Here at Arthur W. Bryant Funeral Services we will always keep you informed about the costs of the funeral right from the very beginning. We will explain to you what the options are and how much they cost so that you are fully informed about the choices you make.

When you have made your choices we will provide you with a written estimate of the funeral costs. If, at this stage, you would like to change anything we will help you do this.

What makes up the costs of a funeral?

The costs of a funeral are made up of the following:

• Professional services which is a fixed fee that covers the full arrangement of a funeral. This includes personal supervision of all the arrangements preceding, during and following the service, liaison with third parties, such as clergy, crematorium, cemetery and florists, use of the funeral home facilities, such as our chapels and private rooms, preparing and attending to all essential documentation and provision of all necessary funeral staff to provide a dignified and personal service.
• Supplementary charges, which include bringing your loved one into our care, presentation of the person and provision of a hearse.
• The cost of the coffin or casket.
• Additional charges such as limousines, additional mileage and cremation casket.
• Payments made on your behalf, known as disbursements, which include fees for the doctor, minister and cremation.

You will receive your fully itemised invoice 10 – 14 days after the funeral. If you wish the invoice to be referred to a solicitor, please advise us as soon as possible when arranging the funeral. However, please note that you remain responsible for the account being paid in accordance with our terms and conditions.

Meeting the costs of a funeral

The costs of a funeral are defined as a debt against the estate so you may be able to arrange for the funeral to be paid by the estate rather than paying this amount yourself.

If you think you may have trouble meeting funeral costs, please discuss this with us at the time of arrangement.

If you are in receipt of certain benefits, you may be eligible to apply for a Funeral Payment to help with funeral costs. Payment can only be authorised by the Department of Work and Pensions. Please click here for further information on Funeral Payments.

Please remember that you are personally liable for any amount in excess of the agreed payment by the Department of Social Security (DWP), or indeed the whole invoice amount if a payment is not received.
If you do not qualify for a payment we may still be able to advise you on other forms of assistance.

Planning ahead

Rather than pay for the funeral from their estate, or leave the cost to a family member, some people prefer to pay in advance by setting up a Funeral Plan. Pop into any of our branches for more information and advice on setting up a funeral plan or click here for further details.