How to Have an Affordable Funeral in London

Our silk coffin spray

With the rising cost of living, many people are concerned about the affordability of funerals - especially in London which has the highest average funeral cost in the UK. However, an expensive funeral doesn’t necessarily mean a better funeral - we can help you create a beautiful, dignified, and personalised ceremony regardless of your budget.

The lowest cost choice is Direct Cremation or Direct Burial but there are some options in between. Our reduced fee Simple Cremation Service may be the right choice for you, or you may opt for a full service but without some of the traditionally higher cost items.

Here are Exit Here’s tips on how to reduce costs when organising a funeral in London:

• Choose a simple coffin like wood veneer or cardboard, and then decorate or paint it yourself to personalise. If you have no artistic ability at all you can still write messages or stick photos and pictures on - some of the most impactful coffins we have seen have been personalised this way.

• Ask everyone to bring a single flower to the service to lay on top of the casket instead or purchasing an expensive arrangement. Alternatively, you can hire our beautiful silk flowers for a fraction of the cost of a fresh coffin spray.

• You don’t have to have flowers at all - some unique and personal alternatives we have seen are hats (especially poignant if the person who has died always wore one), a basket of vegetables from the allotment, a pair of stilettos, and a handmade arrangement of origami swans.

• Have friends and family lead the service, instead of a celebrant or religious officiant.

• If you opt for a cremation, have an early morning service at the crematorium (usually 9:00 or 9:30). You can halve the cost of the cremation fee if you are willing to have an earlier and shorter service.

• If you opt for a burial, consider a natural burial instead (also known as green, woodland, or eco burial). These are usually lower cost although there are some factors to consider before making a decision - read our blog on natural burial here.

• Car-share instead of having limousines or private vehicles. Most people are eager to help in some way when someone passes away, don’t be afraid to take them up on that offer.

• Hold the wake or reception at home and ask friends and family to bring a dish.

• Ask your funeral director about funding - there are many benevolent funds that most people are unaware of, or you may qualify for government help or a Bereavement Support Payment.

• Compare funeral directors. Cheaper online ones may seem appealing at first, but many do not have their own premises or mortuaries. Some traditional funeral directors only have packages and you may end up paying for what you don’t need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - a good funeral director will be flexible and accommodating, and make suggestions to fit within your budget.

If you would like Exit Here to carry out a funeral for you but are worried about costs, please contact us with any questions.