We all know death is inevitable, yet most families avoid talking about the practicalities until it’s too late. You might have already faced the “big conversations” about Wills and Powers of Attorney – but there’s one question that still catches families off guard. And it’s often the most expensive one.
Picture this: a family is sitting together, bravely tackling topics like making a Will and setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney. Everyone feels relieved to have faced those difficult subjects head-on. Then one of the children asks the question that’s been lingering unspoken:
“So, when you do die, Mum and Dad, how on earth do we arrange your funeral – and how much is it going to cost us?”
It’s the question most people think about but rarely voice. Why? Because, like everything else around death, it’s easier to stick our heads in the sand and say, “We’ll deal with it when it happens.”
Some even assume the State covers all funerals. In reality, it only provides what are often called “pauper’s funerals” – and only in cases where there’s absolutely no money available.
The Reality: Cost and Stress
The truth is, funerals are not only stressful to arrange, but they can also be very expensive.
According to SunLife’s Cost of Dying Report 2025:
- The average simple attended funeral in the UK costs £4,285 (up 3.5% from the year before).
- The broader “cost of dying” – funeral, professional fees, and send-off – has reached a record £9,797.
- In London, a simple funeral now averages £5,449.
To put this in perspective, back in 2004 the average funeral was £1,920. Costs have more than doubled in 20 years – and they’re expected to keep rising.
So, you can wait until that fateful day… or you can take a deep breath and sort things out now.
The Solution: Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
One of the simplest and most cost-effective options is a Pre-Paid Funeral Plan.
These plans allow you to pay now – either in full or in instalments – and set out exactly what you want: the type of service, cremation or burial, location, and any personal touches.
Typically, a plan covers:
- The service
- Crematorium fees
- Hearse
- Coffin
- Limousines
- Collection of the body (a difficult but necessary detail)
A local funeral director is appointed and made aware of your wishes, so your loved ones aren’t left frantically searching the internet at a time when decisions are hardest to make.
Once the plan is in place, it doesn’t matter how many years ahead your funeral might be – your family won’t need to pay extra for the core costs covered. And because your wishes are already clear, your loved ones can focus on celebrating your life rather than worrying about logistics.
Getting Started
The good news is, you can take out a funeral plan for less than today’s UK average. And of course, I can help. I’ll talk you through the options, explain how the plans work, and help you find the most suitable way to pay.
So, if your family dinner table conversation turns to this most awkward of questions, you’ll know exactly what to do – and then you can happily forget about it until the time comes.
If you’d like more information on funeral plans or any estate planning matters, contact me on 01277 562567, ian.nicholson@bwep.uk, or visit www.bwep.uk.
Don’t Wait – Protect Your Estate.