Funeral costs are one of the things families worry about most, and one of the things the industry has historically been worst at explaining clearly. This guide sets out what actually makes up the bill, so you can compare quotes properly and know what questions to ask.
The two halves of a funeral bill
Every funeral quote splits into two parts, and it is worth understanding the difference.
The funeral director’s fees cover our work: bringing your loved one into our care, caring for them until the funeral, the coffin, the hearse and staff, the paperwork, and all the arranging and advising in between. This is the part we control and the part you are really comparing between firms.
Third-party costs (sometimes called disbursements) are fees we pay on your behalf to other people. Crematorium or burial fees, the celebrant or minister, flowers, press notices, catering. We pass these on at cost — we do not add a margin to them.
When a quote looks dramatically cheaper than everyone else’s, it is very often because third-party costs have been left out of the headline figure.
What makes the price go up or down
- Burial or cremation. Burial is generally more expensive, largely because of the cost of the grave itself. Our website details the current Bradford Council scale of charges.
- Whether there is a service. A direct cremation, with no ceremony at the crematorium, is the lowest-cost option available.
- Time of day. Some crematoria charge less for early morning slots.
- The coffin. There is a wide range, from simple oak-effect through to solid timber and eco-friendly options in willow or bamboo.
- Vehicles. A hearse alone costs less than a hearse plus limousines.
- The extras. Flowers, order of service sheets, notices in the paper, and catering all add up, and all are entirely optional.
Questions worth asking any funeral director
- Is this price all-inclusive, or are third-party costs extra?
At Village Undertakers our written estimates are always all-inclusive. - Will you charge more for collection out of hours or at a weekend?
Not at Village Undertakers. - Which crematorium is included in this price?
We quote for your crematorium of choice. - Can I see an itemised breakdown rather than just a package price?
Village Undertakers always provide an itemised estimate of costs. - If I change my mind about something, how does that affect the cost?
At Village Undertakers, if something costs less, there will be a reduction. If something costs more, there will be an addition.
Our approach
All funeral directors in the UK are legally required to publish a Standardised Price List, which makes comparing firms much easier than it used to be. Ours is on the website, along with our full itemised price list.
Our guarantee is simple: we will not draw you in with a price that looks too good to be true and then add fees on later. You will have a full written estimate before you commit to anything.
If you would like to talk through costs with no obligation at all, call Robert on 07599 46 26 49.