Stories

Fri, 15 May 2026

Fri, 15 May 2026 'Not having a proper funeral left me with painful memories'

Ed Cullen says his mum had an unattended cremation which saved money but was "devastating" for him.
Funeral costs have been rising steadily over the years, and have increased by 3.5% since 2024, according to a report by SunLife. The average cost of a basic funeral in England is now £4,285. Many people are opting for cheaper direct cremations, but some regret this decision afterwards. A survey found that nearly one in five people who arrange direct cremations wish they had chosen a more traditional funeral. One man, Ed Cullen, spoke about his experience with an unattended cremation. He said he felt denied the opportunity to say goodbye to his mother and struggled with unresolved grief after her death. Funeral directors are warning families that there may be options available to help cover the costs of a funeral, such as government subsidies or public health funerals. The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) is calling for open conversations about funeral wishes to ensure that decisions made after a death reflect not just financial considerations, but also the emotional needs of those left behind. A spokesperson from the Department for Work and Pensions said that they understand the financial impact of losing a loved one and offer support through their Funeral Expenses Payment scheme. Funeral costs are increasing due to rising expenses such as coffins and crematorium fees. Independent funeral directors are urging families to research their options and consider working with local providers to ensure they get an appropriate farewell for their loved ones.