Top 10 Funeral Plans – Compare Costs, Features & Reviews for 2025

The Standard Plan covers professional services from the appointed funeral director, including all arrangements before and on the day of the funeral. It provides collection and transport of the deceased within mainland Great Britain and Northern Ireland, along with care and preparation (including medical device removal where required). A simple wood-effect coffin is included, together with a traditional hearse and the staff needed to conduct the service. The plan also provides a contribution of up to £1,200* towards third-party costs such as cremation or burial fees, doctor's certificates and minister or celebrant fees.

Note: This £1,200 contribution increases each year in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), the UK's main measure of inflation.

The Standard Plan does not cover limousines for family or guests, the purchase of a burial plot, or items such as flowers, catering, obituary notices or memorial masonry. Viewing of the deceased in a chapel of rest is not included, nor are printed orders of service, hymn cards or audio-visual equipment. Costs for headstones, grave maintenance, and repatriation from outside the UK or Northern Ireland also fall outside the plan.

Avalon provides a contribution of up to £1,200 toward third-party costs (cremation, burial fees for an existing plot, doctor's certificate, minister/celebrant). If the actual third-party fees are higher than the contribution at the time of need, the family may have to pay the difference.

Avalon is praised for its clear explanations, friendly staff and the reassurance of having everything organised in advance. Customers value the flexibility to update or transfer plans. A few note that costs can be higher than some alternatives, but most feel the service offers good value and peace of mind.

"I recently took a plan out with Avalon… Lyndsay was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful." — John

"They explained everything clearly and made the experience very straightforward. I now have peace of mind." — Peter Rushton

The Direct Cremation Premium Plan covers all professional services, cremation fees, and doctors' certificates. It includes collection of the deceased within mainland UK (24/7), care and preparation, and a simple coffin. Ashes are hand-delivered back to the family within 14 days, or can be scattered in the garden of remembrance at the crematorium.

The plan does not include a funeral service at the crematorium, a hearse, flowers, limousines, or minister/celebrant fees. Families can arrange a memorial or celebration of life separately, at a venue of their choice.

All essential third-party fees — cremation charges and doctors' certificates — are fully included in the Premium Plan.

Memoria is praised for its kindness and professionalism, with staff often going above and beyond to guide families. Customers highlight how patient and supportive the team is during difficult times.

"Everything went so smoothly and I was kept informed all the way through. Staff were so supportive and kind." – Jackie Marshall, Trustpilot

"In the midst of grief I had a hand that guided me through the process, no rush, always considerate, kind and caring." – Neil Burns, Trustpilot

The Rose Plan covers UK collection, care and preparation of the deceased, a standard coffin, funeral director services, and an attended committal cremation with all cremation fees paid. A committal service is a short attended ceremony at the crematorium, where up to 12 people can gather with music or readings before the cremation takes place. Families can choose the crematorium, readings and music. Ashes are returned as requested or placed in the Gardens of Remembrance. 24/7 specialist family support and guidance with certification and registration are also included.

This plan does not cover embalming, flowers, catering, oversized coffins (extra cost), or removal of medical devices. Burial plots, headstones and other memorial items are excluded.

All cremation fees and required paperwork (including doctor's certificates) are fully covered in the Rose Plan, with no hidden mileage or collection charges.

"We had an excellent experience with the team. It was very easy to arrange a direct cremation for my partner. The price was very good and well within our budget." – Soo Turner, Trustpilot

"Affordable, kind and respectful – we couldn't have asked for more." – James, Trustpilot

The plan includes collection from anywhere in mainland England, Wales and Scotland (including the Isle of Wight and Isle of Skye), transfer to the crematorium, and the use of a solid pine eco-coffin (or suitable alternative). All cremation fees are covered, and ashes are hand-delivered to any mainland UK address, or scattered in Pure Cremation's Gardens of Remembrance if preferred. Families receive full support from the Pure Cremation team, who handle all arrangements.

There is no funeral ceremony at the crematorium, and mourners cannot attend the committal. In this context, the committal refers to the point where the coffin is taken into the crematorium for cremation. Unlike an attended funeral, family and friends are not present at this stage. The plan also does not include a hearse, limousine, flowers, or the services of a minister or celebrant. Families wishing to hold a service or memorial can arrange this separately at a venue of their choice.

All necessary third-party costs, cremation fees and doctor's certificates, are fully guaranteed under the plan, with no extra charges.

Pure Cremation has more five-star reviews than any other UK funeral provider. Families consistently highlight the professional and caring staff, the simplicity of the process, and the value for money. The main criticism is that unattended cremation may feel impersonal compared with traditional services.

"Very helpful and understanding." – Lorraine M., Trustpilot

"Took out a plan for myself after such a positive experience." – Monica H., Trustpilot

The Silver Plan provides the professional services of a Golden Leaves funeral director, including advice on documentation and certification, collection of the deceased within mainland UK (during working hours), care and preparation, and removal of medical implants. A wood veneer coffin, use of the chapel of rest, and a funeral service at the crematorium or cemetery are included, with a hearse, conductor and four pallbearers on the day. The plan guarantees cremation fees (Monday–Friday) and minister's fees, and includes access to bereavement counselling where available.

The plan does not include doctor's fees, limousines, embalming, the purchase of a burial plot, or church service fees. If burial is chosen, the Silver plan only provides a contribution equivalent to cremation fees, so families may have to pay any difference in cost.

The Silver Plan guarantees cremation and minister's fees. If you choose burial, the plan only covers an amount equal to cremation costs, so families will have to pay extra for things like the burial plot or interment (i.e. burial) fees.

Golden Leaves is consistently praised for its clear information and supportive staff, with many customers mentioning peace of mind from having everything arranged by a trusted, well-established provider.

"The staff were professional and explained everything clearly. I was given plenty of time to decide, with no sales pressure. Highly recommended." - Doreen Forster, Trustpilot

"From the initial call we felt at ease. Our questions were answered and a home visit arranged, handled with confidence and care." - David Gabriel, Trustpilot

Because Dignity no longer sells fixed, named plan levels, the services included can vary depending on location and the family's choices. Instead of listing set inclusions and exclusions, we've outlined the typical coverage and limitations you can expect.

Most Dignity plans cover funeral director services, collection and care of the deceased, a suitable coffin, and use of a Dignity-owned funeral home. A hearse and funeral staff are provided for a traditional service. Cremation fees and minister's fees are guaranteed.

Doctor's fees are not included. Burial costs are only partly covered, with a capped contribution of £1,220. Families should also budget for optional extras such as limousines, flowers, embalming, or church services.

For cremations, Dignity guarantees cremation fees and minister's fees. For burials, only a capped contribution of £1,220 is included. If actual costs are higher, the family must pay the difference.

Dignity is praised for its professional and compassionate staff, with many reviews noting the care taken to guide families through arrangements. Customers highlight the clear explanations and supportive approach that made a difficult process easier. A few reviews mention communication issues, but overall Dignity is valued for its reliability and nationwide network.

"The service for our mum was excellent — caring, compassionate and professional. We felt fully supported at such a difficult time." William Richards, Trustpilot

"My wishes were respected and everything was clearly explained. The staff were friendly and understanding throughout." — Tina, Trustpilot

Golden Charter's Standard Plan covers funeral director services and all arrangements, collection and care of the deceased within 25 miles during working hours, and use of a chapel of rest or service rooms. It provides a simple coffin, a funeral procession, a hearse to the crematorium or cemetery, and pallbearers. Families can choose the date and time of the funeral. The plan also includes 24-hour telephone support and advice on certification and registration. A contribution of £1,100 is included towards third-party costs such as cremation or burial fees and minister or officiant's fees.

Doctor's fees are not included. The plan does not cover services at a separate location, burial plots or burial fees, embalming, flowers or memorial masonry. Out-of-hours collection and transportation beyond 25 miles may cost extra.

The Standard Plan provides a £1,100 allowance for third-party costs (cremation/burial fees and minister/officiant fees). Families should note that if the actual costs are higher than the allowance, they will need to pay the difference.

Golden Charter reviews highlight the professionalism and patience of staff. Customers value the ability to tailor plans and the reassurance of working with local independent funeral directors.

"Everything was explained thoroughly, and I never felt rushed into a decision." — Anne

"Very helpful and friendly service which made a difficult subject easier to discuss." — Malcolm

Collection and care of the deceased; funeral director services; mid-range coffin; hearse and one limousine; funeral service at local crematorium or cemetery; guaranteed cremation fees.

Burial plot purchase; flowers, catering, memorial items; embalming (unless requested).

Guaranteed cremation fees; capped burial allowances.

Co-op is commended for the compassion and support of its staff, and for the convenience of its wide network. Families often mention how smoothly arrangements were handled.

"The staff were caring, kind and professional — they made the process so much easier." — Rebecca

"Everyone I dealt with at the Co-op was supportive and helpful at a very difficult time." — Gordon

The Celebration of Life Plan covers funeral director services, cremation fees, and doctor's fees. It provides collection, care and preparation of the deceased, a suitable coffin, and the services of a minister or celebrant to lead the ceremony. Families can attend the cremation service, and bereavement support is included.

The plan does not cover a hearse or procession, flowers, newspaper notices, or orders of service. Viewing of the deceased is not included, and ashes delivery to the home is an optional extra (£100). Burial plots and memorial masonry are not covered.

All essential third-party fees - cremation charges, doctor's certificates and minister/celebrant fees - are fully covered under this plan.

Crystal receives positive feedback for its simplicity, affordability and personal service. Customers describe the process as clear and dignified, with no hidden costs.

"Can't thank everyone enough. So kind and attentive. It was exactly what my mother would have wanted." — Stuart Parsons

"Crystal was by far the easiest to deal with and no fuss! And despite what others advertise, they are the cheapest." — Alison

All Aura plans include cremation fees, a simple coffin, 24/7 collection from anywhere in mainland GB, care and preparation of the deceased, removal of medical devices, ashes hand-delivered within 21 days, and support from Aura's "Angels" team. The Fully Attended Plan also provides a full cremation service at a chosen time, with unlimited guests.

Minister or celebrant fees are not included (families must arrange and pay separately). Plans do not cover embalming, flowers, limousines, processions, or burial plots. Repatriation from outside Great Britain is also excluded.

Aura guarantees that all cremation-related fees are included in the plan price. There are no hidden charges.

Aura is consistently praised for being caring, responsive and transparent. Families say the process feels straightforward but never rushed, with staff answering every question with patience.

"I simply cannot fault Aura, they were very respectful and caring of my mother." — Angela Mallion

"You offered a first-class service for my late wife, Janette… reassuring to know she was treated with dignity." — Andrew