A funeral directors price list is a document that shows the costs for funeral services and products. Every funeral director in the UK must publish a standardised price list that breaks down their charges for things like coffins, hearses, and care of the deceased. This lets you see exactly what you’re paying for and compare prices between different funeral directors.
This guide walks you through what these price lists include, how to read them, and what to look for when comparing costs. You’ll learn about the different types of funerals available, the fees funeral directors must display, and the extra charges that might catch you off guard. By the end, you’ll know how to find the best value funeral service for your needs.
Why funeral directors price lists matter
Price lists give you control over funeral costs at a time when emotions run high and decisions feel overwhelming. Without clear pricing, you might agree to services you can’t afford or don’t need. A standardised price list shows you exactly what each funeral director charges for the same services, making it harder for anyone to hide fees or pressure you into expensive add-ons.
They protect you from hidden costs
The Competition and Markets Authority made funeral directors price lists mandatory in 2021. This regulation means every funeral director must publish their charges in the same format, listing items like coffins, hearses, and care of the deceased separately. You can spot unexpected charges before you commit to a service, which helps you avoid financial surprises during an already difficult time.
Transparent pricing lets you make informed decisions without the pressure of a sales pitch.
They let you plan with confidence
When you know what funeral directors charge, you can set a realistic budget and stick to it. You’ll understand which services are essential and which ones you can skip or arrange independently. This knowledge gives you the power to say no to extras that don’t fit your needs or budget.
How to compare funeral directors price lists
You need to look at the standardised section of each price list, where funeral directors must list the same services in the same format. This section shows costs for attended funerals (with a ceremony), unattended funerals (without family present), and direct cremations. You can compare like with like by checking these figures across multiple funeral directors in your area.
Look at the standardised section first
Start with the attended or unattended funeral prices depending on what you want. The standardised section breaks down the funeral director’s charges into separate items: collection of the deceased, care and preparation, coffin provision, use of facilities, and the hearse with bearers. You’ll see these identical categories on every funeral directors price list, which makes spotting price differences straightforward.
Check what’s included in the base price
Some funeral directors include services that others charge extra for. One might include unlimited viewing appointments while another charges £50 per visit. The base price should cover collection from a hospital within a certain radius, a standard coffin, and transport to the crematorium or cemetery. Read the small print to confirm what "standard" means, particularly for coffin sizes and collection distances.
Compare what’s included in the base price, not just the headline figure.
Calculate the total cost
Add the funeral director’s charges to the crematorium or burial fees, which appear separately on the price list. These third-party costs vary by location and aren’t set by the funeral director. You also need to factor in any extras you’ll need, such as a larger coffin, additional mileage, or collection outside office hours. Write down the total for each funeral director to see the real cost.
What a funeral directors price list includes
Every funeral directors price list must show three main sections: standardised services (what the funeral director charges), third-party fees (crematorium or cemetery costs), and optional extras. The standardised section follows a strict legal format that makes comparison simple, while the extras section varies widely between funeral directors.
The standardised services section
This part lists the funeral director’s core charges in identical categories across all providers. You’ll see the cost for collecting the deceased, preparing and caring for them, providing a coffin, offering a viewing room, and supplying a hearse with bearers. The price list must show attended funerals (with a ceremony), unattended funerals (without family present), and sometimes direct cremations separately. Each item appears with its own price, not just a total.
Third-party fees
The price list includes crematorium or burial fees that the funeral director pays on your behalf but doesn’t control. Cremation fees typically range from £475 to £1,200 depending on location, while burial costs vary from £150 to over £21,000 for a new plot. Doctors’ fees apply in Northern Ireland for two required signatures on cremation forms at £85 each.
Third-party fees aren’t set by the funeral director but must appear on their price list.
Additional services and products
You’ll find optional extras like embalming, larger coffins, additional mileage beyond the included radius, and transfers to places of worship. The price list shows costs for services outside normal hours, collection from homes instead of hospitals, and ash delivery. These charges let you customise the service while seeing exactly what each addition costs.
Key differences between funeral types and costs
The type of funeral you choose directly affects what you pay. A funeral directors price list shows three main options: attended funerals (with a ceremony), unattended funerals (no ceremony but still arranged by the funeral director), and direct cremations. Each type has different costs and requirements, which you’ll see clearly laid out in the standardised section.
Attended funerals cost the most
An attended funeral includes a ceremony where family and friends gather before the burial or cremation. You pay for the full service: collection, care, coffin, hearse, bearers, and use of facilities. The total typically ranges from £2,500 to £4,500 depending on your choices and location. You’ll also pay the crematorium or cemetery fee on top of the funeral director’s charges.
Unattended funerals reduce the cost
Unattended funerals (sometimes called simple or direct funerals) skip the ceremony. The funeral director still handles all arrangements and takes care of the deceased, but no one attends the cremation or burial. You pay less because you don’t use the chapel of rest or need transport for mourners. The cost usually sits between £1,200 and £2,000 before third-party fees.
Unattended funerals give you the flexibility to hold a memorial service later, without the time pressure.
Direct cremation offers the lowest price
Direct cremation is the simplest and cheapest option on any funeral directors price list. The funeral director collects the deceased, handles paperwork, and arranges cremation without any ceremony. You typically pay £900 to £1,500 including the crematorium fee. This option lets you celebrate your loved one’s life when and how you choose.
Common extra fees to watch out for
Extra fees can quickly increase the total cost beyond what you see in the standardised section of a funeral directors price list. These charges apply when you need services outside the basic package, such as collection from a location further away than the standard radius or a coffin larger than the default size. You need to check these carefully because they vary widely between funeral directors and can add hundreds or even thousands to your bill.
Distance and location charges
Funeral directors include collection within a set radius (typically 20 to 40 miles) in their base price. Beyond this, you pay extra mileage per mile, usually £1.50 to £3. Collection from your home instead of a hospital often costs an additional £150 to £300. Some funeral directors also charge more for services in Scotland, Northern Ireland, or the Isle of Wight, with surcharges ranging from £300 to £450.
Distance fees add up fast, so confirm the included radius before choosing a funeral director.
Next steps
Start by requesting price lists from three or four funeral directors in your area to compare the standardised sections side by side. You’ll quickly see the differences in base costs and what each provider includes as standard. Make a written list of any questions about fees or services before you contact them, so you get clear answers about what you’re actually paying for and avoid surprises later.
If you want a simple, affordable option without the complexity of traditional funeral arrangements, compare our direct cremation service with local funeral directors price lists. We handle everything with dignity and respect while keeping costs transparent and low.