Funeral Planning: A Complete UK Guide
Whether you are arranging a funeral for someone who has just died, or planning ahead for your own, this guide covers your options, typical costs, and how to find the right funeral director.
Around 600,000 deaths per year in the UK
Average funeral cost: £4,000 to £5,000
Direct cremation from £995
Arranging a funeral
Choosing a funeral director, comparing options, and what to ask.
What to do when someone dies: a step-by-step guide
The immediate steps after a death, from getting a medical certificate through to arranging the service.
What is a direct cremation and how much does it cost?
How direct cremation works, what is included, typical costs in 2026, and how it compares to an attended service.
Cremation vs burial: understanding the options
Costs, practical differences, and cultural considerations for each option.
Funeral director checklist: what to ask before you commit
Questions to ask about pricing, accreditation, service options, and what is included.
How to choose a funeral director
What to look for, questions to ask, and how to compare quotes.
Starting the conversation about funeral planning
How to raise funeral planning with a parent or partner without it feeling intrusive.
Ready to find a funeral director?
Compare funeral directors near you. See prices, read reviews, and send a free enquiry.
Find funeral directorsCosts and financial help
What to expect and where financial help is available.
Understanding funeral costs in the UK
What funerals cost nationally, what affects the price, and what to watch out for.
Funeral costs in Manchester: 2026 breakdown
Typical funeral costs across Greater Manchester with real price data.
How to arrange a funeral on a budget
Practical options for keeping costs down without compromising on a meaningful send-off.
Funeral Expenses Payment: who qualifies and how to apply
The DWP means-tested benefit that can contribute to funeral costs, and the 6-month application deadline.
Funeral planning checklist: recording your wishes
A practical checklist covering everything worth recording about your own funeral wishes.
Planning ahead: what to record and why
How writing down your wishes in advance helps the people you leave behind.
When someone dies, there are legal steps alongside the funeral arrangements.
Need someone to talk to?
Free, confidential support available at any time.