Funeral costs ?

electrician

Hi All, My father in law has just died ( yesterday ) and the funeral directors are due to make contact with my Mother in law to arrange the funeral, I know funerals are expensive nowadays ( 2-3 thou ? ) and I have never arranged one myself, what bumps up the cost and is there any cost saving options ? didn't know which section to put this delicate post so if any mods want to move it ! cheers - Stuart.

The_Banker_5

The Flowers/Wreaths are an absolute fortune. (much more than normal flowers)

Only a few will cost more than the coffin itself.

beverleyhills

Extra cars for the mourners.

jinny

electrician wrote: »

Hi All, My father in law has just died ( yesterday ) and the funeral directors are due to make contact with my Mother in law to arrange the funeral, I know funerals are expensive nowadays ( 2-3 thou ? ) and I have never arranged one myself, what bumps up the cost and is there any cost saving options ? didn't know which section to put this delicate post so if any mods want to move it ! cheers - Stuart.

My condolences to your family. My family refuse to discuss this with me but Ive decided I dont want a funeral Its what I want so I think I will just have to see a solicitor and arrange this non funeral myself. I dont want to burden my family with any arrangements financial or otherwise I havent a clue what happens if you dont have one I suppose for a small fee the council would arrange things My father died ten years ago and his was about £3000 he would have been angry as he was the most frugal man I have ever known I dont know why families dont discuss death its a natural thing like birth. Im so very sorry once again for your loss.

electrician

Thanks for the replys, it looks as she is going to the co-op funeral services as she wants to put a line under it, I just feel at a time like this people are vunerable to sign for any costs. cheers - Stuart

Premier_2

electrician wrote: »

Hi All, My father in law has just died ( yesterday ) and the funeral directors are due to make contact with my Mother in law to arrange the funeral, I know funerals are expensive nowadays ( 2-3 thou ? ) and I have never arranged one myself, what bumps up the cost and is there any cost saving options ? didn't know which section to put this delicate post so if any mods want to move it ! cheers - Stuart.

You are correct, a simple funeral will cost about 2-3 thou.
I say simple, but that includes the undertaker, coffin, embalming, a couple of cars (hearse plus 1 large passenger car, others can follow in their own cars), cremation service, notice in paper, etc.

Flowers can be sourced from local florists and the undertaker will usually accept these at no extra cost and carry them to the service with the coffin.

The other thing that you usually need is some kind of headstone, but these can be from about £50 for a simple brass plaque.

It may be worth your MIL applying for a Bereavement Payment of £2k

savemoney

Firstly sorry for your loss

I didnt realise funerals cost this much as I am sure many others didnt either

I go through life trying to make my money go further and nobody wants to be a burden on others either. When I die I want it done cheaply as possible, dont care for all pomp and ceremony

SailorSam

When my Mum died nearly three years ago, her basic fueral cost a little under £2.5k.
She didn't want a fuss or flowers and we asked for donations to the grandkids school fund.

lorweld

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belfastgirl23

This thread is well worth a trawl http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=344578

It is also worth making sure your MIL knows about any possible benefits she might receive - either a funeral grant or Bereavement allowance
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Bereaved/index.htm?cids=Google_PPC&cre=Money

well worth a look although it depends whether she is in receipt of particular types of benefit.

Sorry for your loss.

PS it's also worth thinking about whether you want to offer food after the service and if so what type...

nigem

When I recently had to arrange a funeral, the undertakers wanted to offer embalming, but unless anyone plans to view, it is unnecessary. If you use the co-op you may be able to get co-op points too.