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Written by Mitch Tapner.
18 minute read
Planning a funeral can feel like a lot to take in, especially during a difficult time. Many people are simply looking for something that’s clear, affordable and easy to manage. Aura Funerals and Fosters Funeral Directors both offer direct cremation services to meet those needs, as well as prepaid funeral plans for those who want to plan ahead and take the pressure off their family later on.
While both providers aim to keep things straightforward, their approach and range of services differ in a few important ways.
This guide explores how the two compare. It looks at services, costs, flexibility and the kind of support they offer, to help you decide what feels right for you or someone close to you.
Aura offers national coverage across mainland Britain, while Fosters operates only in Scotland.
Aura provides all-inclusive, flexible services with no cancellation fees and optional attended cremations.
Fosters combines direct cremation with more traditional funeral options, though some extras may cost more.
Aura allows free plan updates and cancellations at any time. Fosters meanwhile is less flexible regarding cancellations.
Both providers are rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot, but Aura also holds national customer service awards and 5-star ratings from independent reviewers such as Fairer Finance.
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 either 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.
Fosters, a well-established provider in Scotland, offers a similar direct cremation service alongside more traditional funeral options. Their plans include all the essentials, such as care, a simple coffin, cremation, and the return or scattering of ashes. Everything is offered at a fixed price with no hidden fees.
Direct cremation prices are often one of the first things families look at when arranging a funeral. A clear price can help narrow down the options and give people confidence that they’re choosing something that fits both their needs and budget.
Fosters’ direct cremation prices start from £1,195.
Fosters aims to keep its pricing straightforward, but additional costs can arise. For instance, collections out-with 20 miles of the nearest Fosters funeral home there will be a surcharge of £2.20 per mile.
Aura offers a straightforward option for those who don’t wish to attend, with unattended direct cremations starting from £1,195. For families who want to be present, attended services are available 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 quickly, both Aura and Fosters ask for full payment upfront. This allows arrangements to begin without delay and helps ensure everything runs smoothly.
At present, neither provider offers the option to pay in instalments for funerals needed at short notice.
Fosters offers a direct cremation service for those who prefer a simple and respectful goodbye without a ceremony. This is an unattended cremation, arranged by their experienced local teams, who guide families through the process with care and clarity. Families can choose to collect the ashes from a local Fosters funeral home or have them respectfully scattered in the crematorium’s garden of remembrance.
Fosters also offers attended services through their ‘Simple Funeral’ and ‘Personalised Funeral’ options. These allow family and friends to be present, with prices starting from £1,995 and £2,195 respectively. However, these prices do not include third-party costs for cremation, burial or interment.
Aura also offers attended direct cremations. These start from £2,095 and include a short, private ceremony for up to 15 people, lasting around 10 minutes. For those who would like more time and flexibility, a full 40-minute service is also available. This allows for as many guests as the crematorium can accommodate and starts from £2,695.
For many families, receiving the ashes is an important part of the process. Aura ensures they are returned safely and with dignity, usually within 21 days of the cremation. Fosters, meanwhile, offers collection of ashes from any of their funeral homes. However, they do not currently state how long this may take. If a family prefers the ashes to be hand-delivered, this is available, but pricing must be confirmed on request.
At Aura, families are supported to shape the service in a way that feels personal and meaningful. For those choosing an attended cremation, there’s the option to include music, or to have the farewell led by a funeral celebrant or religious minister, depending on individual beliefs. While the ceremony remains simple and calm, families can also choose to arrange a separate celebration of life at a later time. Aura’s team is there throughout, offering gentle guidance to help create a goodbye that feels right.
Fosters also offers attended services through their ‘Simple Funeral’ and ‘Personalised Funeral’ options. These can include extras such as a hearse and funeral personnel, allowing families to tailor the service to suit their needs.
Knowing where to start after someone dies can feel overwhelming. Aura’s Angel team is there from the beginning to offer gentle, step-by-step guidance, including practical help with what to do when someone dies. Fosters also helps guide families through the process and is available to answer questions as they arise.
Aura’s approach to communication is calm and respectful. Their ‘No Pressure Promise’ means families are never rushed or pushed into making a decision. Instead, they’re given clear information and the time and space to choose what’s right for them.
Families who choose Aura often appreciate the smaller touches. This might include selecting music or adding flowers. These thoughtful details help make the service feel more personal. Fosters is also recognised for offering kind and professional support throughout.
Fosters Funeral Directors is one of Scotland’s largest independent funeral providers, with a growing network of local funeral homes. As the company has expanded, it has continued to receive strong feedback from families. With over 1,400 reviews, Fosters holds an impressive Trustpilot rating of 4.9.
Aura has also built a strong reputation with families across the UK. With more than 960 Trustpilot reviews and an excellent rating of 4.9/5 stars, Aura is currently the UK’s top-rated direct cremation provider. Many families mention the team’s compassion and support they received throughout the process.
Thinking ahead is a key part of end-of-life planning, and for some, that includes putting a funeral plan in place. It can be a helpful way to ease future stress, both emotionally and financially, for loved ones.
If you’re starting to compare funeral plans, it’s worth looking beyond the initial cost. Consider what each plan includes, how much flexibility it offers, and whether the terms are clear and easy to understand.
Aura offers multiple prepaid options, starting from £1,695 for an unattended cremation. Prices are fixed and transparent, with everything included upfront. Fosters offers two different types of prepaid plans, with cheapest of those starting from £1,449.
*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 payment options to suit different needs. You can pay in full or spread the cost over 12 or 24 months, with no added fees, whichever option you choose.
Fosters also offers a range of payment choices, including five- and ten-year instalment plans or a fixed monthly payment. However, if you cancel a long-term instalment plan after 12 months, no refund is given. If you’ve paid in full and choose to cancel after 30 days, a cancellation fee of £249 applies.
Aura takes a more flexible approach to cancellations. You can cancel at any time, and no cancellation fees will apply. This gives families the freedom to adjust their plans without added stress.
For those arranging more than one funeral plan, Aura offers a built-in saving through its Two Together plan. When two plans are purchased at the same time, families receive £100 off automatically. There are no time limits and no discount codes required.
Fosters also provides promotional offers. At the time of writing, they include a free will worth £250 with the purchase of a funeral plan.
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 offers straightforward funeral plans that cover everything needed for a dignified direct cremation, available across mainland Britain. Each plan includes funeral director services, round-the-clock collection from anywhere in the country, care of the person who has died, cremation fees, a simple coffin, help with paperwork, and the ashes. These can be hand-delivered to the family or respectfully scattered, all for a single, fixed price.
If you would like to attend the cremation, Aura gives families the option of a short, private farewell, usually lasting 10 to 15 minutes with close family present. Fosters also offers attended options through its ‘Personalised plan’, which starts from £3,899.
When it comes to location, Aura’s coverage is nationwide. They work with more than 40 crematoriums across mainland Britain, so families can arrange an attended service close to home without paying more based on where they live. Fosters, on the other hand, operates only in Scotland, where it has a network of local funeral homes.
When it comes to funeral plans, flexibility and trust matter. Aura gives families reassurance by offering fair terms, strong protections, and a clear commitment to doing what’s right. If you’re paying over 12 or 24 months and need to cancel, you’ll get a full refund. There are no cancellation fees, no matter when you decide to make that change.
Fosters, on the other hand, applies a £249 cancellation charge if you cancel a fully paid plan after 30 days. For long-term instalment plans, refunds are not available after 12 months.
Aura also makes it easy to keep your plan up to date. If your wishes change or you need to correct personal details, you can do so at no extra cost. Not every provider allows this, and it can make a real difference if circumstances shift later on.
Both Aura and Fosters are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), with customer payments protected through independent trusts or insurance. Aura goes a step further by clearly explaining how your money is covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), helping families feel confident their funds are secure.
Aura’s ethical approach and customer care have been independently recognised. They hold 5-star ratings from both Fairer Finance and the Funeral Solution Expert, reflecting their commitment to value, fairness and transparency. By comparison, Fosters holds a 3-star rating from Fairer Finance.
Aura’s commitment to doing what’s right for families has been recognised at a national level. In 2024, they received the ICA’s ‘SME Compliance Team of the Year’ award. A year later, they were celebrated at the 2025 UKCXA customer service awards, earning Gold in the Customers at the ‘Heart of Everything’ category, the ceremony’s top honour, and Silver for ‘Best Customer Service’.
Planning a funeral can feel unfamiliar and emotional, which is why Aura puts people first. Their team gives families time to make decisions without pressure, offering guidance when it’s needed and space when it’s not. Unlike some providers, Aura promises not to rush customers into making a decision. That’s part of their ‘No Pressure Promise’.
Support from Aura is led by their kind and experienced Aura Angels. Whether families are arranging something simple or want to include a few personal touches, the team is there to offer practical help and emotional reassurance. You can speak to someone online or by phone, with clear information available at every step. Fosters also supports families with funeral planning. They help complete documents and manage contact with third parties, making sure the process stays on track.
Aura’s funeral plans are designed to adapt if circumstances change. You can update names, contact details or preferences at any point, without any admin fees. It’s a flexible approach that gives families freedom and confidence over time.
There’s also a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with the service, you can cancel and get a full refund. Every plan is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and includes financial safeguards such as secure payment handling and a fallback provider if ever needed.
Even after the funeral, Aura stays by your side. Families can access gentle aftercare, as well as grief and bereavement resources, so they’re never left feeling unsupported.
Many people choose a prepaid funeral plan for the peace of mind it brings, and both Aura and Fosters aim to provide that reassurance. Fosters is a trusted name across Scotland, and their prepaid plans are praised for their simplicity, fixed pricing and solid customer service. However, their cancellation terms are more limited. Refunds are not available after 12 months for long-term instalment plans, and cancelling a fully paid plan after 30 days comes with a £249 fee.
Choosing a funeral provider can feel overwhelming, especially when comparing services, prices and levels of support. Both Aura Funerals and Fosters Funeral Directors offer clear, affordable options for direct cremation and prepaid funeral plans.
Fosters is a trusted name in Scotland, offering both direct cremation and more traditional funerals. With transparent pricing, supportive local teams and strong customer reviews, they remain a dependable choice for many families.
Aura provides wider coverage across Britain and takes a flexible, care-led approach. Their plans are easy to understand, come with no cancellation fees, and include compassionate support from start to finish, including ongoing aftercare.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your needs and values. If you’re unsure where to begin, Aura’s team is on hand to offer calm, practical guidance 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.
Yes. Fosters Funeral Directors is one of Scotland’s largest independent funeral providers with a strong local presence. They have over 1,400 reviews on Trustpilot and hold an excellent 4.9 rating, reflecting consistently positive feedback from families. Customers often praise their professionalism, clear pricing and supportive service.
A Fosters funeral plan includes:
Extras like visiting the person, dressing in personal clothes, embalming or choosing a crematorium are not included.
Fosters funeral plans start from £1,449 for their unattended cremation plan. Prices for attended funeral options begin at £3,899 under their ‘Personalised Plan’. Additional charges may apply for extras or services outside standard coverage.
Aura offers similar plans, starting from £1,695 for an unattended cremation. If you’d prefer to attend the service, options are available from £2,095.
Yes, but conditions apply. If you pay in full and cancel after the first 30 days, a £249 cancellation fee is charged. If you’re on a five- or ten-year instalment plan and cancel after 12 months, no refund is given.
Aura, by contrast, does not charge cancellation fees at any time, offering more flexibility.
Yes. Aura offers both unattended and attended cremation options.
Both include support from Aura’s team to help personalise the ceremony if you wish.
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.