At Hillier Funeral Service, we understand having to deal with the practical and financial aspects of arranging a funeral for a loved one can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with your own grief. We believe in providing clear and compassionate guidance during this sensitive time.
We are committed to being open and transparent with our pricing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain in detail how funeral costs are broken down at Hillier Funeral Service, the different ways to pay for a funeral, and how you can access financial support if needed.
Our aim is to empower families in Swindon with the information you need to make informed decisions.
How funeral costs vary with the choice you make
The total cost of a funeral is not a fixed figure, it naturally varies depending on the type of service you choose, whether you opt for a traditional cremation or burial or a more straightforward direct cremation the overall funeral expenses will differ. Furthermore, the level of personalisation you require will also influence the final amount.
Please know that at Hilliers, we are dedicated to guiding you through the available options. We are committed to providing you with a clear and detailed cost estimate at every stage of the arrangement process. This transparency ensures you can make informed choices that beautifully honour your loved one while remaining mindful of your financial considerations.
Understanding funeral costs: a detailed breakdown of expenses
To provide clarity on funeral costs, it’s helpful to understand the different categories of expenses involved. At Hillier Funeral Service, we break these down into three main types:
- Our professional funeral director fees. These are the fees charged by Hillier Funeral Service for our expertise and services in arranging and conducting the funeral. This includes:
- Funeral arrangement service, including liaising with third parties
- Professional guidance, empathetic support, and clear advice throughout the entire process.
- Handling of all essential legal documentation and administrative tasks.
- The dignified care of your loved one at our funeral home, including preparation for the funeral and facilitating viewing if desired.
- Safe and respectful transportation of your loved one, including bringing them into our care and providing a hearse on the day of the funeral.
- Our dedicated funeral director and professional pallbearers to attend and conduct the funeral service.
- Essential third party costs. These are vital costs that Hillier Funeral Service pays on your behalf to external providers. These unavoidable funeral expenses include:
- Cremation fees charged by the crematorium.
- Burial fees which include the cost of purchasing a burial plot (new or reopening), interment fees (the cost to dig and prepare the grave), and potentially memorialisation fees
- Minister or celebrant fees to lead the funeral service.
- Optional items to personalise the funeral: The total cost can vary significantly based on the choices you make to personalise the funeral. These options funeral expenses might include:
- Personalising the funeral with a more elaborate or uniquely designed coffin, an alternative or specialised hearse, limousines to transport family and mourners, floral tributes, professionally printed orders of service and other funeral stationery, the inclusion of musicians or singers, a symbolic dove release, and more.
- Arranging a suitable venue and catering services for a post-funeral wake or reception.
- Choosing meaningful memorialisation options such as an urn for ashes, a lasting memorial plaque, a traditional headstone, or personal keepsake jewellery and other memorial items.
Hillier Funeral Service; Committed to transparent funeral costs
At Hillier Funeral Service, we believe in providing clear, honest, and upfront funeral costs.
We are dedicated to ensuring you are fully informed about all the funeral expenses involved at every stage of planning. We break down both essential and optional costs, ensuring complete transparency and eliminating any unexpected surprises.
In our funeral homes and on our website you will find our Standardised Price List. <LINK>This is a mandatory requirement from the Competitions & Market Authority (CMA) for all Funeral Directors in the UK. It ensures we clearly display the prices for an Attended Funeral and an Unattended Funeral allowing families to easily compare our prices with other funeral directors if you wish to do so.
We also share prices for all our funeral service options, including our popular Bespoke Funeral. This option is frequently chosen for the wide range of choices and the significant flexibility it offers in personalising the funeral to truly reflect your loved one’s life and wishes.
At Hillier Funeral Service we believe that clear communication is crucial during this emotional time.
The Hillier Funeral Cost Calculator: get an accurate funeral cost estimate
To further assist you in understanding funeral expenses, at Hillier’s we have created an easy to use funeral cost calculator that allows you to get an accurate estimate of potential funeral expenses quickly and conveniently.
Our funeral costs calculator provides a breakdown of essential costs, alongside a range of optional upgrades such as premium coffins, floral tributes, and transportation choices.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more personalised discussion and a tailored quote, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 01793 522 797. Our experienced team at Hillier Funeral Service is always ready to assist you.
Paying for the funeral service
Once you have decided on the specific details of the funeral, the next important consideration is how the funeral will be paid for.
Who is legally responsible for paying funeral expenses?
Generally, the person who arranges the funeral (typically the executor named in the deceased’s Will) is responsible for covering the funeral costs.
If no Will is made, responsibility falls to the Next of Kin. It’s important to understand how funeral costs are managed and explore available financial support options.
Using the deceased’s bank/building society account to pay for funeral costs
If your loved one has funds in their bank or building society account, you can use this to pay for the funeral.
Banks and building societies usually release funds upon seeing a certified copy of the death certificate and the funeral director’s invoice.
If it is not possible to access funds in your estate quickly enough to pay for the funeral, your family will need to cover these costs. They may need to consider other payment options such as:
- Using their own personal savings
- Using a credit card
- Family and friends clubbing together to all pay a smaller amount towards the funeral costs
- Funeral Safe is an FCA regulated specialist funeral loan provider, set up by the funeral industry which allows funeral costs to be paid with lower monthly payments paid over an agreed period.
Financial assistance for funeral expenses: options for benefit claimants
If you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for Funeral Expenses Payment from the government to cover some of the costs. Some of the benefits that qualify include Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Income Support
To apply, make sure to provide the necessary documents, such as the funeral director’s bill and a copy of the death certificate, within six months of the funeral.
For full details about the Funeral Expenses Payment visit www.gov.uk/funeral-payments
Hillier Funeral Service: Here to Provide Support and Guidance
At Hillier Funeral Service, we fully understand that there are a number of factors to consider when arranging a funeral. If you have any questions whatsoever regarding funeral costs, or if you would like personalised advice on how to arrange a meaningful funeral within a specific budget, please do not hesitate to speak with our compassionate team. We are here to help you every step of the way.
While we recognise that the cost of a funeral can represent a significant financial undertaking for some families, our clients consistently tell us that the unwavering support, expert guidance, and genuine care that we at Hillier Funeral Service provide during this incredibly difficult time are truly invaluable.