How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Somerset in 2025? A Clear Local Guide
Planning a funeral is never easy, but one of the most common questions families ask is: “How much does a funeral actually cost in Somerset?” The answer is not straightforward, because it depends on many factors: whether you choose cremation or burial, the location, the timing of the service, and the personal touches you add.
In this guide, we’ll take a detailed look at funeral costs in Somerset for 2025, explore the options available across the region, and help you understand what is included in different types of funerals. Whether you live in Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgwater, Frome, or Glastonbury, this article gives you a clear and practical breakdown.
Explore: funeral directors in Somerset
Average Cost of a Funeral in the UK vs Somerset
According to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, the average UK funeral cost is £4,141. This figure has risen steadily over the years, although the growth has slowed slightly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Cremation remains the most popular option nationally, accounting for around 77% of funerals, while burial accounts for 23%.
In Somerset, however, prices vary depending on which town or crematorium you use. Some rural areas offer slightly lower costs, while towns with high demand may charge more.
Cremation Costs in Somerset
Cremation is usually more affordable than burial, but even within Somerset there are big differences.
- Yeovil Crematorium: A standard attended service in 2025 costs around £985, with early morning slots at a reduced price and direct cremation (no service) starting from around £500–600.
- Taunton Deane Crematorium (Wellington): An attended service costs around £1,100, with direct cremation available at a lower cost.
- Weston-super-Mare Crematorium: Costs average between £950–1,050.
- Frome & Mendip Crematorium: Around £1,000 for a full service.
When you add professional fees (funeral director, paperwork, celebrant, doctor’s certificate, coffin, transport), the total cremation funeral in Somerset usually falls between £3,000 and £4,200.
FInd more about: cremation services in Somerset
Burial Costs in Somerset
Burial remains a meaningful choice for many families, particularly for religious or cultural reasons. However, it is significantly more expensive than cremation.
- Grave plots in Somerset vary widely. In Taunton, a new grave can cost from £1,100–£1,500, while in Yeovil it may be slightly less. In smaller towns like Minehead or Glastonbury, local council plots may be cheaper, but availability is often limited.
- Interment fees (the cost of digging and preparing the grave) typically range from £600–£900.
- Headstones and memorials add another £800–£2,000, depending on design and material.
Overall, a burial funeral in Somerset often costs £4,500–£6,500 or more, depending on location and choices.
Regional Breakdown: Town-by-Town
Here’s a closer look at what families might expect across Somerset towns:
- Taunton: £3,500–£4,800 (cremation) / £5,000–£6,000 (burial)
- Yeovil: £3,200–£4,200 (cremation) / £4,800–£5,800 (burial)
- Bridgwater: £3,000–£4,000 (cremation) / £4,700–£5,600 (burial)
- Frome: £3,300–£4,300 (cremation) / £5,000–£6,200 (burial)
- Glastonbury & Wells: £3,200–£4,100 (cremation) / £4,900–£5,900 (burial)
- Minehead & West Somerset: £3,100–£4,000 (cremation) / £4,600–£5,500 (burial)
These averages reflect 2025 funeral director pricing combined with local authority cemetery and crematorium fees.
What’s Included in Funeral Director Costs?
Many families are surprised by the range of services covered by the funeral director’s fee. These typically include:
- Collecting and caring for the person who has died
- Professional support and guidance with legal paperwork
- Use of the chapel of rest for viewing
- Transport in a hearse (plus additional limousines if requested)
- Provision of staff on the day of the funeral
- Liaison with crematoria, cemeteries, celebrants, and florists
Funeral directors like Oak Funerals also provide optional extras, such as keepsakes, video streaming, and memorial books.
Packages Details: funeral packages Somerset
Case Studies: Realistic Scenarios
Budget Option – Direct Cremation
- No service, unattended cremation in Yeovil: £600
- Doctor’s fee: £82
- Simple coffin: £300
- Professional fees: £900
Total: ~£1,900
Mid-Range Option – Attended Cremation in Taunton
- Crematorium fee: £1,100
- Funeral director services: £1,600
- Coffin: £500
- Celebrant fee: £250
- Flowers & order of service: £250
Total: ~£3,700
Premium Option – Burial in Frome
- New grave purchase: £1,400
- Interment fee: £750
- Funeral director services: £1,800
- Coffin: £800
- Two limousines: £500
- Flowers, catering, memorial: £1,500
Total: ~£6,750
Eco-Friendly & Green Funerals in Somerset
A growing trend is towards environmentally friendly funerals. Somerset has several natural burial grounds, including sites near Bath, Yeovil, and Taunton.
Green funerals usually involve:
- Biodegradable coffins (woven willow, bamboo, cardboard)
- Natural burial sites in woodland or meadows
- Simple memorial markers, such as trees or wooden plaques
- Reduced carbon footprint compared to cremation
Costs range from £2,000–£4,000, making them competitive with traditional cremations.
Optional Extras That Affect the Final Cost
Every family adds personal touches, which can increase costs:
- Flowers: £100–£500
- Obituary notice in local press: £70–£150
- Catering/wake venue: £300–£1,200 depending on numbers
- Keepsakes: fingerprint jewellery, ashes into glass, or memorial benches
- Technology: live streaming (popular since COVID-19), costing £100–£300
Future Trends in Somerset Funerals
Funeral care is evolving quickly. Key trends include:
- Direct cremations becoming more popular due to affordability and simplicity.
- Prepaid funeral plans to lock in today’s prices against inflation.
- Digital memorials such as tribute websites, social media pages, and video slideshows.
- Eco options gaining traction as families seek greener choices.
- Personalisation: themed funerals, unusual venues, or creative memorial services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the cheapest funeral option in Somerset?
Direct cremation, from around £1,500–£2,000 all-in.
Is cremation always cheaper than burial?
Yes, cremation is usually £1,500–£2,000 less expensive.
Can I pay for a funeral in instalments?
Yes, many funeral directors, including Oak Funerals, offer prepaid plans or instalment schemes.
Are green burials available in Somerset?
Yes, several natural burial grounds operate in the county.
How much does a headstone cost?
Typically £800–£2,000, depending on material and design.
Can funerals be live streamed?
Yes, most crematoria and funeral directors now offer this option.
Do all crematoria charge the same in Somerset?
No, fees differ between Yeovil, Taunton, Frome, and Weston.
How do prepaid funeral plans work?
You pay in advance (in one lump sum or instalments), locking in current prices.
What happens if I can’t afford a funeral?
The local council may provide a public health funeral, though this is very basic.
Do churches still hold many funerals in Somerset?
Yes, especially for burials, but secular and celebrant-led services are also common.
Can children’s funerals be free?
Yes, the Children’s Funeral Fund covers many costs for under-18s in England.
Are cremation ashes returned quickly?
Usually within 1–2 weeks, depending on paperwork.
How much does a wake usually cost?
Anywhere between £300–£1,000, depending on venue and catering.
Can funerals be arranged in less than a week?
Yes, but typically most take 1–3 weeks due to paperwork and availability.
Are eco-coffins more expensive?
Not necessarily — cardboard or willow coffins are often cheaper than hardwood.
Funeral costs in Somerset in 2025 range widely — from as little as £1,900 for a direct cremation to more than £6,500 for a full-service burial. The right choice depends on your family’s budget, traditions, and personal wishes.
By understanding the local prices and options, families can make informed decisions without unexpected financial stress.
Get more assistance: contact our funeral directors in Somerset
Owner & Senior Funeral Director at Oak Funeral Services
Mark Robson
Mark Robson (Adv Dip FD) is the Owner and Senior Funeral Director at Oak Funeral Services in Somerset, with over 30 years of experience. His journey began in his teens, earning a Funeral Director Diploma in 2000 and a Pride of Britain Award in 2009, offering compassionate, bespoke, and dignified service.
