An Honest and Detailed Celebration of Life Review
Our Celebration of Life Direct Cremation Review
As part of our commitment to helping families understand their choices, we have provided individual reviews of direct cremation companies in the uk. This detailed Celebration of Life review will help you understand if the celebration of life service is the right company for you and your lost one.
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| Overall |
Celebration of Life Cremation Overview
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Lowest Price – New to the funeral industry in 2019, Celebration of Life offers one of the lowest headline prices for a direct cremation funeral in Great Britain today.
Specialists – Unlike many other arrangers which offer a variety of funeral services, Celebration of Life specialises in direct cremation. They promise to include most of the essentials for carrying out a direct cremation funeral, while giving you the flexibility to choose additional options such as hand delivery of the ashes. Their prices for these optional services do, however, tend to be a little higher than those offered by some other providers.
Features – Celebration of Life offers a medium density fibreboard coffin sourced from sustainable materials with each of their direct cremation funerals. While mourners will be unable to attend the cremation, the staff at Celebration of Life will be sure to inform you of the date on which the cremation takes place. They will also allow you to choose the crematorium for an additional, negotiated fee.
Cremation Funeral Plans – In addition, Celebration of Life offers a pre-payment plan for their direct cremation service. More inclusive than an at-need funeral, you can be sure that the majority of circumstances will be taken care of when the time comes. Their flexible payment options allow for payment to be made in monthly instalments for up to five years if you wish to spread the cost.*
Planting a tree – With each of their direct cremation funeral services, Celebration of Life will donate to the planting of a tree with the National Trust “Plant a Tree Fund” – a fitting, environmentally friendly way in which to commemorate your loved one.
Customer service – Celebration of Life has earned a very high degree of customer satisfaction, suggesting that a commitment to offering care and compassion doesn’t go out of the window when opting for an affordable funeral option.
*Some instalment plans are age dependent. See below for further details.
Celebration of Life Direct Cremation Cost
What’s Included in the £795 Direct Cremation Funeral Price?
Celebration of Life will provide the following services in their single, direct cremation funeral. Everything is included in the headline price, except for the optional extras for which there will be an additional, specified charge:
Paid Extras Include
*Additional costs may be levied if providing service to the Scottish Highlands, or to any British island not connected to the mainland by a road bridge.
THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR CREMATION SERVICE
1. Collection of the deceased will normally be within seven days of concluding the funeral arrangements, with the cremation itself taking place a few days after. The ashes will be delivered after a further twenty-eight days at an agreed time should you select this option. You will need to bear this timescale in mind if you wish to have the ashes present at a separate memorial service of your choosing.
2. The ashes will be returned in a biodegradable scatter tube, which can be buried directly in the ground. However you have the option of providing Celebration of Life with an urn of your choice if you prefer.
3. Unless you hold a fully paid Celebration of Life Funeral Plan, payment for the cremation service will be due in full prior to collection of the deceased – there is no credit option or payment plan available. This is in line with the service offered by most other providers.
Celebration of Life Direct Cremation Service Vs Pure Cremation
Here’s how a Celebration of Life Direct Cremation ervice compares to direct cremations offered by a selection of other providers:
| SERVICE |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIST PRICE | £1,295 | £795 | £995 | £895 |
| AREA | UK | GB | GB | GB |
| HOSPITAL/PUBLIC MORTUARY COLLECTION | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS / CARE HOME COLLECTION | £250 | £250 | yes | £200 |
| OUT-OF-HOURS COLLECTION | £250 | £250 | ? | £250 |
| DOCTORS FEE | yes | £82 | £82 | £82 |
| DRESS THE DECEASED | only clothing worn by the deceased at time of collection | Simple Gown | Simple Gown | only clothing worn by the deceased at time of collection |
| OPTION FOR OWN CLOTHES | They will drape clothes over the body but not dress them | £50 | No | yes |
| REMOVAL OF MEDICAL DEVICES | yes | yes | ? | yes |
| REMOVAL OF JEWELLERY | yes | no | ? | £50 |
| COFFIN | solid wood | Medium Density Fibreboard | Basic | Veneer Chipboard |
| MAX. TIME BETWEEN COLLECTION & CREMATION | 14 days | Unspecified | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| OPTION TO ATTEND | £250-£400 | no | no | £300 |
| OPTION TO BE INFIRMAED OF CREMATION DATE | Yes | yes | no | yes |
| CHOICE OF CREMATORIUM | No | Fee depends on location | no | Attended option only |
| DELIVERY OF ASHES | Yes | £100 | £50 to funeral home | yes |
| MAX. TIME FOR ASHES DELVIERY AFTER CREMATION | 21 days | 28 days | 21 days | 14 days |
Closest Competitor Service
Below we have listed the closest comparable product to the direct cremation service offered by Celebration of Life Direct Cremation
| Competitor | Tyde Cremations |
| Service | Similar pricing; Tyde is slightly more expensive, but for a lot more included/guaranteed Both relatively small, independent companies owned by their founder-directors |
| Difference | Tyde covers only England and Wales |
| Review | Read our Tyde Cremations Review |
Celebration of Life Direct Cremation Funeral Plans
In addition to an, ‘at need’ direct cremation service, Celebration of Life offers a direct cremation funeral plan, which is suitable for those that are planning ahead
| Headline Price | |
| Inclusivity | |
| Payment Flexibility | |
| Safety | |
| Guaranteed Coverage | |
| Customer Satisfaction | |
| Overall |
*Instalment plans longer than 24 months are open only to plan beneficiaries who will be under the age of 80 when the plan is expected to finish.
Celebration of Life Funeral Plan: How Much Will I Pay?
Pricelist
| Number of Instalments | Monthly Instalment | TOTAL COST | Extra Paid |
| Single Payment | – | £1,450.00 | – |
| 12 | £126.63 | £1,519.56 | £69.56 |
| 24 | £66.22 | £1,589.28 | £139.28 |
| 36 | £46.08 | £1,658.88 | £208.88 |
| 48 | £36.00 | £1,728.00 | £278.00 |
| 60 | £29.97 | £1,798.20 | £348.20 |
THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR CREMATION PLAN
1. If paying in full, redemption for the plan benefits is available if the beneficiary dies at any time – there is no waiting period or restriction.
2.If paying by instalments, redemption for the plan benefits is available after the first twenty-four months of payments – even if your instalment plan isn’t complete.
3. If paying by instalments, redemption is available within the first twenty-four months of payments if death of the beneficiary is accidental. If death is not accidental within this time-frame, the estate of the deceased has the option of paying the balance of the plan, or requesting a full refund.
4. Prior to completing any instalment plan, coverage may be dependent upon you maintaining an up to date payment schedule.
5. You have the right to cancel the plan free of charge within sixty days following the date of purchase.
6. After sixty days, cancellation of a plan is subject to a £350 administration charge. If you are paying by instalments and have not yet paid more than £350, you will receive no refund.
7. The plan benefits are transferable to another beneficiary if the plan has been fully paid.
8. There is no requirement to disclose medical conditions.
Celebration of Life Cremation Funeral Plan Vs Other Providers
Here’s how the payment options for the Celebration of Life Direct Cremation Funeral Plan compares to similar direct cremation funeral plans offered by a selection of other providers.
Please note that not all plans may offer precisely the same benefits.
| SERVICE | | |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP FRONT PRICE | £1,795 | £1,450 | £1,490 | £1,749 |
| DEPOSIT | no | optional | no | £49 |
| MINIMUM AGE | 18 | 18 | 50 | 18 |
| 6 MONTH PLAN | £1,749.96 | – | – | – |
| 1 YEAR PLAN | £1,866.84 | £1,519.56 | – | £1,749.00** |
| 2 YEAR PLAN | £1,941.36 | £1,589.28 | – | £1,843.00** |
| 3 YEAR PLAN | £2,019.24 | £1,658.88 | – | £1,894.72** |
| 4 YEAR PLAN | £2,100.00 | £1,728.00 | Varies* | £1,946.44** |
| 5 YEAR PLAN | £2,184.00 | £1,798.20 | – | £1,999.00** |
| 6 YEAR PLAN | – | – | – | £2,053.48** |
| 7 YEAR PLAN | – | – | – | £2,108.68** |
| 8 YEAR PLAN | – | – | – | £2,164.84** |
| 9 YEAR PLAN | – | – | – | £2,224.12** |
| 10 YEAR PLAN | – | – | Varies* | £2,283.40** |
| LOWEST MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTION | £36.40 | £29.97 | ? | £18.62** |
| UPPER AGE LIMIT FOR PAYMENT PLAN | none | 80 at time of completion if paying over more than 2 years | 74 | 78 at time of purchase, or 80 at time of completion |
| CREDIT FINANCE OPTION | no | no | Yes, via third party | No |
| FULL COVERAGE | After full payment or 24 months following purchase*** | After full payment or 24 months following purchase*** | After full payment or 12 months following purchase*** | After full payment or 12 months following purchase*** |
| FREE CANCELLATION PERIOD | 30 days following purchase | 60 days following purchase | 30 days following purchase | 30 days following purchase |
| CANCELLATION FEE | £350 | £350 | £299 | £249.00 |
| FUND TYPE (HOW MONEY IS STORED) | Investment Trust | Investment Trust | Whole of Life Assurance Policies | Investment Trust |
**May be conditional upon maintaining an up to date payment schedule.
***If less than 20% of the plan value has been paid then no refund is offered.
Celebration of Life Customer Reviews
Below are the awards, customer reviews and our opinion of the Celebration of Life offering
Celebration of Life has earned a perfect 5.0 out of a possible 5.0 star rating on Reviews.io, with 100% of reviewers recommending their services
These reviews are especially valuable in the case of Celebration of Life. As they are specialists in direct cremation, you know that every single review applies to the very same service that you can expect to receive.
Celebration of Life seems to be demonstrating that affordability is wholly compatible with excellent customer service.
In addition, Celebration of Life Planning Ltd. has earned a four star rating from industry professionals at Fairer Finance.
On the other hand, Celebration of Life Cremation may be less suitable if:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Celebration of Life have a Paper Brochure Available?
For the Celebration of Life funeral plan, you have the option of requesting a paper brochure for delivery by post. This will be necessary if you wish to apply by post, as the brochure contains the application form.
How do I Purchase a Direct Cremation Funeral?
A direct cremation funeral can be purchased by phone after the death of the deceased.
How do I Purchase a Celebration of Life Funeral Plan?
The Celebration of Life prepayment plan can be purchased online, by phone or by post.
If purchasing by post, you will need to request delivery of the paper brochure.
What Type of Coffin does Celebration of Life provide?
A medium density fibreboard coffin constructed from sustainably sourced materials is supplied with each Celebration of Life direct cremation funeral.
What Happens to Medical Devices and Jewellery?
Removal of medical devices is included in the cost of caring for the deceased.
Celebration of Life recommends that any jewellery and valuables be removed prior to bringing the deceased into their care as they cannot guarantee the safe return of these items.
Can I Choose where the Cremation Takes Place?
Celebration of life may offer you a choice of location for cremation, but this will be for a separate, individually negotiated price.
Will COL Tell me the Date of Cremation?
You have the option to be told of the date of cremation if you are purchasing a direct cremation funeral.
How Can I Pay for My Funeral or for My Plan?
Celebration of Life accepts the following methods of payment for a direct cremation funeral, and for a fully paid funeral plan:
- Bank transfer
- Major debit and credit cards
- Cheque (plans only).
Please note that Celebration of Life requires payment in full prior to collection of the deceased.
Instalment payments to contribute towards the funeral plans will be made by Direct Debit on either the 1st or 15th of each month. Note that Celebration of Life reserves the right to cancel a plan if you are unable to honour more than two consecutive monthly payments.
Can I Pay off my Instalment Plan Early?
Celebration of Life will accept early settlement if you are paying by instalment towards a prepayment plan. You can also add top-up payments to reduce the amount left you have to pay.
You can also request changes to your instalment schedule but please note that:
- If you request a delay to your instalment schedule, full coverage for the plan benefits may not be available until after you have paid for the plan in full.
- The instalment schedule cannot exceed sixty months in duration.
Are Special Offers or Celebration of Life Discounts Available?
Celebration of Life does not appear to be running any promotional offers at this time, nor do they offer discounts to selected groups.
They have, however, published a detailed article on how to budget for a funeral.
Will I Receive Documentation?
If you are purchasing a Celebration of Life Funeral Plan, full documentation will be posted to you and your next of kin (optional) within five working days. You will receive:
- A welcome letter
- A summary of your funeral plan
- Plan certificate bearing your unique plan number
- Two plastic cards with your plan number together with contact details for Celebration of Life
- Full terms and conditions for the plan
They will also send you a statement at least once every three years by either email or post.
Who Should I Tell About My Plan?
When you apply for either a Celebration of Life Funeral Plan you can request documentation to be sent to your next of kin.
However, we suggest that you inform all of your closest loved ones that you have purchased the plan, and how they can obtain the documentation to make a claim.
Remember also to update Celebration of Life with any changes of your address or contact details after you have purchased a plan.
How will My Loved Ones Claim the Plan Benefits?
Following your death, your next of kin or another family member will need to contact Celebration of Life to claim the plan benefits on your behalf.
Full guidance should be outlined in your documentation. However, at minimum, your representative will need to present Celebration of Life with a copy of your death certificate so they are able to authorise transfer of the funds to pay for your funeral.
What Happens if the Plan Benefits are not Claimed?
If the plan has not been redeemed after twelve months following either the death of the beneficiary or the beneficiary’s 110th birthday, Celebration of Life will write to you to see if the plan is still needed. If they receive no response within six months, they reserve the right to cancel the plan and retain the funds paid.
What Happens if Celebration of Life Goes Bust?
Celebration of Life Planning Ltd. is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
If you purchase a funeral plan, your money will be divided into two:
£500 is paid to Celebration of Life to cover their immediate expenses of administering your funeral plan.
£950 is placed in the Celebration of Life Trust, an investment trust administered by independent professional trustees. Celebration of Life cannot access the funds in the trust except to provide you with a funeral, or to give you a refund if you request one.
In the event that Celebration of Life ceases trading, the trust will seek to work with other providers to offer you the plan benefits. It’s possible, however, that you may need to pay a little extra if the services of another provider are engaged.
Funds deposited in the trust should also be covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.
How do I Make Enquiries?
Enquiries can be made by email, by phone or through an online form.
A Direct Cremation Funeral can be arranged twenty-four hours, seven days a week on their free-phone number: 0800 150 3555.
Phoning for general enquiries, account enquiries and funeral plan information is available between 8am and 6pm, seven days a week.
If you are calling from overseas, Celebration of Life can be reached on +44 2380 989 170.
Their email address is info@col.co.uk.
The company also has a social media presence on Twitter and Facebook, but it’s not clear if these accounts are monitored for the purpose of making enquiries.
Are there any Hidden Costs?
A Celebration of Life direct cremation funeral should cover the essentials needed to carry out a direct cremation in the UK.
However, extra provision will have to be made for contingencies. For instance, collection from a private residence or care home is available only for an extra fee.
The prepayment plan is more inclusive than the at-need funeral service, covering doctors’ fees, non-hospital collection and delivery of the ashes.
Can I Transfer Arrangements to/from another Provider?
Celebration of Life should be able to accommodate the transfer of services from another funeral provider, but there may be an additional cost involved depending upon the precise arrangements that have to be made.
Are they Eco-Friendly?
Celebration of Life claims that each coffin supplied with their direct cremation funeral service is made from sustainably sourced materials.
For each direct cremation funeral they conduct, Celebration of Life will make a donation towards the planting of a tree with the National Trust “Plant a Tree Fund”. They will provide you with a certificate in memory of the deceased.
Who Owns Celebration of Life?
Celebration of Life Cremations Ltd. and Celebration of Life Planning Ltd. are private companies owned by their founder-directors.