Choosing the type of funeral

Sometimes, choosing the type of funeral can seem obvious, and other times less so

The wishes of the person who died are very important and it is natural that you will want to honour these if they have been expressed.

Things to consider include:

When deciding what type of funeral is right for you and the person who has died, you may wish to consider:

Any wishes or preferences the person shared before they died
The cost of the funeral, and how it will be paid for
Any religious, spiritual or personal beliefs that are important to you or the person who died
Any environmental considerations that are important to you or the person who has died
The location of the funeral and how easy it will be for family and friends to attend
What feels like a meaningful way to remember the person who has died

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Honoring the wishes of the person who has died

The wishes of the person who died are very important, and many people want to honour them wherever possible.

However, there can be a big difference in cost between different funeral choices. In 2025, burial cost over £1,200 more than cremation on average across the UK. In some areas, including parts of London, the difference can be much greater.

If you are worried about how you will pay for the funeral, it may be worth considering whether there are other ways to reflect the person’s wishes without placing yourself under financial pressure. Many people would not want their funeral to leave those close to them with debt or ongoing money worries.

If you are considering repatriating the person who died to another country, it is important to understand the likely costs. These can vary depending on the destination and the arrangements needed both in the UK and in the receiving country.

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Understanding your options for burials, cremations and repatriations

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Burial options

Our guide explains different types of burial, where burials can take place, and the choices that may affect the cost.

Cremation options

Our guide explains different cremation options, including direct cremations, and the choices that can affect the cost.

Repatriation options

Find out what is involved in arranging a repatriation, the factors that affect the cost, and where to find further support.

Understanding your options when arranging a funeral

These guides explain the options available when arranging a funeral, helping you to make informed decisions and arrange a funeral that reflects the person who died and your circumstances.

Using a funeral director

Most people choose to use a funeral director to take care of the practical and administrative tasks involved in arranging the funeral. This guide explains the services they provide, how to compare quotes, questions you may want to ask, and your rights as a consumer.

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Doing it yourself

Some people choose to take care of some, or all the practical and administrative tasks involved in arranging a funeral themselves. This guide explains how to arrange a funeral without using a funeral director, including caring for the person who died, completing the required paperwork, and arranging transport.

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Funeral elements and choices

There are many decisions to make when arranging a funeral. This guide explains the options available to help you arrange a funeral that reflects the person who died and your circumstances, including selecting a coffin, making choices about viewing the person who died, and choosing flowers, music and orders of service.

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