Celebration of life: Everything you need to know about cost of dying 2025 report

The SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025 reveals significant changes in funeral costs and trends across the UK. As a provider of direct cremation services, Celebration of Life (COL) aims to offer affordable alternatives to traditional funerals.

Here's what you need to know about the latest report:

Record-breaking funeral costs

The cost of a simple attended funeral has reached an all-time high of £4,285, surpassing the previous record set in 20201. This represents a 3.5% increase from 2023, outpacing inflation.

The total cost of dying, including funeral expenses, professional fees, and send-off costs, has also hit a new peak at £9,797.

Direct cremation: An affordable alternative

While traditional funeral costs continue to rise, direct cremation remains a more budget-friendly option:

• Direct cremation average cost: £1,597 (6.7% increase from 2023)
• Significantly lower than the average simple attended funeral cost
• 20% of funerals are now direct cremations
• 80% of people are aware of direct cremation as an option

Regional cost variations

Funeral costs vary significantly across the UK:

• Most affordable: Northern Ireland (£3,441)
• Most expensive: London (£5,449)

Impact of the cost-of-living crisis

The ongoing economic challenges are affecting funeral planning:

• 1 in 3 people report that organising or paying for a funeral has been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis
• 68% of people make provisions to pay for their funeral before passing away
• Only 56% set aside enough to cover the entire funeral cost 

Changing attitudes towards funerals

The report highlights evolving preferences in funeral arrangements:

• 55% choose simple attended cremations with a service
• Burials have decreased to 25% of funerals
• 89% of direct cremation organisers held a small gathering, wake, or memorial separately 

Planning ahead

To manage funeral costs effectively, consider the following:

1. Explore direct cremation options
2. Compare prices from different providers (35% of people do this)
3. Consider setting aside funds specifically for funeral expenses
4. Discuss preferences and financial arrangements with loved ones in advance

Talk to Celebration of Life to arrange a direct cremation

As funeral costs continue to rise, Celebration of Life remains committed to providing affordable, dignified direct cremation services. Our approach allows families to separate the cremation from the celebration, offering flexibility in how they choose to honour their loved ones. 

If you're considering direct cremation or have further questions about our services, please reach out. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process with care and respect. Contact us today on 0800 150 3555.