Planning a funeral or supporting a close friend or relative with funeral planning can be an emotional process, and likely one many would prefer not to think about in advance. However, it’s becoming increasingly common for people to opt for pre-paid funeral plans to help alleviate the pressure on their loved ones as well as express their wishes for their funeral. 

 

What Is A Funeral Plan?

A funeral plan is a pre-arranged and pre-paid (or partially paid) agreement that outlines the details of a person’s funeral, taking into account their preferences for the service and ceremony and ensuring their wishes are carried out. It includes important decisions such as the type of service, burial or cremation preferences, coffin choices, music and floral tributes, and lots more. Pre-planning your funeral can help relieve your loved ones of the emotional burden of making these decisions on your behalf. 

At James Ashton & Son, we offer a range of pre-paid funeral plans via Golden Charter, allowing you to compare different plans and their suitability. Plans start from £1,635 and monthly payments are also available from £17.41 per month.

 

The Benefits Of Pre-Planning A Funeral

Pre-planning your funeral can offer peace of mind knowing that everything will be handled according to your wishes and in line with the spiritual or religious traditions you would like to honour. This gives you more control and the chance to create a service that truly reflects your life and values, ensuring nothing is overlooked. It also provides an opportunity to consider and compare different options, ensuring your plan is also within budget. 

One of the bigger benefits of pre-planning and opting for a pre-paid funeral plan is also cost: funeral prices will rise over time with inflation, so by securing a plan in the present, you can avoid these future price increases and in turn, reduce the financial strain on those you leave behind. (You can see a comparison of our pre-paid funeral plans here.)

Alongside this, pre-paid funeral plans in the UK have been regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) since the 29th of July 2022. This (relatively new) ruling means that anyone who has taken out a plan is covered should their plan provider cease trading and they can also submit complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) as with other financial services in the UK. Plan providers also have to follow additional rules and regulations to ensure customers’ money is safe and available in the case of payouts, amongst other conditions to give customers peace of mind.

 

Additional Considerations For Funeral Plans

While pre-paid funeral plans offer a lot of flexibility and advantages, there are some additional things to be aware of before you purchase your plan. As contracts will vary between providers, it’s important to seek advice from the provider and book a consultation so they can go through what is and isn’t included in your funeral plan, for example, it may not be possible to pre-pay for a burial service as burial plots are not covered by the plan, or other third-party fees may not be covered such as venue hire fees or crematorium fees if opting for a cremation. At James Ashton & Son, many of our pre-paid funeral plans include an allowance towards third-party services – compare options here.

As circumstances may change over time, it’s also important to understand what your contract covers and how much freedom you have to make changes in the future. 

 

The Role of Funeral Directors In Pre-Paid Funeral Planning

When you have a pre-paid funeral plan, a funeral director will manage all aspects of the funeral process to ensure your wishes have been carried out in full and in line with your plan. 

Funeral directors are professionals who, alongside organising the funeral service, can handle legal paperwork on your behalf or support you with paperwork and logistics. When someone dies, a funeral director will often also be the family’s first point of call for any queries relating to the funeral and can guide options in line with the pre-paid plan as well as additional services such as the booking of the burial or cremation at the location where the service will take place. Funeral directors will also often be able to provide grief support and/or recommend local support services (including support groups) to help people through the mourning process following the loss of a loved one.

Funeral directors will often look after the following arrangements:

  • Paperwork and registration of death documents and advice 
  • Options for the burial plot or cremation 
  • Provision of professional services and making all arrangements for the funeral
  • Collection and transportation of the deceased to the funeral director’s premises as well as the final resting place
  • Care of the deceased ahead of the funeral 
  • Family viewing at any pre-arranged time 
  • Coffin options 
  • Embalming (if applicable) 
  • Limousines for transportation (if applicable)

And lots more.

 

FAQs

Are pre-paid funeral plans protected?

Yes, in the UK, pre-paid funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which provides protection if the provider goes out of business.

 

Can I get my money back from a pre-paid funeral plan?

This depends on the terms of the plan. Some providers offer refunds if you cancel within a certain period, while others may charge a cancellation fee. When speaking with your provider, it’s important to ask about refunds as well as changes to find out more about the level of flexibility your plan offers.

 

What is the average cost of a funeral plan?

The average cost of a funeral plan in the UK varies, but it typically ranges from £3,000 to £5,000, depending on the level of service and region. Our funeral plans start from £1,635.

 

What should I do if my funeral plan provider goes bust?

If your provider goes bust on or after the 29th of July 2022, you may be protected by the FSCS. Plans purchased before this date are also protected – for more information, see the FSCS website.

 

What is the most popular day for a funeral in the UK?  

The most popular day for a funeral in the UK is typically a Friday, though Mondays are also popular. Many people prefer to hold funerals near the weekend as these days tend to work best when accommodating travel arrangements for funeral attendees not local to the area where the funeral will take place. However, the choice of day can, of course, vary based on personal preferences as well as availability at a chosen location.

 

Speak to our team at your nearest James Ashton & Son branch in Dundee and St Andrews:

1, 1a Cardean Street, Dundee, Angus, DD4 6PS

188 High Street, Lochee, Dundee, Angus, DD2 3DN

132 – 136 Hilltown, Dundee, Angus, DD3 7BJ

56 Largo Road, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8RP (Macgregors)

Planning a funeral can be a daunting task, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. Your dedicated James Ashton & Son Funeral Director will be there to help you along every step of the way! They will work with you to create a funeral and lasting tribute that is personal and meaningful, and they will be there to offer support to you and your family during this difficult time.