Choosing the right type of funeral is a deeply personal decision. This guide covers every option available in the UK, from the most traditional to the most modern, with real pricing data to help you decide.
Traditional Attended Funeral
A traditional attended funeral includes a full service with the deceased present, followed by burial or cremation. It's the most common type of funeral in the UK.
Who it's for: Families who want a formal ceremony with mourners present, religious or non-religious.
What's included:
- A hearse to transport the coffin
- Viewing of the deceased
- A funeral service (at a church, crematorium, or cemetery chapel)
- A coffin
- Funeral director's professional fees
- Transportation for mourners (optional limousines)
Average cost: £3,086 (range £1,495 – £4,795)
Duration: 30-60 minutes for the service, plus burial if applicable
Direct Cremation (Unattended Cremation)
A direct cremation is cremation without a ceremony. The funeral director collects the deceased, handles all legal requirements, and carries out the cremation. The ashes are returned to the family.
Who it's for: Families who want a simple, affordable option, or who plan to hold a separate memorial service later.
What's included:
- Collection and transport of the deceased
- Legal and administrative arrangements
- Care of the deceased
- A cremation-safe coffin
- Transport to the crematorium
- Return of ashes to the family
Average cost: £1,095 (range £895 – £2,895)
Note: Does not include a ceremony, hearse, or viewing
Green or Eco-Friendly Funeral
A green funeral minimises environmental impact through natural burial or cremation with eco-friendly practices.
Who it's for: Environmentally conscious families who want a funeral with minimal ecological footprint.
Options available:
- Natural burial: Burial in a designated woodland or meadow burial ground using a biodegradable coffin
- Eco-cremation: Standard cremation but with eco-friendly coffin and reduced energy consumption
- Water cremation (resomation): Not yet widely available in the UK, but gaining interest — uses alkaline hydrolysis instead of flame cremation
Average cost: £2,000 – £3,500 for a natural burial (including plot)
Eco coffins: £150 – £500 (cardboard, willow, bamboo, or wool)
Humanist or Non-Religious Funeral
A humanist funeral is conducted by a celebrant without religious content. It focuses on celebrating the life of the deceased through readings, music, and tributes.
Who it's for: Non-religious families, or those who want a personalised ceremony that reflects the deceased's beliefs and personality.
Key features:
- Led by a humanist celebrant (not a religious minister)
- Can be held at a crematorium, cemetery, or any venue
- Includes tributes, readings, music chosen by the family
- No hymns, prayers, or religious references
Average cost: Similar to a traditional attended funeral (£2,500 – £3,500), plus celebrant fee (£150 – £300)
Religious Funeral
Religious funerals follow the traditions of a specific faith. Each faith has its own customs, rituals, and requirements.
### Christian Funeral (Church of England, Catholic, etc.)
- Takes place in a church, crematorium chapel, or cemetery
- Includes hymns, prayers, and readings from scripture
- Can be a full service or a shorter committal
- Catholic funerals often include a Requiem Mass
### Muslim Funeral
- Burial is mandatory — cremation is not permitted
- The body is washed and shrouded according to Islamic tradition
- The funeral prayer (Janazah) is performed before burial
- Burial takes place as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours
### Jewish Funeral
- Burial is preferred; reform Judaism permits cremation
- The body is cared for by the Chevra Kadisha (sacred burial society)
- The funeral includes the Kaddish prayer
- A period of mourning (Shiva) follows the funeral
### Hindu Funeral
- Cremation is traditional, usually within 24 hours
- The ceremony includes prayers and offerings
- The eldest son typically lights the funeral pyre or activates the cremator
- Ashes are scattered in a sacred river (in the UK, permitting from crematoria)
Average cost: Varies by faith and location. Muslim and Hindu funerals may cost less due to simpler coffins and no embalming.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of life is a less formal alternative to a traditional funeral. It can be held at any venue and focuses on celebrating the deceased's life rather than mourning their death.
Who it's for: Families who prefer a joyful, personal event over a formal ceremony.
Key features:
- No formal religious content (unless desired)
- Can be held anywhere — community hall, pub, garden, beach
- May not include the deceased present (having already been cremated)
- Flexible format and timing
- Guests typically wear colourful clothing, not black
Average cost: Highly variable. Without funeral director involvement, arrangements can cost as little as £500 – £1,000 (venue hire + catering). With funeral director services, costs align with a traditional funeral.
Choosing the Right Type of Funeral
How to Decide
The right type of funeral depends on:
- The deceased's wishes — Did they leave any instructions or express preferences?
- Your family's beliefs — Religious, spiritual, or humanist?
- Your budget — What can you realistically afford?
- Practical considerations — Location, timing, available venues
Use FuneralCompare to search for funeral directors near you and compare prices for all types of funeral services. Get real CMA-standardised pricing from providers in your area.