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    Dignity vs Golden Leaves Funeral Plans Review 2025

    Funeral plans allow you to arrange and pay for key elements of a funeral in advance, helping to relieve financial and emotional pressure on loved ones when the time comes.

    In this review, we compare two leading UK providers — Dignity and Golden Leaves. Golden Leaves offers fixed plans, we use their Silver Plan (£3,725) for comparison. Dignity no longer sells national “set plans” with fixed prices; their plans are personalised and can vary by location and funeral director. To keep things consistent, we use a typical mid-range traditional Dignity funeral (~£3,725) to help make comparisons between them.

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    By Clare Townhill • Updated 17 September 2025
    Disclaimer: Prices and ratings correct at time of writing.

     

    Quick Summary:

    Golden Leaves: Fixed Silver Plan (£3,725), cremation and minister’s fees guaranteed, burial allowance up to the cost of cremation fees, instalments up to 15 years.

    Dignity: Personalised plans (~£3,725 mid-range), cremation and minister’s fees guaranteed, £1,220 burial allowance, instalments up to 5 years.

    In short: Both providers score 4.8★ on Trustpilot. If you prioritise value and transparent fixed plans, Golden Leaves may suit you; if you want the reassurance of a large national network and tailored options, Dignity could be the better fit.

     

    Longest Instalment Period
    Up to 15 years
    Golden Leaves
    High Trustpilot Rating
    4.8★
    Golden Leaves & Dignity
    Largest network
    700+ FDs
    Dignity owned/approved

     

    Scorecard – Golden Leaves vs Dignity

    Category Golden Leaves – Silver Plan Dignity – Typical Mid-Range Plan
    Price ★★★★☆ (4/5) – Competitive, wide plan range incl. Copper Plus ★★★☆☆ (3/5) – Direct cremation good value, traditional plans pricier
    Plan range 4 fixed national plans: Copper Plus (~£1,650), Silver (£3,725), Gold (£4,150), Platinum (£4,495) Flexible personalised plans, tailored locally (no fixed national tiers)
    Indicative plan Silver Plan (£3,725) – mid-tier with hearse, one limousine, wood-effect coffin, chapel of rest Typical mid-range funeral (~£3,725), price varies by location and chosen services
    Direct cremation Copper Plus: ~£1,650 From £1,799
    Instalment options Up to 15 years • No charges if paid within 12 months • Charges added after 12 months Up to 5 years • No charges if paid within 24 months • Charges added after 24 months
    Third-party fees Cremation & minister’s fees guaranteed • Burial covered only up to cremation cost Cremation & minister’s fees guaranteed • Burial allowance capped at £1,220
    Coffin Wood-effect (Silver level) Varies by chosen package/director
    Limousines 1 included (Silver Plan) Optional add-on (depends on local director)
    Chapel of rest Included Included
    Coverage Network of independent funeral directors 700+ owned & approved funeral directors nationwide
    Trustpilot rating 4.8★ (5,100+ reviews) 4.8★ (2,050+ reviews)

     

    Pros & Cons

    Golden Leaves

    Silver Plan

    Pros
    • Choice of four fixed national plans (Copper Plus to Platinum).
    • Competitive mid-tier Silver Plan at £3,725
    • Cremation & minister’s fees guaranteed
    • Flexible payment options up to 15 years (interest-free if paid within 12 months)
    • Strong customer rating: 4.8★ (5,100+ reviews)
    • Network of independent funeral directors nationwide
    Cons
    • Burial only covered up to cost of cremation (extra fees likely for plots/interment)
    • Instalments beyond 12 months incur charges
    • Smaller network compared to Dignity’s owned/approved directors

    Dignity

    Typical Mid-Range Plan

    Pros
    • One of the UK’s largest providers with 700+ owned & approved directors
    • Offers personalised, flexible plans tailored to each family
    • Cremation & minister’s fees guaranteed
    • Direct cremation option from £1,799
    • Strong customer rating: 4.8★ (2,050+ reviews)
    • Established reputation and professional staff often praised in reviews
    Cons
    • No fixed national plans – harder to compare options transparently
    • Burial allowance capped at £1,220 (may leave families with extra costs)
    • Instalments limited to 5 years (charges apply beyond 24 months)
    • Traditional plan pricing can be higher than independent providers

     

    Final Word on Dignity vs. Golden Leaves

    Both Dignity and Golden Leaves offer trusted prepaid funeral plans, with typical mid-range costs around £3,725.

    Dignity’s appeal lies in its scale, with more than 700 owned and approved funeral directors across the UK, and the reassurance of working with one of the country’s largest providers.

    Golden Leaves, by contrast, offers four clear national plan tiers, longer instalment terms of up to 15 years, and consistently strong customer reviews.

    Neither provider covers all burial costs in full, but if you value the reach and infrastructure of a household name Dignity is a solid choice; Golden Leaves stands out for its transparency, flexibility and customer satisfaction, making it the stronger option for many families.

     
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    Frequently asked questions

    How is my money held with a Dignity funeral plan?

    Dignity funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. When you buy a Dignity funeral plan, your money is held in their independently managed trust fund until it is required to pay for your funeral services. As an FCA authorised company, should the need arise, your money is also protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

    How can I pay for a Dignity funeral plan?

    You can pay for a Dignity funeral plan either in one go or by monthly instalments. Paying in one go or over 12 months is the cheapest way to buy a plan as you avoid additional fees. If you prefer to spread the cost, monthly instalments are available up to 5 years. All payments must be complete by the time you are 85.

    Am I eligible for a Dignity funeral plan?

    Available to anyone aged 18 or over. There is no upper age limit, however if you choose an instalment plan the payments must complete by your 85th birthday.

    Can I choose either a burial or cremation service?

    Yes. All Dignity plans that include a service can be used for cremation or burial. The plans can be tailored to suit your needs and these fees are guaranteed for the option you choose.

    Can I cancel my plan?

    You can cancel a Dignity funeral plan at any time and receive a full refund.

    Who will my funeral director be?

    When you choose a Dignity funeral plan, you can nominate which funeral director you would like from their network of privately owned companies.

    What happens to my funeral plan if I move home?

    If you move home your Dignity funeral plan moves with you at no extra cost. Advise them of your new address and they will allocate a new nominated funeral director to your plan. 

    What should I do now?

    This review of Dignity Funeral Plans is designed to help you compare plans and find the best option for you. We always recommend that you review all of your options to ensure you are getting the best deal that suits your budget and needs.

    Now you have read the Dignity funeral plan review, you may want:

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