral costs can add up, and everyone has their own budget. However, before organising anything, it is important to have a thorough understanding of what it is that you are actually paying for. Here’s a clear look at what you’ll typically pay for
Funeral director fees (Core Service)
This is usually the biggest part of the bill and includes:
- Collection and care of your loved one
- Arranging all legal paperwork
- Professional services in the lead up and on the day
- Provision of a coffin and hearse
Typical cost: around £1,500 - £3000+ depending on service level and provider
Burial vs cremation fees
These third-party costs are separate from the funeral director’s charges:
- Cremation fee - around £700 - £1,100
- Burial plot (new) - around £2000+ (and costs vary massively)
- Interment fee - around £1,000 - £2,000 (for London)
A burial is almost always more expensive due to the cost of the plot, especially in urban areas.
Tip: If there’s an existing family grave, burial costs can be significantly lower
Optional extras
These items are entirely optional but commonly requested:
- Flowers: £100 - £500+
- Special vehicles / extra vehicles: £500+
- Celebrant/minister: £200 - £300+
- Order of service sheets: £50 - £200+
- Catering or wake: Really variable depending on the place chosen
- Church music: £300+
- Headstone or memorial: £800-£3000+
These add significant cost but also help personalise the farewell for some.
How we work to help you with funeral costs
At Levertons, we understand funerals are about honouring a life, while also being mindful of cost. Our team will always listen and:
- Provide transparent, itemised pricing
- Explain every option without jargon
- Help you decide what’s right for you, not what’s the most expensive option
If you need help discussing and understanding the costs of a funeral, we’re always here to help with compassion and clarity.
