John Ashe, Managing Director at Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors
Whether sudden or expected, the death of a loved one can bring lots of tasks to surviving members of the family. With a funeral itself costing almost £4,000 on average in the UK in 2022*, the circumstances can often leave families with a bill of thousands of pounds worth of costs to pay.
Family-run West Midlands-based funeral directors, Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors, serves hundreds of families each year, and with the cost-of-living crisis continuing to impact most sections of society, the company has been on-hand to support grieving families with more cost-effective funeral options.
John Ashe, Managing Director at Jennifer Ashe & Son Funeral Directors, is keen to emphasise the flexibility of his team’s funeral packages as they help to provide a special send-off within any budget.
John said: “In our years of serving the Midlands’ community, we’ve witnessed the financial challenges families face when planning a funeral – now more than ever before. We want to empower our clients to make informed choices that align with their emotional and financial needs.”
Here are a few of John’s top tips…
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans
“By taking out a pre-paid funeral plan, you are essentially extending the payment window for a funeral. By collaborating with FCA-regulated providers to ensure financial security and peace of mind, it is not only the number one cost effective method when it comes to paying for a funeral, but it takes the burden away from anyone else within your family. In essence, you are paying today’s price for a future funeral.
“At Jennifer Ashe, we have many customers who choose to take out pre-paid funeral plans, and have helped many former customers who held plans with Safe Hands, a provider which folded. They now hold secure plans with ourselves, and are safe in the knowledge their funerals will be paid for.”
Using a Local Funeral Director
“Through the option of a local funeral director, you can choose a personalised touch, building on the trust established within the community. This choice allows families to be aware of the cremation process location, offering transparency and comfort.
“This option also means the family can choose to scatter their loved one’s ashes. While cost-effective, it is also a choice that can carry deep emotional significance, in allowing families to have one final time with their departed.”
Coffin Selection
“A variety of coffin choices is a simple way to reduce costs. By giving families the option of choosing from an array of affordable coffin options without compromising on the dignity or quality of the service, it is a further way to add personality to a funeral service, while also fitting within a budget.”
Renting Artificial Flowers
“Consider the alternative option of renting artificial flowers, rather than the traditional fresh variety. We have plenty of families which choose artificial, and it is a straightforward way of cutting down costs.
“It doesn’t mean your options are restricted either, customised arrangements can be created with artificial flowers, much in the same way as they can be done with fresh: such as the traditional “MUM” and “DAD” flowers.”
John adds: “At Jennifer Ashe, we recognise that no two families are alike. Our commitment to providing diverse package options is rooted in our belief that everyone is entitled toa dignified farewell.”
