Funerals are for the living

Here are some other tips to save money on a fully attended funeral:

J Embalming or hygienic treatment is not necessary, except on rare occasions;

J You can have flowers from your garden or a small arrangement;

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, we offer a direct cremation or unattended funeral service. 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. 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?

How can you reduce the costs of a funeral?

The current average funeral 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 six people to attend, without an officiant, but may be the perfect alternative.

J You could share a funeral tribute to social media rather than in the local paper;

J 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.

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. n

*

Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2023 www.sunlife.co.uk

Prices are correct as at 1 April 2023 based on cremations at Colwyn Bay Crematorium

If you have any questions that you would like answering please send them to info@tomowenandson.com

Kelly Owen is a funeral director at Tom Owen and Son – an awardwinning, family run, independent community Funeral Director situated in Llandudno. They provide a modern fresh approach to organising funerals that empowers you to have a unique funeral that is fitting for the person that has died. For more information, please get in touch with one of the team by calling 01492 860 280 or visit the blog and website at www. tomowenandson.com

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