Funeral & Memorial

Funeral Directors in London: Compare Costs & Reviews

London has hundreds of funeral directors, but costs and quality vary significantly. This guide helps you understand London funeral prices, find trusted providers, and save money by comparing quotes.

London Funeral Costs at a Glance

  • Direct cremation: £1,400-£2,000
  • Simple cremation with service: £2,200-£3,000
  • Traditional cremation: £4,500-£6,000
  • Traditional burial: £5,500-£8,000+

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Average Funeral Costs in London

London funerals are typically 15-25% more expensive than the UK average due to higher property costs, crematorium fees, and demand. Here's what you can expect to pay:

Service TypeLondon CostUK Average
Direct Cremation£1,400-£2,000£1,000-£1,800
Simple Cremation£2,200-£3,000£1,800-£2,500
Traditional Cremation£4,500-£6,000£3,500-£4,200
Traditional Burial£5,500-£8,000+£4,000-£5,500

Why London is More Expensive:

  • Higher crematorium fees: £800-£1,200 vs £600-£900 elsewhere
  • Property costs: Funeral director premises in central London are expensive
  • Burial plots: £5,000-£15,000 in London vs £1,000-£5,000 elsewhere
  • Demand: High demand means less competitive pricing

London Crematoriums

London has several crematoriums serving different boroughs. Choosing one closer to you can reduce transport costs:

North London

  • • Enfield Crematorium
  • • Islington & St Pancras Cemetery
  • • Golders Green Crematorium
  • • Hendon Cemetery & Crematorium

South London

  • • Croydon Crematorium
  • • Honor Oak Crematorium
  • • Putney Vale Cemetery & Crematorium
  • • Wandsworth Cemetery

East London

  • • City of London Cemetery & Crematorium
  • • East London Cemetery & Crematorium
  • • Hainault Forest Crematorium

West London

  • • Breakspear Crematorium
  • • South West Middlesex Crematorium
  • • West London Crematorium

Types of London Funeral Directors

Independent Family Firms

Traditional local funeral directors, often family-owned for generations. Tend to offer personal service and know local crematoriums well.

Price range: £3,500-£6,000 for traditional service

National Chains

Large companies like Dignity, Co-op, and Funeral Partners with standardized pricing and nationwide coverage.

Price range: £4,000-£7,000 for traditional service

Direct Cremation Providers

Specialist companies offering affordable, no-frills direct cremation (Pure Cremation, Simplicity). Mostly online-based.

Price range: £1,400-£2,000 for direct cremation

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How to Choose a London Funeral Director

1. Get Multiple Quotes

Prices vary hugely across London—even within the same borough. Compare at least 3 funeral directors.

2. Check Reviews

Look at Google reviews and see how they respond to feedback. Personal recommendations from locals are valuable.

3. Ask About Itemized Pricing

Request a written, itemized quote. Avoid "packages from £X" pricing—you need to see exactly what's included.

4. Consider Location

A funeral director near your chosen crematorium/cemetery can reduce transport costs.

5. Check Availability

London crematoriums can be busy. Ensure they can accommodate your preferred date and time.

Ways to Save Money on a London Funeral

Choose Direct Cremation

At £1,400-£2,000, this is the most affordable option. Hold a memorial service separately if you want one.

Use Off-Peak Times

Some crematoriums offer cheaper rates for early morning or midweek slots.

Skip the Limousines

Save £150-£300 by having family drive their own cars.

Simple Coffin

Basic veneer coffins work just as well and save £200-£1,500.

Compare Quotes

This alone can save £500-£1,500 for the same service.

Hold Wake at Home

Avoid expensive venue hire. Home or pub is much cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are London funerals more expensive than elsewhere in the UK?

Yes, typically 15-25% more expensive due to higher crematorium fees, property costs, and burial plot prices. Direct cremation offers the best value at £1,400-£2,000.

Do I need to use a funeral director in my London borough?

No. You can use any London funeral director regardless of where you live. However, choosing one near your preferred crematorium can reduce transport costs.

How long does it take to arrange a funeral in London?

Typically 2-3 weeks, though London crematoriums can be busy. Book early if you have a specific date in mind, especially for Fridays or weekends.

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