Funerals are for the Living
“Funerals are for the living. If we have not done for the dead while they were yet in flesh, it is too late; let the matter pass at the grave. Day by day we should live for those who are to die; and live so that we may die for those who are to live. Funerals are for the living.” Unknown
A funeral service has always been a ceremony to help mourners acknowledge the death of the person that has died and to express their grief in a safe environment. In recent years, there has been a rise of the direct cremation or unattended funeral. You only have to watch daytime tv to see numerous adverts for them. In 2022, according to the Sun Life Cost of Dying Report, direct cremations accounted for 18% of funerals, which has remained unchanged from the previous year.
Feeling the pinch in your pocket
As a funeral director in Llandudno, we offer a direct cremation or unattended funeral service utilising Colwyn Bay Crematorium. We believe there is a place for them in the sector, however they aren't suitable for everyone, and your decision shouldn't be based solely on the cost. You can see what is involved with our direct cremation funeral here. With the current cost of living crisis, everyone is feeling the pinch in their pockets and a recent BBC News article claiming that funerals are a waste of money and more people are opting for a direct cremation to save money highlighted this could be an issue.
Jeremy Clarkson also wrote an article in The Times and said "You live a life, raise children, make friends, travel and fill your days with laughter — and then no one comes to your funeral. No one. It all seems so dismal somehow, like saving money on groceries. I find that baffling because can you imagine not being there to say goodbye to your dad, just to save a few quid?" So how can you have an attended service, to say goodbye to someone you love, without spending more than you need? If you want more information on our attended funerals please read here.
How can you reduce the costs of a funeral?
The current average funeral service cost across Wales in 2022 was £4,012*. Did you know that you can opt for an earlier cremation slot and save £215? Or utilise a farewell service available, that saves you £352. The farewell service allows for 6 people to attend, without an officiant, but may be the perfect alternative. (Prices based on a cremation at Colwyn Bay Crematorium as at 1 April 2023).
Here are some other tips to save money on a fully attended funeral:
- Embalming or hygienic treatment is not necessary, except on rare occasions;
- You can have flowers from your garden or a small arrangement;
- You could share a funeral tribute to social media rather than in the local paper;
- Family or friends could bear the coffin rather than pay for funeral home’s staff.
Another option is to plan for the costs of a funeral in advance, be that through a life insurance policy that pays out to family on death, or through a pre-paid plan with your chosen funeral director. Both options offer payment in advance or pay monthly fees that can reduce the cost burden at the time. Please read our pre-paid plan page for more information.
The most important thing is to not rush your decision, to ask questions and work with your funeral director to discover what options are available to you that can save you money while saying goodbye in a dignified and special way.
* Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2023
