Having a funeral plan in place can make a big difference to your loved ones when your time comes. Not only does planning ahead mean your family won’t have to worry about difficult decisions, but it also protects them against the sudden and unexpected costs that funerals often carry. With four different funeral plan options to choose from, starting at £1,695, we are here to help you and your family understand your options and start planning for tomorrow, today.
With our completely transparent service, we are here to help you find the right funeral plan for you, balancing personal preferences with financial considerations. For those seeking simplicity, a Direct Cremation plan offers a low-cost, no-service option. Alternatively, if you prefer a traditional ceremony with specific choices for transport and music, our bespoke, personalised Funeral Plan allows you to document and prepay for those details in advance.
Explore our tiered options below to find the best pre-paid funeral plan to suit your wishes and your budget, or stay on this page to find out more about the different funeral plan options available.
When it comes to choosing which funeral plan is best suited to you and your family, there are four options to pick from – a direct funeral plan, an essential plan, a traditional funeral plan, and a bespoke funeral plan.
Our direct funeral plan is the most simplistic and cost‑effective option that covers essential elements such as meeting with the funeral director prior to the funeral for information and support, covering the transportation of the deceased, preparation of the body, a coffin, and the cremation fee. As a non-attended, without ceremony funeral, this plan is ideal for those who want a minimal and straightforward send-off. Keep in mind that this option is for cremation only and a funeral service is not included in this plan. However, you may wish to organise your own wake or celebration of life to commemorate the passing of a loved one after the cremation.
Our essential funeral plan provides a middle ground for families who want a respectful, attended service without the higher costs of a fully traditional ceremony. This plan provides comprehensive coverage for the essential elements of an attended funeral including professional services, funeral planning assistance, taking care of the body preparation, essential paperwork, and meeting with the minister or celebrant for the service. With logistics and arrangement of coffin, a hearse, and the choice of either a burial or cremation on an agreed date.
Our traditional funeral plan covers the funeral director’s full service from start to finish, as well as a high-quality coffin, transport, and a full attended service, with the option for additional arrangements that reflect personal wishes such as the route of the funeral procession. This plan also gives you control over choosing a date and time best suited to you, as well as the option to visit your loved one in a chapel of rest before the funeral. If you wish to have a more elaborate coffin, or the option of a limousine for the funeral, this plan will be best for you.
Our bespoke funeral plan is the most flexible choice we offer, allowing you complete control over every aspect of your funeral arrangements. This plan is specifically designed around your wishes, allowing you to tailor each element to perfectly reflect your preferences and budget. For a truly unique send-off, our bespoke funeral plan provides maximum flexibility. Giving you the freedom to select your preferred type of coffin, hearse, and procession vehicles. You can add personal touches, such as choosing a special venue and route for the service. This plan is ideal for those with specific choices for a unique send-off.
Below is a breakdown of what is included in each type of funeral plan so you can see a clear, side-by-side comparison of each option.
| Funeral Director charges | Direct Plan | Essential Plan | Traditional Plan | Bespoke Funeral Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Directors services – making all of the necessary arrangements, providing guidance and support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Transfer of the deceased from place of death to a suitable resting place with 24 hr availability (within 25 mile radius) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| A fully lined and fitted coffin* | A basic coffin | A standard sized wood effect coffin | A standard wood veneer coffin | Choose from our selection of coffins and caskets, from very simple to ornate and elaborate |
| Care and preparation of the deceased | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Embalming | No | No | No | No |
| Visit to the chapel of rest | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ability to add funeral requests at the time of need (subject to the additional costs being paid at the time of the funeral) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Funeral Directors services – conducting the funeral at one location | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hearse and personnel as required for the funeral service | No | Yes | Yes | Specify the type of hearse i.e. horse drawn or motorcycle |
| One following limousine | No | No | Yes | Request as many limousines as you want |
| Ability to choose a local funeral procession route | No | No | No | Yes |
| Mutual agreement on date and time of funeral (subject to availability) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Full Plan Price | £1,695 | £3,875 | £4,290 | Price On Application |
. *Choice of coffin will be subject to availability at the time of need. We reserve the right to offer a suitable comparable alternative if required.
Depending on the type of plan you choose, your option for burial or cremation will vary. Our direct funeral plans only include cremation, they do not cover a burial. If you would prefer a burial, whether that be due to personal wishes or religious beliefs, an essential plan or traditional funeral plan will be the best option for you. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the third-party fees covered by both our cremation and burial plans. This transparency ensures you can make an informed choice that best aligns with your wishes.
For those who wish to be cremated, planning ahead for a cremation can offer peace of mind, financial clarity, and reassurance. Whether you choose cremation for personal reasons, religious beliefs, or simply to save costs, our Direct, Essential, Traditional and Bespoke plans all cater to this choice.
All of our cremation plans cover the cremation fees, and our Essential, Traditional, and Bespoke plans also cover the cost of minister or celebrant fees. Upon application, there will also be a choice to contribute towards additional third party costs such as doctor’s fees, flowers, etc., which can alter the final price of your plan.
Comparing our cremation plans allows you to focus on the details that matter most, from how your loved one will be cared for to what services are included at each stage. Whether you’re looking for something simple and dignified with a Direct plan, or a more flexible, personalised option with a Bespoke plan, below you’ll find a breakdown of what third-party fees are included in each type we offer so you can make an informed decision on which option is best for you.
| Cremation – third party charges | Direct Plan | Essential Plan | Traditional Plan | Bespoke Funeral Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cremation fees at a local crematorium | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minister or Officiant’s fees to conduct the service at the local crematorium | No | Yes | Yes | Specify a service in church if desired |
| Full Plan Price | £1,695 | £3,875 | £4,290 | Price On Application |
| Burial – third party charges | Direct Plan | Essential Plan | Traditional Plan | Bespoke Funeral Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burial – third party charges (grave opening, not grave purchase) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minister or Officiant’s fees to conduct the service at the local crematorium | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Full Plan Price | Not Applicable | £3,875 | £4,290 | Price On Application |
If you’re interested in creating a funeral plan today, get in touch with one of our friendly funeral directors to discuss the next steps. Available to reach 24/7 at your local funeral home, via online live chat, or over the phone at 0800 652 7226 – we’re here to help you and your loved ones find peace of mind when planning for the future.
| *Terms and Conditions apply. Prices based on today’s cost of a funeral plus a £325 Administration fee. Prices are correct as of February 2026 and may change in the future. Instalment payment options available. Eligibility criteria and additional fees apply, see our funeral plan terms and conditions and Instalment Q&A for more information. Heart of England Co-op Funerals, which is a trading name of Heart of England Co-operative Society Limited, Whittle House, Foleshill Enterprise Park, Courtaulds Way, Coventry CV6 5NX Reg. No. IP02399R is an Appointed Representative of Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited Reg. No. 2644860, registered in England at Benefact House, 2000 Pioneer Avenue, Gloucester Business Park, Brockworth, Gloucester, GL3 4AW, UK, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 958152. The Financial Conduct Authority regulates pre-paid funeral plans. |
