Funeral costs ?

snapping_crocodile

Sorry to hear of your loss. I used the co-op for my dad's funeral earlier this year which cost around £3100. I have nothing but praise for the staff who I dealt with, and one lady in particular was fantastic. They provided an excellent service, so I can highly recommend them. I did feel pressured into accepting anything I didn't want. As others have said, the cost of the flowers will be huge, normally minimum of £100 per wreath, along with extra vehicles. One extra vehicle alone for us was £180. It is not a cheap thing, but I am glad I did it and gave my dad a lovely send off

Oldernotwiser

Premier wrote: »

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

Why would you need a headstone after a cremation?

bennymac

I just paid for my mum's funeral today and can confirm it was just under 2.5k we chose a local firm who were a fair bit less than the co-op (mum already researched it) the big surprise for me was the cost of the reception after the service, this was paid for on the day and since more than double the people came back the hotel charged me per head. They didnt suppy any extra food btw so the expected bill of 300 ended up at 800 pounds and they wouldnt reduce it, anyway I reported it to the funeral director as they recommended them so that other people can be aware of this surprise.

margaretclare

A lot depends on what you want. I know the Co-op have been advertising quite aggressively recently but...you might get a better deal from a small local firm.

In October 2008 I very nearly had a funeral to arrange. We wanted a 'green burial' in a wildflower meadow, and a local firm quoted me £2,500. No limousines and no flowers, a service in our church (the church where we're members and regular worshippers) and then the green burial. It has to be quicker - no embalming fluids allowed - and that was within our thinking: we don't like the idea of being kept on ice for ages.

Flowers, limousines, elaborate coffins and newspaper announcements bump up the cost.

Fortunately DH is still with us, but I have the local funeral director's details in my address-book for future reference.

eco

Hiya, your right it should be discussed, I discussed it with my mum before she died and although it isn't for everyone my mum wanted a green funeral, no flowers no embalming, just a cardboard coffin, she's now on a nature reserve and we were all happy cos we knew it was what she wanted.

pookienoodle

bennymac wrote: »

I just paid for my mum's funeral today and can confirm it was just under 2.5k we chose a local firm who were a fair bit less than the co-op (mum already researched it) the big surprise for me was the cost of the reception after the service, this was paid for on the day and since more than double the people came back the hotel charged me per head. They didnt suppy any extra food btw so the expected bill of 300 ended up at 800 pounds and they wouldnt reduce it, anyway I reported it to the funeral director as they recommended them so that other people can be aware of this surprise.

Did they tell you on what grounds they charged the extra if no extra food was provided?
was this hotel part of a chain? If so I would make a formal complaint to head office.

blindmouse

When my mum died recently we were told the time of the funeral made a difference as well. Earlier in the morning was cheaper than midday. Cremation was cheaper, costs of the coffins was amazing, and cars.

Premier_2

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Why would you need a headstone after a cremation?

I used the word headstone in the broad sense. Many, if not all, crems have a facility for a remembrance plaque or similar to be placed in the grounds even if the ashes are scattered over the garden.

A more expensive option may be offered for the ashes to be placed in an Urn (which has to be paid for) and then can either be taken away or sometimes buried in a specific location at the crem, again with the facility of some kind of headstone/plaque etc.

Some people may opt for a tree or bench to be provided (if the specific crem allow this), but this will be a lot more than the basic brass plaque I suggested.

ellies_angel

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Why would you need a headstone after a cremation?

sometimes people who are cremated then have their ashes buried in the cemetary. If a family plot has been bought (I believe) it allows for more people to be laid to rest. My partner has a family plot where his late wife is, there is room for him, his mum and dad ( and me :eek:). They also have a large headstone which would allow for everyone to be mentioned. I guess this could end up cheaper as the cost was spread between the 4 of them.

Where I am, it costs more to buy a plot in a cemetary outwith your district, I am friends with a local undertaker and had through cremation was cheaper than burial, but that isn't always the case.

Its very difficult, but as long as your meeting the wishes of your loved ones (if you knew what they were) there isn't anything more you can do.

Deepest condolences

margaretclare

eco wrote: »

Hiya, your right it should be discussed, I discussed it with my mum before she died and although it isn't for everyone my mum wanted a green funeral, no flowers no embalming, just a cardboard coffin, she's now on a nature reserve and we were all happy cos we knew it was what she wanted.

Yes, this is exactly what we both want. This is where: http://www.opticimage.com/thornmead/history.htm

Apparently you pay for the second grave at the time of the first funeral, so that we can lie side by side.