Funeral Planning Trust Performance Matters blog
Open Prepaid Funerals Limited provide one of the leading funeral plans in terms of financial performance for funeral directors and that means a lot to us.
- Posted 23rd March 2014
Funeral advice and support
Whether you’re wondering how much a funeral costs, what a funeral director does or want to know more about funeral etiquette, our funeral guidance and advice section can help. Explore the below guides for funeral support.
Not All Funeral Directors Are Equal blog
Funeral Planning is growing rapidly. The number of people in the UK taking out a funeral plan continues to increase each year with over 135,000 plans taken out in 2013 alone. Since our launch in 2003 we have also seen constant year on year growth.
- Posted 18th February 2014
Open for 10 years, Open for life blog
In 2003, Open started its business selling funeral plans within a market that was both young and disrupted.
- Posted 9th July 2013
How Much of Your Prepaid Funeral Plan Money is Being Lost? blog
If you've been considering a prepaid funeral plan then you could be forgiven for wondering which way to turn. After all, while the principle is a simple one there is a reasonable choice available.
- Posted 25th April 2014
Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail blog
Do you already have a funeral plan? Although the growth in funeral plans taken out, specifically by the over 50s is growing rapidly only 12% of people over 50 years of age currently have a prepaid funeral plan.
- Posted 9th October 2014
Guide to non-religious funerals blog
While religious funerals can be seen as the more traditional type of service, non-religious funeral services are becoming increasingly popular - and it's all dependent on the beliefs of the person who has passed away.
- Posted 23rd February 2022
There’s an unpleasant odour emanating from somewhere… blog
The following article is Republished from the Good Funeral Guide website
- Posted 22nd February 2017
Families hit by a stealth tax and a postcode lottery as UK sees cremation and burial fees hiked again blog
Families are being hit by a cruel stealth tax that is forcing cremation and burial fees up to crippling levels, according to new research from Funeralbooker, the independent and impartial funeral comparison service.
- Posted 10th May 2017
Want to know the latest funeral costs information in the UK? blog
Here at Open Prepaid Funerals, we understand that planning a funeral can be a stressful time and unexpected costs can soon mount up. There are hundreds of sites and articles that try to dispel the myths associated to funeral planning, but with the national average of a funeral service standing at approximately £4,000, we want to show you exactly what types, services and products are typically associated to a funeral, and the financial impact of this.
- Posted 24th October 2017
The Funeral Plan Comparison Sham blog
OK, let's get something straight right from the very start.
- Posted 30th August 2018
Funeral Planning Authority Registration Announced blog
We are pleased to announce that we have successfully become registered with the FPA (Funeral Planning Authority). We’ve shown that we meet the necessary criteria and have demonstrated compliance with their Rules and Code of Practice. The company is now officially an FPA registered provider of funeral plans.
- Posted 16th April 2019
Simplicity, Honesty and Transparency make us what we are blog
Keeping things as simple and clean as possible for 16 years is proving to be the right thing to do. In fact, it looks like the first 16 years have just been the foundation to the next 16 and way beyond.
- Posted 30th October 2019
What does a funeral director do? blog
A funeral director, previously known as a mortician or undertaker, manages a funeral home and arranges the details of funerals. The role of the funeral director is not only to provide compassionate support to the grieving families alongside advice on the organisation of the funeral, but also work behind the scenes to ensure everything is managed on their behalf.
- Posted 8th June 2020
Why we should keep talking about funeral plans blog
Over the last few months, the world has been exposed to a very difficult period - economically, emotionally and physically. As COVID-19 continues to impact our day to day lives in every corner of the globe, funeral planning has become a much more prevalent topic than ever before.
- Posted 6th July 2020
How do funeral plans work? blog
In life, it's an inevitable fact that we will require a funeral one day. We don't always know when this time will be - and that's the trouble when it comes to planning. However, that's where Open Prepaid Funerals can help. By taking control over your funeral, you can protect loved ones from emotional and financial stress when the time comes. A prepaid funeral plan manages the logistics of the funeral, including the preparation of the funeral itself, as well as arrangements before and after the service. Learn more about how funeral plans work from our detailed guide.
- Posted 24th July 2020
What makes a good funeral director? blog
When people are selecting a prepaid funeral plan, they want to ensure their wishes are taken care of; they are guaranteed of a smooth, seamless funeral process; and, ultimately, they have confidence in a plan which will take the added pressure off their loved ones when their time comes. That is where having a good funeral director on hand is integral. So, how should clients know what qualities to look for in a good funeral director?
- Posted 21st September 2020
Planning a funeral in a pandemic blog
Living through a global pandemic is a testing experience on its own. However, having to the contend with the loss of a loved one during a time of such uncertainty is likely to cause emotional strain on families. That's why, here at Open Prepaid Funeral, we want to alleviate the emotional stress having a funeral in a pandemic can cause on families and loved ones as much as possible.
- Posted 16th November 2020
How much does a funeral cost? blog
In the UK, the average cost of a burial is £4,321*, whereas the average cost of a cremation is around £3,266*. However, how much a funeral will cost largely depends on not only if you choose a burial or cremation, but elements such as your location, the venue you choose for the wake, if you choose to use a funeral director and more. That’s why we’ve put together this guide which advises you on the average cost of a funeral, and what you need to consider when planning a funeral.
- Posted 7th December 2020
A Guide to Funeral Etiquette blog
Unsure on what the correct funeral etiquette is? You've come to the right place. We've put together a handy guide on funeral etiquette for immediate family and friends who are either attending the funeral or planning it. Through this guide, you'll learn key tips on where to sit, what to wear, what to take to a funeral and more.
- Posted 12th January 2021
How long after someone dies is the funeral? blog
In the UK, after someone has died, the funeral will typically take place between 1 - 3 weeks afterwards. However, the duration of time between the death and the funeral will often depend on many factors, including:
- Posted 12th March 2021
Do you have to have a funeral? blog
There is no legal requirement to have a funeral when one passes away, however, there is a requirement in the Births and Deaths Registration Act 1953 that states that you must 'dispose of the body of the person who has died by burial, cremation or any other means'. This does not mean that you are required to have a traditional funeral - so, what are your options if you, or a loved one, choose not to have a funeral?
- Posted 3rd August 2021
How many people can attend a funeral? blog
In light of recent COVID restrictions, the number of people who could attend funerals was vastly limited. Funeral services became much more private affairs, reserved only for close family and friends. In current times, limitations on the amount of people who can attend has been lifted – and numbers are now mainly affected by the capacity of the chosen venue, rather than government guidelines.
- Posted 1st November 2021
What is a pallbearer? blog
Being asked to be a pallbearer at a funeral can be a very daunting experience, as it is hard to imagine carrying the casket of your loved one. However, being a pallbearer is considered a great honour, as asking someone to be a pallbearer usually means an awful lot to the deceased’s family. So, what exactly is a pallbearer, and what does it involve?
- Posted 1st November 2021
What is a funeral celebrant? blog
Many families wish to host a personal and intimate service to celebrate the end of their loved one's life, and one way to do this is to hire a funeral celebrant. A funeral celebrant is also referred to as a funeral officiant, which is a qualified person who helps officiate funeral services, support the bereaved family, as well as organise and conduct the funeral. The celebrant will usually be independent, and will be engaged by the funeral director on behalf of the family. They will be able to offer a non-religious funeral, as well as a funeral with prayers and spiritual themes.
- Posted 18th January 2022
Guide to different types of funerals Blog
Funerals are intended to celebrate and honour the life of a loved one, and to provide an opportunity for family and friends to say their final goodbyes. However, there is no one way of conducting a funeral – a person may wish for a non-conventional funeral, while some may want their attendees to wear bright colours instead of black.
- Posted 7th February 2022
What is an unattended funeral? Blog
An unattended funeral, also known as a direct cremation, is conducted without a traditional funeral service – there is no ceremony or mourners in attendance. In the case of cremation, the ashes are simply collected from the crematorium. Some families may find an unattended funeral impersonal, and it may leave them feeling as though they haven’t properly grieved. Find out everything you need to know about unattended funeral services in our helpful guide today.
- Posted 22nd February 2022
How to help someone who is grieving Blog
When a loved one loses someone close, our natural instinct is to help. But sometimes, especially if we haven’t experienced bereavement first hand, it can be hard to know exactly what to say and do. Often the support from friends and family can facilitate the healing process of grief and make an isolating time seem considerably less lonely.
- Posted 31st March 2022
Still have some funeral related queries that haven’t been answered? Get in touch with a member of our caring team for funeral support and advice. Alternatively, browse our full range of prepaid funeral plans online now.