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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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?
- 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
- 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.
