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Written by Mitch Tapner.
19 minute read
Many people want the same things when choosing a funeral provider: something simple, and something affordable.
Aura Funerals and Celebration of Life both offer this kind of support. They focus on direct cremation, which is a respectful, no-fuss alternative to a traditional funeral. They also offer prepaid funeral plans for those who want to plan ahead and ease the pressure on their family later. So, how do they compare?
This guide gives you a clear comparison of the two providers. It covers what each one offers, how much they cost, how flexible they are, what support they give to families, how customers rate them, and how long things usually take.
Whether you’re planning a funeral now or thinking ahead for the future, this page can help you understand the differences and choose what feels right for you or someone close to you.
Aura Funerals is a family-run provider that specialises in simple, all-inclusive direct cremation. The focus is on keeping things clear, affordable, and easy to arrange, whether you’re planning ahead or organising a funeral now.
Families can choose an attended or unattended cremation, with no hidden costs and everything explained in plain terms. Aura quietly takes care of the practical side, offering steady, compassionate support throughout. It’s a calm and personal way to say goodbye, without added stress or formality.
Celebration of Life offers a similar kind of service, centred around direct cremation. Their approach gives families the freedom to hold a farewell or memorial in their own time, in a way that feels right to them.
For many families, the cost of a direct cremation is one of the first things they consider. It can help guide their choice based on both budget and personal preference.
Celebration of life’s direct cremation prices start from £1,095.
Extras:
Ashes returned by hand (£100)
Urgent collection (£295)
Aura offers unattended direct cremations from £1,195, providing a simple and dignified option at an affordable price. For those who would like to be there in person, attended services start from £2,095 and can take place at any crematorium across mainland Britain.
Aura is clear and upfront about pricing, with no hidden fees. However, there may be a few optional extras depending on your needs or preferences.
If a funeral is needed straight away, both Aura and Celebration of Life ask for full payment upfront. This helps avoid delays and ensures everything can be arranged smoothly. At the moment, neither provider offers instalment plans for funerals needed at short notice.
Celebration of Life’s direct cremation is an unattended cremation with no formal service. It can be arranged fully online or over the phone, making the process simple and accessible for families during what can be a difficult time.
The ashes are placed in a biodegradable scatter tube. Families can choose to have them hand-delivered for an additional fee, or scattered in the crematorium’s garden of remembrance at no extra cost. As a gesture of remembrance, Celebration of Life also donates to the National Trust’s ‘Plant a Tree Fund’ for every service they provide. A certificate is included in memory of the person who has died.
Unlike Aura, Celebration of Life does not currently offer the option to upgrade to an attended service. Aura’s attended direct cremations start from £2,095, and include a short, private ceremony for up to 15 people, lasting around 10 minutes. For those who would prefer more time and flexibility, a full 40-minute service is also available, with space for as many guests as the crematorium allows. This starts from £2,695.
For many families, receiving the ashes is an important part of the process. Both Aura and Celebration of Life aim to handle this with care, clarity and respect. Each provider offers the option to have the ashes hand-delivered for an additional £100. This ensures they are returned safely and with dignity, usually within 21 days of the cremation.
Aura takes a flexible approach, giving families the space to shape the service around their wishes. For attended options, music can be included, and a funeral celebrant or religious minister can lead the ceremony to reflect personal beliefs or values. While the service itself remains simple, families are welcome to arrange a separate celebration of life if they wish, with full support from the Aura team.
Celebration of Life, by comparison, offers fewer personalisation options for funerals needed at short notice. At present, there’s no opportunity to include personal touches such as flowers or other custom elements.
Aura is a family-run provider focused on thoughtful, personal care. Their dedicated Angel team offers 24/7 support from the very beginning, guiding families through what to do when someone dies.
Their ‘No Pressure Promise’ ensures families are never pushed into decisions. Instead, they receive clear information and the time to choose what feels right.
Aura also supports personalisation, helping families add simple but meaningful touches such as music or flowers. Support continues after the service. The team helps with paperwork, the return of ashes, and suggestions for meaningful remembrance.
Celebration of Life offers similar guidance throughout the process and is often praised for its professional approach. While their service is slightly more standardised, many families appreciate their clarity during a difficult time.
Celebration of Life was established in 2019 and has since been recognised by many of its customers for offering a professional, affordable service. While the number of online reviews remains relatively small, the feedback so far has been largely positive. The company currently holds a Trustpilot rating of 4.8/5 stars, with many reviewers highlighting the respectful care and clear communication they received during a difficult time.
Aura, by contrast, has received feedback from a much larger number of families, with over 1,000+ reviews on Trustpilot and an excellent rating of 4.9/5 stars. This consistent, positive feedback has made Aura the UK’s top-rated direct cremation provider. Many families highlight the team’s compassion, attention to detail, and the personal support they received throughout the process.
As part of end-of-life planning, some people choose to arrange a funeral plan in advance. It’s a simple way to ease the emotional and financial pressure on family later on. When you compare funeral plans, it helps to look beyond just the headline price. What’s included, how flexible the plan is, and how clearly everything is explained can make a real difference.
Aura offers a range of prepaid options, starting from £1,695 for an unattended cremation. All fees are included upfront, with no hidden charges. Celebration of Life, on the other hand, provides a single prepaid plan, starting from £1,650, with fewer choices for tailoring the service.
*Terms and conditions apply. You will receive a funeral plan summary before purchase to help you understand the features, costs, and limitations.*
Aura’s funeral plans offer flexible ways to pay. You can choose to pay in full or spread the cost over 12 or 24 months. There are no extra fees, whichever option you choose.
Celebration of Life also provides payment flexibility. You can pay upfront or in monthly instalments over a period of up to five years. If you choose to pay monthly, an additional 4% is added to the total cost each year and spread across the monthly payments.
The two providers also differ slightly in their cancellation policies. Celebration of Life, for example, charges a cancellation fee of £99 if you cancel after the first 30 days. Aura, on the other hand, takes a more flexible approach and does not charge a cancellation fee at any point.
Planning a funeral can come with significant costs, so finding ways to save can make a real difference. Aura offers a built-in saving through its ‘Two Together plan’, which gives £100 off when you take out two funeral plans at the same time. This offer is always available, with no need for codes or deadlines. At the time of writing, Celebration of Life does not offer any discounts or promotional pricing.
If you’re looking to purchase a plan for yourself and a loved one, you can save £100 when you buy two plans together.
Our ‘Two Together’ funeral plans include everything you’ll find in our single plans, but at even better value.
Please note, our Two Together plans are not yet available to buy online. For more information, please call our team or request a quote on the button below.
Aura keeps its funeral plans straightforward, offering everything needed for a respectful cremation in one clear, fixed-price package. Services are available across mainland Britain and include round-the-clock collection, gentle care, cremation fees, a simple coffin, help with paperwork, and the return of ashes. These can be hand-delivered or scattered, depending on what you choose. There are no hidden fees or unexpected extras.
If you’d like the option to say goodbye in person, Aura offers attended service options. This includes a short gathering of up to 10 minutes for up to 15 mourners, or a 40-minute service for as many attendees as the crematorium can hold. Celebration of Life, on the other hand, does not currently offer the choice of attended cremation.
Aura also works with over 40 crematoriums, giving families the freedom to choose a nearby location without paying more based on where they live. Celebration of Life also provides coverage across mainland Britain.
Planning ahead should feel simple and reassuring. Aura helps make that possible by offering flexible plans with clear terms. If you choose to pay over 12 or 24 months and later decide to cancel, you’ll get a full refund. There are no cancellation fees, no complications, and no pressure. Celebration of Life takes a different approach. If a plan is cancelled after the first 30 days, a fee of £99 applies.
Aura also makes it easy to make changes. Whether you need to update personal information or change your preferences, you can do so at no extra cost. This level of flexibility can be important when circumstances change, and not all providers offer it.
Both Aura and Celebration of Life are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and all customer payments are kept secure. Aura adds another layer of reassurance by clearly outlining how your money is protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Aura’s thoughtful, transparent approach has earned top marks. They have received 5-star ratings from Fairer Finance and the Funeral Solution Expert for value, clarity and customer care. In comparison, Celebration of Life holds a 5/5 stars rating from Fairer Finance.
In 2024, Aura was recognised by the ICA as SME Compliance Team of the Year, a testament to their ongoing commitment to doing right by every family they support. The following year, they were honoured at the 2025 UKCXA customer service awards, receiving Gold in the ‘Customers at the Heart of Everything’ category, the event’s most competitive award, and Silver in ‘Best Customer Service’.
| Col | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £1,695 | £1,650 |
| Trustpilot | 4.9/5 stars | 4.8/5 stars |
| Fairer Finance | ||
| Aura Angel Support for Familiesℹ | ||
| Free Cancellation Anytimeℹ |
Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to make the right decisions under pressure from family or friends. Aura aims to take that pressure away by offering space, support, and honest information from the start. With their ‘No Pressure Promise’, families are never contacted with sales calls or pushed into decisions before they’re ready.
As a family-run company, Aura places kindness and compassion at the centre of what they do. Their team, known as the Aura Angels, supports families through each step of the process. Whether you’re arranging something simple or want to add personal touches, the team is there to offer both practical help and emotional reassurance, online or over the phone. Celebration of Life also provides customer support, including round-the-clock urgent care as part of its prepaid funeral plans.
Aura also understands that plans may need to change. Every plan includes built-in flexibility, so you can update details or change who the plan is for without any fees or hassle. If your circumstances change or you’re simply not happy with the service, Aura’s satisfaction guarantee allows you to cancel and receive a full refund.
All Aura funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This ensures your payments are handled securely and provides additional protection, including a backup provider if needed. Care does not stop when the funeral is over. Aura continues to support families afterwards with gentle aftercare and access to bereavement resources. This offers comfort, even once the formal arrangements are complete.
Many people choose a prepaid funeral plan to reduce stress for their family later and both Aura and Celebration of Life offer simple, no-fuss ways to plan ahead.
Celebration of Life offers a single prepaid plan with clear pricing and nationwide coverage. It’s designed to be affordable and easy to arrange online or over the phone. While many customers highlight the professionalism and respectful service, options for personalisation or attended services are more limited.
Aura, as a family-run provider, takes a more tailored approach. Customers often mention how supported they feel, from the first conversation to the return of the ashes. Their prepaid plans come with more flexibility, including the option to attend the cremation or add personal touches like music or flowers. Aura’s ‘No Pressure Promise’ also means families are given time, space, and clear information to decide what’s right for them.
Both providers are highly rated by customers. Aura has an excellent 4.9/5 stars Trustpilot score from hundreds of reviews, and holds 5-star ratings from Fairer Finance. Celebration of Life has a smaller number of reviews, but current feedback is positive, with a Trustpilot rating of 4.8/5 stars.
While both offer peace of mind, Aura’s balance of flexibility, trusted ratings, and personal care may be especially reassuring for families wanting more choice and ongoing support.
Choosing a funeral provider involves many considerations, from the type of service you want to the overall cost. For those looking for a simpler and more affordable option, direct cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice. Both Aura Funerals and Celebration of Life offer this approach, providing a dignified farewell without the formality of a traditional funeral.
Where they differ is in flexibility. Aura gives families more choice when it comes to personalisation, whether you’re arranging a funeral now or planning ahead. As well as offering the option of an attended service, families can include thoughtful touches such as flowers or music. These options are available for time-of-need funerals, or you can share your wishes for personalisation elements within your prepaid funeral plan.
Celebration of Life, by comparison, provides simple, unattended cremations that can be arranged fully online or over the phone. Their services cover mainland Great Britain and include both time of need funeral and prepaid plans, which are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Pricing is clear and fixed, offering peace of mind from the start.
Every family is different, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you. If you’re not sure where to begin, Aura’s team is always ready to listen and offer calm, practical support whenever you need it.
If you’d like to know more about how to plan a cremation with Aura, our brochure is a helpful place to begin.
Our funeral plans are a helpful way to put everything in place for you or someone else.
When the time comes, our experienced team will be here to guide you through each step, offering support and advice whenever you need it.
To find out more about how our plans work, what’s included, and our story, you can request a brochure by clicking the link below. We will then send you a copy by email or First Class post—whichever you prefer.
Celebration of Life is a recognised and regulated funeral provider. It was established in 2019 and is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which means it must follow strict rules to protect customer payments.
Although Celebration of Life has a smaller number of online reviews, most feedback has been positive. Customers often praise their professionalism, affordability, and clear communication.
Aura, by comparison, has received feedback from a much larger number of families and holds one of the highest Trustpilot ratings in the UK funeral sector, reflecting consistently strong customer satisfaction.
Celebration of Life’s prepaid funeral plan includes:
What’s not included:
By contrast, Aura’s funeral plans include similar essentials but also give families the option to add extras such as an attended farewell, music, or flowers, offering more flexibility.
The Celebration of Life prepaid funeral plan starts from £1,650 for an unattended cremation. Aura’s equivalent plans start from £1,695 for an unattended cremation, with attended options available from £2,095.
Aura also offers the Two Together Plan, which gives a £100 saving when two plans are purchased at the same time. Celebration of Life does not currently offer discounts or promotional pricing.
Yes. You can cancel a Celebration of Life funeral plan, but there is a £99 cancellation charge if you cancel after the first 30 days.
Aura takes a more flexible approach. You can cancel your plan at any time for a full refund, with no cancellation fees, even after 30 days.
Yes, you can. Aura offers both unattended and attended direct cremations.
For those who wish to attend, Aura provides:
Both attended options include full support from Aura’s caring team, so families can create a calm and personal goodbye. Celebration of Life does not currently offer the option to attend the cremation.
If you have any questions, would like a brochure or simply would like a chat through our services, our award-winning team is here to help.
Unlike other providers, we won’t hassle you with constant calls. We’ll simply ensure you have the information you need and leave you to come to a decision in your own time. When you’re ready for us, our team will be ready to help.