The Cost of Funerals

We struggled with my mum's funeral but we paid so much each month till it was paid off my dad has taken out life insurance so we don't have to do the same with him to be fair tho you don't really think at the time we was gonna lose my mum

My husband discussed funerals with his father, not an easy chat. He decided he wanted a direct to cremation rather than having a service etc. We celebrated his life with a meal after scattering the ashes.

We have life insurance to cover the cost of ours. My parents already have their funerals planned and paid for. My Granny was the same.

My mum has planned her funeral through True Cremation. This means it is all paid for plus the added bonus they deliver the ashes to my doorstep! My older brother lives with my mum but doesn’t want them delivered to him, thanks bro.

There’s usually someone in the family that can initially afford it but might claim back somehow later on. Also depends exactly what type of funeral you want. I’m not really concerned about mine yet but might just do direct only. I’m not leaving any children behind so it’s just us spouses.

I’ve taken out life insurance in hope my kids won’t be stuck with cost of mine. On tv this morning they were saying basic funeral is £4000. My parents had life insurance when us kids were growing up but my sister was killed by drunk driver at age of 14 and their insurance paid out for her funeral and my dad never replaced the insurance though he has savings to make sure it’s covered. He’s 87 later this month and mums 80 later this year. Dad also has 3 older siblings who will be 90, 91, and 89 this yr (order of birthdays) so hopefully we won’t have to think bout his funeral or mums for few yrs. They’re all in relatively good health plus 6 younger siblings but mum is only child. I looked into pure cremation for myself but it’s not available in Northern Ireland

I'm not concerned - direct cremation for my mother and myself. See too many families spend £10,000-20,000+ for a loved one's funeral while arguing about who's paying for it

Life insurance will pay for mine, didn't want to leave my family with the burden of funeral expenses

I'm not too worried as I have money to pay for my funeral but thinking of of arranging it and paying it upfront to save the family worrying about it.

My Dad had a funeral plan with the Co-Op, which covered over half the cost.

If the person who has passed away and or the next of kin then i know benefits will pay for the basics of a cremation. I have one of basic cremations in place. I dont want any family i have left behind feeling they have to visit a particular place to leave flowers etc. I would rather have flowers whilst I’m alive thanks !

I've spoken to my oh about mine. I want anything useful donated and the rest burnt. He didn't like that I want to donate. Only because he struggled with the idea and wants me to be whole. Told him to suck it up and get over it as I won't need it when dead. He has come round to it. To be honest it's more the idea that we aren't mortal that he struggled with. I said go cheap. It's crazy going all out for a funeral

I think it is disgusting that people who are grieving are used/abused by anyone, but especially by those who believe that they are working to make your lives easier when you are at such a low ebb. There is no justification for the costs involved but people are reluctant to question the excessive fees involved for fear of being viewed as cheap!

I think the prices of funerals is disgusting. Families and loved ones are already suffering without the added worry of paying such high prices for funeral services. That goes for everything from the service to the flowers. I mean it’s nice to spell out the name of the person who has unfortunately passed away but it costs £35 per letter (last time I was in unfortunate circumstance to need this service). So to spell out Mother in floral tribute would cost £210. It’s not fair , it feels like it’s all about making money out of another person’s tragedy.

A member of my family actually bought some oasis for flower arrangements and made a lovely wreath herself . When we went to visit the grave for first time after funeral all the other flower arrangements were dead but the hand made wreath was still bright and beautiful as it had been made using artificial flowers. It was like a ray of sun shining out from a dark place because obviously we were all still grieving and it’s not nice to see all the flowers have died and the graveside looks tatty but with this wreath made with care and love it lasted for ages . They are not hard to make as you get the shape of the wreath prepared then you just add the flowers of your choice using wires that you can buy at any florist or craft store . You just push them into the material or wrap them around , whatever is easier . It’s such a nice gesture and very sentimental.

I suppose we now have to contrast the cost of living with the cost of dying.There's no escape.