A more intimate and personal funeral doesn’t have to cost more and can be more beautiful than one with all the trappings.
Here are some ways in which money can be saved:
1. Hold the funeral at a venue such as our ceremony hall, or a village or community hall, followed by an unattended cremation the following morning. The venue can be decorated with photos and objects and you get more time. This can save over £500 on cremation costs alone and be more personal.
2. Family and friends can bear the coffin instead of hiring a professional team of bearers, saving around £200.
3. You don’t need to use a hearse – around 50% of our clients opt for a less formal car. You can even use your own vehicle (if large enough). This can save £175 – £275.
4. Choose a coffin carefully. A cardboard coffin may cost less and can be painted, decorated with pictures, drawings and messages to make a personal statement.
5. Ask people to bring something to the wake, food, drinks. People like to make a contribution. This can save £500 for a funeral with 50 people.
6. People can bring seasonal flowers from their gardens for much of the year. Funerals with greater involvement of family and friends are usually more personal and meaningful than the funeral with all the expensive bows and whistles. Love and care are more important.