Simple funerals: costs, plans and what’s included

What is a simple funeral? And what does it include? In this article, we’ll look at the differences between simple funerals and traditional ones.

You’ll also get a clearer idea of how much a simple funeral costs so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you. We’ll touch on other low-cost funeral options, and simple funeral plans too.  

What is a simple funeral?  

A simple funeral is just that – a funeral that includes the basics and nothing more. That means there’re no extras like limousines and pallbearers. For this reason, simple funerals are sometimes called basic funerals.  
  
Simple funerals are a more affordable option compared to traditional funerals. Some people choose this type of basic funeral service to save money, while others just prefer a straightforward, no-fuss funeral ceremony.  

Simple funerals: what’s included?

A simple funeral service follows the same structure as a traditional funeral, but there are a few differences. Here are some of the most important:  

• Funeral date and time: you’ll usually have less choice over the date and time of the funeral. 
• Choice of vehicles: the funeral director will transport the person who has died to the funeral in a simple, respectful vehicle. But a hearse and limousines usually aren’t provided.  
• No procession: a simple funeral service usually starts when everyone arrives at the crematorium or burial ground.  
• No pallbearers: there won’t be any professional pallbearers at a simple funeral service though family members may be allowed to carry the coffin into the service.  
• Choice of flowers: often simple funerals don’t include flowers, though you might be offered a choice from a small selection.  
• Choice of coffin: usually the coffin will be a simple design – you might have a few options to choose from or it might just be one option.  
• No wake (funeral reception): simple funerals don’t usually have a reception included. But you can hold an informal wake at a family home or pub instead.  

  
Bear in mind that this is just a guide. The details of a simple funeral service will vary depending on the funeral director you choose. Make sure to ask them what’s included.  
  
It’s important to note that a simple funeral isn’t the same as an  unattended funeral or a direct cremation. With a simple funeral, you’ll still have a service for people to attend. But with an unattended funeral or a direct cremation there’s no service.  

What’s the difference between a simple funeral and a traditional funeral?

Generally, simple funerals include only essential elements. The things that are included are more straightforward and less expensive than at a traditional funeral.  
  
This means traditional funerals are usually more flexible. The person organising the funeral can choose when and where the funeral is held. They can usually pick extras too, like a funeral procession, a viewing or a wake.  
  
Choosing a simple funeral service means giving up some of this flexibility. However, it  doesn’t  mean giving up the chance to say goodbye properly. With the right  poems, music and readings , a basic funeral can feel just as special and memorable as a traditional service.

How much does a simple funeral cost?  

Simple funeral costs will vary based on where you live, the funeral director you choose and any extras you add. Below we’ve put together a sample of simple funeral costs across the UK* to give you a better idea of how much you can expect to pay.

Keep in mind that some funeral directors offer two or three different simple funeral cost options, so it’s worth getting in touch to talk about what you want to include. They can advise you on the basic funeral packages they provide. But remember that there may also be third party costs you need to pay that aren’t included in the overall price. 

Learn more about simple funeral costs near you 

As a guide, you can use our  funeral director finder  to compare the price for a simple funeral service near you. Just type in your postcode or location and click search. You’ll see a list of funeral directors in your area, together with prices. The ‘attended funeral’ price will give you an estimated cost for a simple funeral, without extras. 

Is a simple funeral the right option? 

If you’re not sure if a simple funeral is the right option for you or a loved one, here are a few things to consider:

A simple funeral might be the right choice if: 

• The person who died wanted a simple no-frills funeral 
• There won’t be many people attending the funeral 
• You need to keep funeral costs down

A simple funeral might not be the right choice if:

• You want to hold the funeral on a weekend 
• You want the funeral to take place quickly (e.g. within 72 hours of the person dying) 
• You want to have a separate service at a place of worship before or after the cremation 
• You want to have a traditional funeral service with a  procession, pallbearers and flower arrangements 

How to plan a simple funeral

Knowing how to plan a simple funeral may not come naturally, especially if you haven’t organised a funeral before. But planning a simple funeral is very similar to planning a traditional funeral. Here are some ideas on how to get started: 
  
Make a list of what you want for the funeral. List all the things you definitely want to include in the service. This will make it easier for you to decide if a simple funeral is the right option. 

Think about how many people will be invited. Having a rough idea of the number of people will also help you decide if a simple funeral is the best option. 

Find a funeral director. You can use our  directory to find funeral directors near you. It’s a good idea to contact at least three different funeral directors so you can compare their simple funeral costs before making your choice. 

Talk to your funeral director about options. They’ll take you through what’s included in their simple funeral service. They’ll also let you know if there’s anything you’ll need to organise yourself, such as flowers or the  order of service . They can also give you an itemised quote of everything you’ve agreed. 

Let the funeral director plan the service. Once you’ve agreed to the quote, the funeral director will arrange the service. They’ll be in contact throughout this time to ask any questions or let you know if there’s anything else they need you to do.

Another option: choosing a funeral without a service 

Simple funerals aren’t the only type of low-cost funeral. If you don’t want a ceremony at all, an unattended funeral could be the right choice. This is a simple cremation or burial with no service – instead, the cremation or burial takes place without any mourners, music or readings. 
  
Some people choose a direct burial or cremation to save money. They’re among the cheapest funeral options in the UK. A direct cremation cost £1,498 in 2023 compared to £1,511 in 2022 (SunLife 2024). 
  
Others choose them because they don’t want a lot of fuss when they die. Remember: you can always hold an informal event to celebrate the life of the person who has died. And you’ll still have the ashes or a grave site to remember them by. 
  
For more info, read our guide:  what is direct cremation?  

Another option: simple funeral plans 

If you’re thinking about how you’d like your funeral to look and how to pay for it in advance, a simple funeral plan might be the right option. This might also help you tell your family that you’d prefer a basic funeral without a lot of fuss. A pre-paid simple funeral plan will give you the opportunity to choose the basic funeral package you want and pay for it at today’s costs.

Read our article on funeral plans to see if it’s the right option for you.