Hi Luckyeight, Part 1 of an uber long response!
I do hope that you haven't suffered a bereavement, but if you have, then you have my deepest condolences.
Re: funeral costs. It depends on whether the funeral is a burial or a Cremation, and on the area in which you live.
Generally, Burials are much, much more expensive than a Cremation. If someone is going to be buried then you need to purchase a grave, and pay for the grave to be dug. In some area's (i.e.London) this could easily cost a couple of thousand. In more rural areas, it could be much cheaper. Sometimes families already own a grave, and you just have to pay to have the grave dug.
If you are having a Cremation then you have to pay for the Hospital/Doctors fees (approx �124.00ish for two Docs to certify cause of Death), then the Crematorium fee (varies between �250-�400+ depending on area).
On top of these fees people generally pay for some form of Religious/Non religious Service. CofE Funeral fees for a service at the Crematorium are approx �111.00ish. Services taken in a Church, or a Burial can be more.
The Funeral director will arrange and pay for all these services, and put them on your Bill.
ONLY then do you start paying for the Funeral Directors services .... *deep breath
ALL reputable Funeral Directors will break down their costs for you. A Funeral Package will generally include:
Arranging all necessary Paperwork,
Collecting the deceased from place of Death during Office hours (not out of hours - costs more to die at Home at 3am)
Coffin and viewing in Chapel of Rest,
Motor Hearse, (Horse Drawn is a huge supplement)
1 Limousine (if required - price reduction if not required)
4 Bearers to Carry the Coffin
1 Funeral Conductor