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Two Together: Save £100!Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
Written by Mitch Tapner.
18 minute read
Planning a funeral can feel like a lot to take in, especially when you’re looking for something straightforward and affordable. That’s where providers like Aura Funerals and Crystal Funeral Planning can help. Both offer direct cremation, a simple and dignified alternative to a traditional funeral, as well as prepaid funeral plans for those who want to make arrangements in advance.
In this guide, we’ll compare the two providers side by side. From pricing and services to timelines, support, and customer reviews, you’ll find everything you need to help you decide what’s right for you or someone close to you.
Whether you’re planning a funeral now or thinking ahead, this comparison is here to support you through the next step.
Aura Funerals is a family-run provider focused on making things simple, affordable, and personal. They specialise in direct cremation, both attended and unattended, and also offer prepaid funeral plans for those who want to plan ahead. Aura’s approach is calm and straightforward, giving families a respectful alternative to a traditional funeral, without added pressure or formality.
Crystal themselves aim to make the funeral process as stress free and affordable as possible. Offering both funerals for those in immediate need, as well as a selection of prepaid funeral plans that offer both more straightforward or more traditional services.
For many families, direct cremation prices are an important starting point, helping guide choices based on both budget and what feels right personally.
Crystal’s direct cremation prices start from £1,245.
Extras:
Delivery of ashes (+£100)
Funeral procession including hearse (+£450)
Aura offers unattended direct cremations from £1,195, giving families a simple and dignified option at a lower cost. For those who’d like to be there on the day, 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.
Crystal aims to keep its pricing straightforward, but additional costs can arise. For instance, both collection or delivery of ashes will cost you an additional £100.
Crystal’s direct cremation is an unattended option designed for those who want a simple and dignified farewell without a formal ceremony. While there’s no option to book online, arrangements can be made quickly and easily over the phone. Payment is taken shortly after the booking is confirmed, allowing the process to move forward without delay.
For families who wish to attend, Crystal offers an attended direct cremation from £1,595. Aura’s attended direct cremations start from £2,095, which includes a short intimate ceremony for up to 15 people lasting 10 minutes. For those who want more time and flexibility, a fully attended 40-minute service starts from £2,695 and can accommodate as many guests as the crematorium allows. Unlike some providers, Aura offers attended ceremonies at any crematorium across mainland Britain, helping families stay local without paying more. This flexibility, along with our personalised support and simple pricing, is part of what makes Aura’s service trusted by more families nationwide.
The return of ashes is an important part of the process for many families. Aura handles this with care and aims to return ashes within 21 days, offering hand-delivery where possible for added peace of mind. Crystal’s process may take longer, with ashes usually delivered within six weeks. However, they do offer the option to collect the ashes from the crematorium as soon as 48 hours after the cremation. For both collection and delivery, Crystal applies a £100 fee.
Aura takes a flexible approach, giving families the freedom to shape the service in a way that feels right for them. For attended cremations, there’s the option to include music, a funeral celebrant or a religious minister, depending on personal beliefs or preferences. While the ceremony itself is kept simple, families are welcome to hold separate celebrations of life if they wish, with the Aura team on hand to offer guidance and support.
Crystal’s attended option gives families the chance to be present at the cremation. However, extras such as alternative coffins or pallbearers are available at an additional cost.
Aura is a family-run provider focused on gentle, personal care. Their Angel Team offers practical and emotional support when it’s needed most, including clear guidance on what to do when someone dies. Crystal also supports families by signposting to bereavement and counselling services.
At Aura, families are given space to decide in their own time. Their ‘No Pressure Promise’ means you’ll get honest information with no sales pressure.
Aura’s approach is rooted in compassion. They help families personalise the service with thoughtful touches to honour final wishes. Crystal is also regularly praised for its kind and professional staff.
After the funeral, Aura continues to help. The Angel Team can assist with paperwork and connect you with grief support if needed.
Since its inception, Crystal has received positive feedback for both immediate-need funerals and prepaid services. They currently hold a Trustpilot rating of 4.5/5 stars, though with only 15 reviews so far, there’s limited customer feedback available to give a full picture of the overall experience.
Aura, on the other hand, has built a much stronger track record, with over 1,000+ reviews on Trustpilot and an excellent rating of 4.9/5 stars. This consistent feedback has earned Aura the title of the UK’s top-rated direct cremation provider. Families often praise the team’s compassion, attentiveness and personal support throughout the process.
As part of end-of-life planning, many people choose to put a funeral plan in place to make things easier for their loved ones. When you compare funeral plans, it’s worth looking beyond the price to understand what each one includes and how flexible it is.
In this section, we explore the differences between Crystal and Aura’s funeral plans, from what’s covered to how much they cost.
Aura’s prepaid funeral plans start at £1,695 for an unattended cremation, with everything clearly laid out and no hidden fees. Crystal offers three different types of plans, with its direct cremation plan starting from £1,395.
*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, with no extra fees either way.
Crystal also offers several payment options. Customers can spread the cost over 24 months without instalment fees or apply for credit through Funeral Safe Limited. This credit option covers amounts from £499 to £7,500, with interest rates ranging from 10.75% to 24.9% APR, over terms of 12 to 60 months.
There are also some differences when it comes to cancellations. Crystal allows you to cancel within the first 30 days at no cost. After that, a £99 cancellation fee applies. If a plan is cancelled due to missed payments, the fee increases to £249. Aura takes a different approach. They understand that circumstances can change, which is why they don’t charge any cancellation fees, no matter when you cancel.
Funerals can be costly, and Aura offers ways to help make things more affordable. Their Two Together plan includes a permanent £100 saving when you buy two funeral plans at the same time, with no time limits or discount codes needed. Crystal, meanwhile, does not have any active promotional discounts at the time of writing.
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.
*Terms and conditions apply. You will receive a funeral plan summary before purchase.*
Aura’s funeral plans are designed to keep things simple, clear and reassuring. Each plan covers 24/7 collection, care, cremation fees, a basic coffin, help with paperwork and the return of ashes, either by hand or scattered, depending on your wishes.
For those who wish to attend, Aura also offers a quiet private farewell, a short gathering of around 10 minutes for up to 15 people. Crystal also provides attended cremations through its ‘Celebration of Life plan’, which starts from £2,895.
Aura works with over 45 crematoria, giving families the flexibility to choose a location close to home without any added regional costs. Crystal also offers coverage across mainland UK, including England, Scotland and Wales.
Planning ahead should bring confidence, not complication. Aura makes this easier by offering flexible terms and clear protections. If you’re paying in instalments over up to 24 months and choose to cancel, you’ll receive a full refund with no cancellation fees and no added stress.
In contrast, Crystal applies a £249 cancellation fee if a plan is cancelled due to missed payments.
Aura also makes it simple to update your plan over time. Whether you need to change personal details or adjust your wishes, there’s no charge. This kind of flexibility isn’t always guaranteed, so it’s worth considering when choosing a provider that feels right for you.
Both Aura and Crystal are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and customer payments are held securely. Aura also provides added peace of mind by clearly explaining how your money is protected through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Aura’s approach has been recognised with 5-star ratings from both Fairer Finance and the Funeral Solution Expert, highlighting their transparency, value and care. By comparison, Crystal holds a 2-star rating from Fairer Finance.
In 2024, Aura was named SME Compliance Team of the Year by the ICA, a reflection of their continued commitment to doing right by every family they support. Their work was also recognised at the 2025 UKCXA customer service awards, where they received Gold in the ‘Customers at the Heart of Everything’ category, the event’s signature and most competitive award, and Silver in ‘Best Customer Service’.
| Cryst | ||
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £1,695 | £1,395 |
| Trustpilot | 4.9/5 stars | 4.5/5 stars |
| Fairer Finance | ||
| Aura Angel Support for Familiesℹ | ||
| Free Cancellation Anytimeℹ |
Aura takes a gentle, people-first approach to funeral planning, giving families the time and space to make decisions that feel right for them. Their ‘No Pressure Promise’ means you won’t receive follow-up sales calls or unwanted contact, something not all providers can offer.
Kindness is central to Aura’s work as a family-run provider. Their team, known as the Aura Angels, is there to guide families through each step with care and clarity. Whether you’re arranging a simple cremation or something more personal, they offer both practical help and emotional support, available online and by phone. Crystal also offers guidance, signposting customers to external bereavement support and counselling services where needed.
Aura understands that plans sometimes need to change. That’s why every funeral plan includes built-in flexibility. You can update personal details or change the beneficiary at any time, without fees or hassle.
There’s also added reassurance through Aura’s satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service, you can cancel at any time with no administration or cancellation fees. All plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), offering strong protections like secure payment handling and fallback providers if needed.
Support doesn’t stop once the funeral is over. Aura continues to care for families afterwards, offering gentle aftercare and access to bereavement resources to help you feel less alone.
Prepaid funeral plans can offer peace of mind, and both Aura and Crystal aim to make planning easier.
Crystal offers a small range of fixed-price plans, from simple direct cremation to more traditional services. Payment options include instalments or external credit, though fees apply for extras like ashes delivery or cancellations. Aura takes a more personal, flexible approach. As a family-run provider, they offer clear, all-inclusive plans, no hidden fees, and a gentle, no-pressure promise. Families can pay in full or in interest-free instalments, with no cancellation charges.
Aura holds a 4.9/5 stars Trustpilot score from over 1,000+ reviews, while Crystal has a smaller but positive rating of 4.5/5 stars. Aura has also earned 5-star ratings from Fairer Finance and was awarded Gold at the 2025 UKCXA Awards for customer care. Both providers offer reassurance, but Aura stands out for its flexibility, compassionate support, and award-winning service.
There’s a lot to think about when choosing a funeral provider, from the type of service to how much it costs. For those looking for a simpler, more affordable option, direct cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice. Both Aura Funerals and Crystal Funeral Planning offer this approach, without the pressure or formality of a traditional funeral.
Crystal provides both immediate-need funeral services and prepaid plans, with services available across mainland UK. Their plans are regulated by the FCA and offer fixed pricing and flexible payment options, giving families clear information and national coverage from the start.
Aura offers a personal, family-led service. Known for their gentle, no-pressure approach, Aura gives families time to decide, with clear all-inclusive prices and support at every stage. Many people choose Aura for the kindness and calm they bring to what can be a difficult time.
Every family is different, and the right choice depends on what matters most to you. If you’re unsure where to begin, Aura’s team is always here to listen and help you explore your options with care and understanding.
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.
Crystal Funeral Planning is a regulated provider offering both prepaid and at-need funeral services across mainland UK. Their plans are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which means customer funds are protected and key safeguards are in place. While they currently have a relatively small number of reviews on Trustpilot, the feedback has been generally positive with 4.5/5 stars.
Aura is also FCA-regulated and takes pride in offering a compassionate, people-first approach, with clear pricing, flexible support, and consistently kind feedback from the families we help.
Crystal’s direct cremation plans include:
At the price of £1,695, Aura offers similar inclusions as part of their plans.
Crystal’s funeral plans start from £1,395 for an unattended direct cremation. Their Celebration of Life plan, which includes an attended cremation, starts from £2,895. Payment can be made in full or in instalments over 24 months with no additional fee. They also offer finance through Funeral Safe Ltd, with loans from £499 to £7,500, subject to interest rates between 10.75% and 24.9% APR over 12 to 60 months.
Aura’s equivalent plans start from £1,695 for an unattended cremation, with attended options beginning at £2,095.
Yes, you can cancel a Crystal funeral plan. If you cancel within the first 30 days, there is no fee. However, after this period, a £99 cancellation fee applies. If the cancellation happens due to missed payments, the fee increases to £249.
With Aura, cancelling is simpler. You can change your mind at any time and receive a full refund, with no cancellation fees – even after the first 30 days.
Yes, you can. Aura offers attended cremation services starting from £2,095, held at any crematorium in mainland Britain. You can choose a short 10-minute farewell for up to 15 guests, or a longer 40-minute service from £2,695, depending on what feels right for you and your family.
If you’d prefer not to attend, Aura also offers an unattended direct cremation from £1,195, providing a simple and dignified option at a lower cost.
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.