Funeral Costs
We are confident that our prices represent true value to families in their time of need. If you plan to make price comparisons with other funeral providers, please be sure to check that you compare like for like and that all costs are included in the quoted price.
When comparing costs, it is important to consider the level of service you will receive and the standards of care and professionalism you and your loved one’s deserve. We pride ourselves on our reputation and value. There are also so many unique little touches that only Armstrongs provide and that really sets us apart from other companies. Also please be aware that facilities, vehicles and most importantly the level of care isn’t the same with every funeral director.
Arranging the funeral
During the funeral arrangements, our funeral arranger will discuss full details of the expected cost of the funeral. Occasionally we may need to clarify a cost before we can give you the information, but we will confirm the cost is acceptable before committing you to anything.
You must feel comfortable with the funeral commitments you are undertaking. If you do not feel this is the case, please let us know, and we will discuss the best way to come in line with your expectations. If you have a budget in mind, let us know so we can work with you to keep to it, but please be assured that most funerals cost nothing like what is reported in the media! Although a certain national chain of funeral directors charge around £600 more for their services. Please be aware.
Our Tailored Funeral
Our Tailored funeral is our most popular funeral choice with families, as it allows a full range of options with no restrictions. Options include Limousines, flexibility on day and times for the service, Service in a Church or Chapel, placing newspaper announcements, service sheets and many other extras. You also have a choice of our full coffin range, and the option to select an alternative style hearse if you wish.
At the time of arrangement we will give you a written estimate, and unless discussed otherwise, a final invoice around a week after the funeral. Both will show the costs broken down in the same way:
Funeral Director’s Charges
This is what you are paying us to to put into place and carry out your chosen arrangements.
Disbursements (3rd party costs)
These are costs we have no direct control over, such as crematorium or cemetery fees; these fees will not change regardless of which funeral director you use, but they may change depending on the choices you make for the funeral.
We manage our business costs carefully and keep our overheads low, so we don’t have to pass on any unnecessary costs to you. Also being an independent family business, we don’t have shareholders. Large concerns answer to shareholders. We answer to you!
Because no two people or families are the same, we believe that individual choices and preferences have a crucial role to play in the lasting comfort that the right funeral can bring. Years of experience has taught us that it’s often the little things, meticulous attention to detail and Armstrongs special unique touches that make the biggest difference.
When we arrange our tailored service with you, the first thing we do is listen. Then we’ll advise, guide, and inspire you to create a tailored funeral arrangement. From an alternative hearse to a favourite colour theme, a unique coffin, bubbles, photo slideshows, bespoke orders of service; the list is almost endless. Tell us what you want, and we’ll do our best to make it happen.
Please visit our testimonials page here to read some lovely reviews and ask around before making your final decision…..you will find we come highly recommended which is the highest praise of all.
The CMA
The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA), have led an investigation into the funeral profession and this now means that All Funeral Directors are legally required to publish the following:-
Standardised Price List – (Download Here)
Additional Options Price List – (Download Here)
Business terms & Declaration of ownership – (Download Here)
Local Crematorium Prices – (Download Here)
These have to be displayed both on websites and in prominent positions within premises. The aim of this is to show a like for like price for funerals.
The CMA standardised pricelist is somewhat different to how we have always shown our prices and whilst we are fully behind the CMA in having a standard price list to make it easier to compare prices, their format can appear more confusing.
Unfortunately, the ‘Standardised Price List’ does not include or have provision to include some of the many services Armstrongs offer in our ‘Tailored Funeral’ which is why we have produced a more detailed price list
The Standardised Price List (download here)
Every Funeral Director in the UK is legally required to provide families with a ‘Standardised Price List’ however the service you receive
and the facilities a Funeral Director provides are not standard, therefore it is difficult to use this measure as a comparison.
We will use our hearse for our simple funeral NOT a people carrier or van and WILL NOT make a charge for administrating charity donations, unlike some other firms.
Visiting your loved one as many times as you need in our chapel is included, not a £60 per time charge like some companies.
Our tailored funeral includes leaving from a home address, going via a memorable/special route or a service in Church without
extra charge.
Our direct cremation service is carried out at West Suffolk Crematorium and your loved one will stay safely in our care until the cremation unlike most internet based firms.
