The cost of funerals has increased by 71% in just eight years, according to the Cost of Dying Report 2012 by Sun Life Direct.
The report shows that the basic cost of a funeral has risen for the eighth consecutive year, and that 17% of people have struggled with the cost of funerals.
In these austere times, it would seem that the necessities of life, food, shelter, and disposal of our dead, are the ones that increase most in price.
The good news is that although many of the costs of a funeral are over-inflated and even unnecessary, options do exist which can dramatically reduce the cost of the funeral.
People are becoming increasingly aware that everything from coffin to funeral transport to flowers can be provided by the family and friends of the deceased - including the funeral ceremony itself. There is no legal requirement to use the services of a funeral director, and it is even possible to conduct burials on private land in the UK.
There are other elements of dealing with the deceased which are unnecessary, including embalming, which is more commonly termed 'hygenic treatment'. It is even possible to keep the deceased at home until the funeral, and in some cases, to dig the grave yourself.
Family-led and DIY funerals where the relatives of the deceased deal with all aspects of organising the funeral, are becoming increasingly popular. The Natural Death Centre charity has a wealth of information on funerals, and can offer advice and help in the event of the death of a loved one.
The government can also provide financial assistance for people on low incomes - click here for more information.
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