What Is a Simplicity Funeral Plan?
A Simplicity Funeral Plan is a prepaid plan that covers the essentials of a direct cremation, a simpler type of cremation without a formal funeral service at the crematorium. Simplicity describes this option as more affordable and straightforward than a traditional funeral arrangement.
Direct cremation means there is no service, no hearse for mourners, and no ceremony at the crematorium, leaving families free to hold a separate memorial elsewhere if they choose.
How Much Does a Simplicity Plan Cost?
According to Simplicity:
From around £1,799 (subject to change).
Simplicity states it can be up to £596 cheaper than some competitors.
What’s Included in the Plan
A Simplicity Funeral Plan includes the following essential services for a direct cremation:
- Bringing the person who has died into their care from anywhere in mainland Great Britain
- Urgent collection, including the cost to remove a medical device if needed
- Specialist support from trained funeral advisors
- Transfer to a crematorium of Simplicity’s choice
- A suitable coffin and a simple urn
- A respectful direct cremation and all crematorium fees
- Scattering of the ashes or hand delivery to any address in mainland Great Britain
This means families don’t need to handle those practical arrangements themselves when the time comes.
What’s Not Included
It’s just as important to understand what’s not part of the plan:
- Choosing the crematorium (Simplicity selects the location)
- A funeral ceremony attended at the crematorium
- Visiting the person who has died before the cremation
- A hearse, limousine, flowers, or celebrant
If your priority includes an attended service or more personalised features, these are likely not covered by this plan.
Your Money and Consumer Protection
Simplicity states that Funds are typically held in a trust or insurance arrangement and regulated by the FCA. FSCS protection may apply in certain circumstances, but is not guaranteed in all cases.
This means the funds are separated from Simplicity’s operating finances and subject to oversight designed to protect customers.
Simplicity Direct Cremation & How It Works
Once someone with a plan dies:
- Simplicity will collect the person from their resting place and bring them into care.
- A direct cremation will be carried out without mourners present.
- The ashes are then returned or scattered according to your preference.
Families are free to hold a separate memorial or service at another time and place.
This model prioritises simplicity, affordability and flexibility in how a memorial is ultimately arranged.
Simplicity vs Golden Leaves and Pure Cremation
| Feature |
Simplicity |
Pure Cremation |
Golden Leaves |
| Type of provider |
Direct cremation specialist (part of Dignity Group) |
Direct cremation specialist |
Funeral plan provider offering multiple plan types |
| Plan focus |
Direct cremation only |
Direct cremation only |
Direct cremation, attended cremation & burial plans |
| Attended service included? |
No |
No |
Available on selected plans |
| Burial plans available? |
No |
No |
Yes |
| Choice of crematorium |
No (provider selects) |
No (provider selects) |
Often more flexibility on attended plans |
| Typical price |
£1,799 |
Typically higher than Simplicity |
Generally higher depending on plan |
| Instalment option |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Coffin included? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Regulated by FCA? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Money protection |
Held in independent trust, FSCS protected |
Trust-based |
Trust-based |
| Personalisation options |
Very limited |
Limited |
Greater flexibility |
| Best suited for |
Low-cost cremation |
Direct cremation |
Traditional options |
Key Differences Explained
Focused purely on low-cost direct cremation. No ceremony. No attendance. The provider chooses the crematorium. Positioned as a straightforward, fixed-cost option.
Also specialises in direct cremation only. Similar structure to Simplicity, though pricing and service processes may differ slightly. Often positioned as a dedicated direct cremation brand.
Offers a broader range of funeral plans, including attended cremations and burial options. This means higher flexibility, but typically higher cost depending on the package selected.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- ✔ Lower cost than many traditional plans (e.g., about £1,799).
- ✔No hidden fees, though additional costs may apply in specific circumstances
- ✔ FCA and FSCS protections for plan funds.
- ✔ Suitable for those who prefer a simple cremation and later memorial.
Cons
- ✘ No attended funeral service at the crematorium.
- ✘ You don’t choose the crematorium.
- ✘ Less flexibility than more traditional funeral plans.
Who Might It Suit?
- Prefer a no-frills cremation at a fixed cost.
- Want to freeze funeral costs now rather than later.
- Are comfortable with holding any memorial service separately.
Final Take
The Simplicity Funeral Plan is a straightforward prepaid plan designed for people who want a basic, cost-controlled direct cremation without an attended ceremony.
The plan clearly lists what’s included and excluded, and the pricing and protections are transparent.
Comparing this with Golden Leaves or Pure Cremation can help you decide whether simplicity and lower cost matter more than funeral attendance and personalisation.