21 May 2024
Funeral costs rise
Funeral costs are often the last thing we’d like to think about, but when the death of a loved one comes along having some idea about what’s on offer and the costs to be occurred makes it easier at such a sad time.
According to SunLife's 2024 Cost of Dying report, seven in 10 people in the UK make provisions before they die, but only 54% have got the whole amount covered. SunLife say that on average a basic funeral in the UK cost around £4,141 in 2023 and £3,953 in 2022 (a 4.7% increase), but this can vary depending on where you live.
So as much as this is not a conversation we want to have, it’s good to have these discussions with your loved ones.
Here’s our breakdown of funeral costs in Jersey for 2024 compared with what they were in 2022.
Service/Product
De Gruchy’s (Co-op)2022
Maillards (Independent)2022
Pitcher & Le Quesne (Dignity)2022
Professional Fees
£1,250
£1,335
£0
Funeral Director fee above professional fees
£0
£0
£1,590
Care of deceased (bringing into care and treatment 24/7)
£490
£380
£295
Provision of hearse, driver and bearers
£750
£716
£600
Provision of one limousine
£200
£194
£195
Attendance of Funeral Director at burial of ashes
£75
£90
£0
Total cost of above
£2,765
£2,715
£2,680
(£2,165 in 2017)
(£2,256 in 2017)
(£3,863 in 2017)
Direct/’no frills’ cremation *
£1,795.35
£2,040.35
£1,700
Embalming (if requested)
£185
£200
£155
Coffin – cheapest wood effect
£595
£650
£495
Coffin – cheapest eco-friendly coffin (rattan, sea-grass or wicker)
£785
£750
£845
Ashes urn – cheapest hardwood
£120
£120
£115
Service/Product
De Gruchy’s (Co-op)2024
Maillards (Independent)2024
Pitcher & Le Quesne (Dignity)2024
Professional Fees
£1,450
£1,565
£2,015
Funeral Director fee above professional fees
£0
£0
£0
Care of deceased (bringing into care and treatment 24/7)
£500
£380
£320
Provision of hearse, driver and bearers
£790
£790
£650
Provision of one limousine
£200
£194
£210
Attendance of Funeral Director at burial of ashes
£95
£90
£135
Total cost of above
£3,035
£3,019
£3,330
Direct/’no frills’ cremation *
£2,750.52
£2,995.00
£1,875
Embalming (if requested)
£210
£200
£175
Coffin – cheapest wood effect
£675
£795
£495
Coffin – cheapest eco-friendly coffin (rattan, sea-grass or wicker)
£810
£900
£1,005
Ashes urn – cheapest hardwood
£120
£120
£120
Additional costs
Minister /Priest/ Celebrant fee £300
Minister/Priest/ Celebrant fee Attendance at burial of ashes £75.00
Church verger £65.00
Church fee (if not a parish church) £220.00
Organist £110.00
Soloist Varies - prices will vary
Flowers - prices will vary
Service sheets - prices will vary
Paper notices - prices will vary
Crematorium £828.00
Cremation certificate (if required) £10.51
Doctor's cremation forms £200
Death certificate x 1 £32.31
Prices correct as at Apr/May 2024. Some prices may include different services and products
To make the process easier for bereaved families, much of the organisation can be arranged and paid for by the Funeral Directors, who include them in the final invoice. The companies sometimes work with each other when the need arises, to ensure the experience is as painless as possible.
They are willing to work with families to find the best option that will suit their needs and budget. They can advise on where you could cut costs and if requested will provide an estimate of costs before you agree to go ahead. Should you be eligible, they can advise on the Government’s Death Grant payment, which is currently £1,063.72.
Government can help those on low incomes with financial support to help with funeral costs. You can find out more about this on gov.je/ benefits/deathbereavement.