Funeral payment question

Oldernotwiser

Colosolo wrote: »

Thanks. I am going to query the decision but wanted to post here first to get the information.

Sheep-ali it's a difficult time and I think it's a shame there isn't more help or at least more awareness of the costs involved so people can do a funeral plan.

I have never arranged a funeral before and was gob-smacked by the costs

A basic funeral doesn't have to be that expensive; it's only really when you add on lots of expensive extras that the price soars.

Pollycat

We paid £800 for a plot in the cemetery (although it is a double plot) and the funeral director's fees (bearers, hearse, 1 limo) were £1500 and the church fee was £250 so that's over £2500 with just the basics.

Oldernotwiser

Pollycat wrote: »

We paid £800 for a plot in the cemetery (although it is a double plot) and the funeral director's fees (bearers, hearse, 1 limo) were £1500 and the church fee was £250 so that's over £2500 with just the basics.

But very few people actually have cemetery plots these days and a limo is unnecessary.

A basic cremation costs around £1,500, all in.

Pollycat

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

But very few people actually have cemetery plots these days and a limo is unnecessary.

A basic cremation costs around £1,500, all in.

But it was my Dad's wish to be buried, not cremated.

Are you suggesting that someone's wishes should be disregarded after they have died to save money?

margaretclare

Pollycat wrote: »

We paid £800 for a plot in the cemetery (although it is a double plot) and the funeral director's fees (bearers, hearse, 1 limo) were £1500 and the church fee was £250 so that's over £2500 with just the basics.

Yes, I was quoted that price, when I enquired in October 2008, but it was for a 'green' burial in a local wildflower meadow. Our church doesn't make a charge and also we don't want limousines.

There are still people who prefer to be buried rather than to go up in smoke!

Pollycat

margaretclare wrote: »

Yes, I was quoted that price, when I enquired in October 2008, but it was for a 'green' burial in a local wildflower meadow. Our church doesn't make a charge and also we don't want limousines.

There are still people who prefer to be buried rather than to go up in smoke!

I may be wrong but I think the funeral director said the price included 1 limo and asked if we wanted more.

I don't know if this is usual pricing policy.

margaretclare

Pollycat wrote: »

I may be wrong but I think the funeral director said the price included 1 limo and asked if we wanted more.

I don't know if this is usual pricing policy.

I specifically said I didn't want any limos.

For a 'green burial' it's a little bit different. It has to be done more quickly for one thing, because no embalming fluids are allowed.

xmadmammax

On IS, single parent with 2 young children, no savings (actually in minus figures at the bank lol)
year one - mother died leaving 3 dependant children (their dad died the previous year), Funeral grant refused (Sister was working part time - but she now had to give up work/studying to care for 3 younger siblings, or they'd be taken into care!!)
year two, still paying off that funeral when single brother with one dependant died in RTA......funeral grant refused, Uncle not seen in 15 years was working, plus any collection/donation money at crem taken into account

They will go through the list of relatives, in order, to find one that's working parent, child, sibling, second cousin twice removed's cat etc etc etc.

oh, and Cardboard coffin = £380 Wood and lined £280!!!


funeral plan will be in place so my kids/family don't have to worry as soon as these two have been paid off!

Oldernotwiser

Pollycat wrote: »

But it was my Dad's wish to be buried, not cremated.

Are you suggesting that someone's wishes should be disregarded after they have died to save money?

Like anything else, you pay what you can afford and, if you can't afford a burial then you look at the alternatives

Wee_Willy_Harris

Pollycat wrote: »

But it was my Dad's wish to be buried, not cremated.

Are you suggesting that someone's wishes should be disregarded after they have died to save money?

If it's not affordable, do you have the choice?