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Funeral Types: Attended vs Unattended Explained

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When planning a funeral, one of the most important decisions is whether to have an attended or unattended service. While both options honour a loved one’s life, they offer very different experiences – each with its own emotional, practical, and financial considerations.

At Hillier Funeral Service, we’re here to guide you through these choices with care, compassion, and transparency.

What Is an Attended Funeral?

An attended funeral involves a ceremony where family and friends gather to pay their respects. This may include a religious or non-religious service, eulogies, music, readings, and the presence of the coffin. Attended funerals are typically held in a chapel, church, crematorium, or cemetery.

Pros of an Attended Funeral:

  • Emotional Support: Brings loved ones together for shared grief and remembrance.
  • Personalised Tribute: Allows for rituals, readings, and music that reflect the individual’s life.
  • Closure: Seeing the coffin and participating in the ceremony can offer a strong sense of farewell (Cruse Bereavement Support).

Attended funerals can be deeply meaningful but may involve higher costs due to venue hire, transport, service arrangements, and catering. While attended funerals can be more costly due to logistics and services, Hillier Funeral Service provides clear, transparent pricing to help families plan with confidence (Hillier Funeral Service: Our Funeral Plans).

What Is an Unattended Funeral?

An unattended funeral is a cremation or burial that happens without mourners present. It is sometimes referred to as a direct cremation or direct burial. The funeral provider handles all logistics, and families may choose to hold a separate memorial later.

Pros of an Unattended Funeral:

  • Affordability: Usually a more cost-effective option, with fewer service elements required (MoneyHelper).
  • Flexibility: Allows families to plan a memorial on their own terms, location, and timeline.
  • Simplicity: Minimises the pressure of organising a public event while grieving.

Unattended funerals have grown in popularity in recent years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic changed how families say goodbye (Golden Leaves).

Choosing What’s Right for You

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some families find great comfort in a personal attended funeral. Others prefer the quiet dignity of an unattended farewell, especially when privacy, simplicity, or budget are important considerations.

At Hillier’s, we support both options with equal care. If you choose an unattended service, we can still help you plan a beautiful memorial gathering, scattering ceremony, or celebration of life.

Emotional Support Through Every Choice

Whichever type of funeral you choose, grief is a natural and personal journey. At Hillier Funeral Service, we offer bereavement counselling to all families—helping you process loss and navigate the emotional impact of saying goodbye.

Our counsellors provide compassionate, confidential support for adults, children, and families alike.

Conclusion

Whether you choose an attended or unattended funeral, the most important thing is that it feels right for your loved one, and for you. Let Hillier Funeral Service walk with you through every step of the process, offering dignity, flexibility, and care.

📞 Speak to a Funeral Director Today
Compassionate advice and planning with no obligation.

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Funeral Costs Explained: What You’re Really Paying For

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Arranging a funeral is a deeply emotional time, add uncertainty about prices, and it becomes even more stressful. At Hillier’s Funeral Service, we believe in transparency, compassion, and educating families on exactly what they’re paying for so there are no surprises at the end.

  1. The Two Core Parts of Funeral Costs

A typical funeral bill is divided into two main parts:

Funeral Director’s Fees

These are the professional services provided by your funeral director. This includes care of your loved one, transportation, legal paperwork, arrangement meetings, and handling the ceremony. These fees can also cover a multitude of different services, Hillier’s helps you understand each fee.

Third‑Party or Disbursement Costs

These are essential external fees like cremation or burial charges, officiant fees, and cemetery plot costs.

 

  1. Standardised Price Lists: Consumer Safety by Law

Since September 2021, funeral directors are legally required by the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) to publish a Standardised Price List- detailing a set “attended” and “unattended” funeral with included services and extra optional items.

For example, a simple attended funeral might cost:

  • Funeral director’s core services: £2,195
  • Coffin, hearse, basic care, and paperwork included
  • Add-ons like extra mileage, embalming, celebrants: priced separately

 

  1. Why Funeral Costs Vary So Much

SunLife’s 2025 “Cost of Dying” report found the average “simple” funeral has risen to £4,285, with total dying costs approaching nearly £9,800. Moreover, within the same region, prices for basic funerals can differ by over £3,000, often due to differences in service levels, operating costs, and how providers market their offerings, as seen in a study by The Times, Prices for a basic funeral can vary by £3,000 in the same area. Why?

 

  1. Optional Extras: Personalisation Adds Cost

Beyond essential funeral components, families often choose personal touches:

  • Premium coffins or musical hearses
  • Floral arrangements, memorial booklets
  • Catering, venue reception, and celebrants
    These are entirely optional – and pricing varies depending on preferences

 

  1. How Hillier’s Helps You Navigate Costs

We’re committed to being clear from the outset:

  • Transparent Pricing: We share our Standardised Price List, no hidden fees.
  • Detailed Breakdown: A written estimate shows exactly what’s included.
  • Choice & Control: Whether you elect a simple cremation or a bespoke funeral, you’ll know how each choice affects cost.
  • Support with Third‑Party Fees: We handle all payments to crematoria, officiants, and officials—so you’re not juggling bills during a difficult time.

 

Final Thoughts

Understanding funeral costs means recognising the components and planning accordingly:

  • Core funeral director services
  • Mandatory disbursements
  • Optional extras based on personal preferences

By knowing what each line item covers, and comparing the truly comparable, you can make informed, confident decisions at a sensitive time. Let Hillier’s guide you through every step – with respect, clarity, and care.

📞 Ready to learn more?

Contact Hillier’s today for a no-obligation breakdown of costs, or use our online cost calculator to explore typical estimates and plan the funeral that honours your loved one.

Funeral Services for All Faiths and Beliefs

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At Hillier’s Funeral Service, we understand that every funeral is deeply personal – and often shaped by faith, culture, and symbolism. Whether you follow a particular religion or none at all, we believe every life deserves a funeral that reflects its unique story, values, and spiritual beliefs.

Our family-run team is proud to offer funeral planning support for families across Swindon and beyond, catering to a wide spectrum of traditions, from Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Buddhist and Jewish customs to Humanist, spiritual or fully non-religious ceremonies.

No two lives are the same, and no two funerals should be either. At Hillier’s Funeral Service, we believe in providing compassionate, expertly tailored farewell ceremonies that honour all faiths, beliefs, and traditions. Our experienced team helps you craft a meaningful send-off imbued with resonance, respect, and personal significance.

  1. We Respect All Faiths and None

We’ve guided families through many types of funerals, each one as individual as the person being remembered. According to the National Bereavement Service, understanding the symbolic rituals of different religions – from Islamic Janazah prayers to Hindu cremation rites or Christian hymns – is vital to providing sensitive and meaningful support.

At Hillier’s, we ensure that religious leaders, readings, music and rituals are honoured exactly as needed, while also helping families navigate logistical aspects like timings, venues and permissions with calm, respectful guidance.

  1. Blending Beliefs and Cultures with Care

Modern funerals are often a fusion of different cultures or spiritual beliefs.

“People may choose a ceremony rooted in one faith but make adaptations—such as music or readings—to include others or reflect their personal worldview.”

Whether you’re planning a Christian service with a civil celebrant, a Buddhist farewell with a memory slideshow, or a secular cremation with personal prayers and poems, our flexible approach ensures your loved one’s legacy is honoured just as they would have wished.

  1. The Rise of the Personalised Funeral

The UK is seeing a significant shift toward more personalised funerals. A 2019 study reported by The Independent found that more than half of the funeral directors (53%) said they are seeing a move away from tradition and an increase in people wanting a unique service that reflects the deceased’s life.

We support this movement wholeheartedly. From favourite songs and poetry readings to custom floral tributes, keepsakes, or live-streamed ceremonies, Hillier’s makes it possible to build a funeral that feels truly personal, without losing touch with important beliefs or traditions.

  1. Spiritual, Religious, and Symbolic Needs Met with Expertise

According to researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London, the line between religious and secular funerals is increasingly blurred, with families mixing symbolic rituals, personal meanings, and shared values in the same service:

“The everyday funeral is neither entirely religious nor completely secular… People use symbolic elements that meet emotional and spiritual needs.”

Our team is trained to understand this blend. Whether it’s lighting candles, reading scripture, sharing memories, or offering moments of stillness, we ensure every element of the funeral carries meaning and comfort for those grieving.

Why Families Trust Hillier’s for Inclusive Funerals

  • Cultural & Religious Expertise – Our team is experienced in a wide range of funeral customs.
  • Trained Celebrants & Clergy Partnerships – We connect families with the right faith leaders or celebrants.
  • Tailored Support – We listen closely to every detail and adapt the funeral around your preferences.
  • No Judgment, Just Care – Whether traditional or contemporary, religious or symbolic, we’re here to help.

Final Thoughts

At Hillier’s Funeral Service, we’re committed to honouring every life with compassion, respect, and attention to spiritual or symbolic meaning. Whether rooted in centuries of faith or shaped by personal values, your loved one’s funeral will be guided by our promise: to create a ceremony that reflects who they were, and what they meant to you.

Let us walk beside you as you honour your loved one’s life, beliefs, and legacy. Speak to one of our friendly team members today.

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Funeral Directors in Swindon You Can Rely On: The Hillier’s Difference

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Choosing the right funeral provider during a time of loss is deeply personal. At Hillier’s Funeral Service, we understand both the emotional and practical aspects of saying goodbye. As a supportive, family-run funeral home with deep Swindon roots since 1923, we provide compassionate care, professional expertise, and community trust to ensure your loved one receives the send-off they deserve.

  1. A Family Legacy Rooted in Community

With over 100 years of service and now four generations caring for Swindon families, Hillier’s is not just part of the community, we are the community. Our original branches in Swindon, Highworth, and Royal Wootton Bassett (with a new opening in 2025) reflect our long-standing dedication to local families. That legacy builds trust – people know us, see us, and rely on us in their most vulnerable moments.

  1. Truly Personalised, Compassionate Support

As an independent, family-run service, we’re free from corporate restrictions – which means our focus is 100% on you, not shareholders. We cherish getting to know each family story, enabling us to craft bespoke funerals that feel deeply personal. Whether it’s a woodland burial, a direct cremation, or a non-religious ceremony, no request is too small. Our bereavement support continues well beyond the day of the service, offering ongoing care to help families navigate grief.

  1. Professional Expertise Easing the Journey

Arranging a funeral involves countless details – from legal paperwork to coordinating venues, flowers, and transport. As experts, we step in to manage all practicalities, easing your burden during an emotionally charged period. Whether liaising with churches, crematoriums or planning for celebrants, our knowledge ensures each funeral runs smoothly and respectfully.

  1. Transparent Pricing & Tailored Packages

We believe in open, honest pricing. Our online cost calculator and clear pricing details allow families to plan according to their wishes and budget. Unlike corporate providers, we’re able to offer flexible, bespoke packages, and pre-paid funeral plans, for greater peace of mind.

  1. Deep Community Ties & Local Understanding

Our intimate knowledge of the local area allows us to honour traditions and cultural nuances that matter most to you. We partner with local florists, clergy, venue hosts, and support services to create meaningful, seamless events – rooted in community, delivered with warmth.

  1. Ongoing Bereavement Care & Emotional Support

Losing someone is just the beginning of a journey. Our free, dedicated bereavement care service supports families well after the funeral has ended. From practical advice to local grief groups, we’re committed to walking alongside you – every step – offering comfort when you need it most.

In Summary

  • A century-long family legacy of care in Swindon and surrounding areas
  • Truly personalised services, crafted to reflect individual lives and wishes
  • Expert logistical and emotional support throughout every stage
  • Transparent, flexible pricing designed for peace of mind
  • Deep local ties that bring cultural understanding and community resources
  • Continued bereavement support beyond the funeral day

At Hillier’s Funeral Service, support is more than a word, it’s our promise. Your loved one deserves a farewell that reflects their life and legacy. Our community trusts us to help you deliver exactly that.

Let us show you why, for local families, we’ll always be the first choice.

Learn About Prepaid Plans
Plan ahead with peace of mind and full cost clarity.

📞 Speak to a Funeral Director Today
Compassionate advice and planning with no obligation.

Bereavement aftercare.

After the Flowers: How to Support Someone Months After a Loss

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In the immediate aftermath of a funeral, support often pours in – cards, flowers, and kind messages. But grief doesn’t have an expiry date. For many people, the hardest part begins months later, when everyday life resumes for others, but their world remains changed.

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Hillier Funeral Service: A Legacy of Care For Your Loved Ones 

Hillier Funeral Service: A Legacy of Care For Your Loved Ones 

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When faced with the loss of a loved one, selecting a funeral service provider that offers compassion, professionalism, and a deep-rooted commitment to the community is paramount. Hillier Funeral Service, an independent, family-run business established in 1923, has been serving Swindon and its surrounding areas for over a century, providing personalised and dignified funeral services (Good Funeral Guide). 

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A Complete Farewell at Kingshill House

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Hillier Funeral Service, a family-run business serving Swindon since 1923, offers families the unique opportunity to hold both funeral services and wakes at their beautifully restored Kingshill House in Old Town. This all-in-one venue provides a serene and private setting, allowing families to celebrate their loved ones’ lives without the need to travel between locations (Hillier Funeral Service). 

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