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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.
13 minute read
Choosing a funeral provider can feel daunting, whether you need help now or you’re planning ahead. This guide compares two well known UK names so you can see your options at a glance.
Aura Funerals can arrange a simple, respectful direct cremation when needed and also offers funeral plans. Avalon specialises in prepaid funeral plans only. That’s the key difference.
We set out what each provider includes, how much you’re likely to pay, how clearly prices are shown, the support families can expect, customer reviews and typical timelines. Our aim is to give you calm, practical information so you can decide what feels right for you or someone close to you.
Aura Funerals is a trusted, family-run provider specialising in simple, all-inclusive direct cremation services. Families can choose an attended or unattended option, or plan ahead with a prepaid funeral plan. Whatever the choice, Aura keeps things clear, affordable and personal, offering a dignified alternative without added stress or unnecessary formality.
Avalon is a long-standing funeral plan provider, working with a large network of funeral directors throughout the UK. Their plans cover both traditional funerals and direct cremation, giving families a wide range of options. For those mainly seeking a simple, low-cost farewell, their more traditional approach may not always feel like the best fit.
Aura focuses solely on making direct cremation straightforward and personal. With clear pricing, practical simplicity and caring support, Aura helps families arrange a dignified goodbye without the complexity that can come with traditional services.
When exploring and comparing funeral plans, it’s essential to find one that balances affordability with the level of care you want included in your end-of-life planning. To help, we’ve outlined the main differences between Avalon and Aura’s funeral plans, focusing on cost, flexibility, and what’s covered.
With Aura, prepaid funeral plans start from £1,695 for an unattended cremation, with straightforward pricing and no hidden fees. Avalon’s plans for the same service also begin at £1,675, meaning both providers start at the same price point, the difference comes down to flexibility and what’s included in each plan.
Aura’s funeral plans give you flexible payment options. You can either pay in full or spread the cost over 12 to 24 months, with no extra fees whichever option you choose.
Avalon also lets you pay in full or spread payments over 12 months. But if you choose a longer term, an annual instalment charge of 5.2% is added to the plan cost (after the deposit is taken from the full price). For example, paying over 15 years would bring the total to £2,934.70 (£1,259.70 of installment costs).
The two providers also take a different approach to cancellation policies. With Avalon, a cancellation fee of £395 applies after the first 30 days. Aura takes a more flexible view, with no cancellation fees at any time should your circumstances change.
Funerals can be costly and Aura offers a way to help with the expense. The Two Together plan gives you a permanent £100 saving when you buy two funeral plans at the same time with no codes to remember and no time limits. Avalon does not offer permanent discounts, but they do sometimes run limited-time offers for customers.
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’s funeral plans are straightforward, inclusive, and available across mainland UK. One clear price covers everything: the funeral director’s services, 24/7 collection from anywhere in the country, care for the person who has died, cremation fees, a simple coffin, help with paperwork, and the return of ashes—either hand-delivered to the family or respectfully scattered. There are no hidden costs or regional price changes.
If you’d like to attend, Aura offers a short 10-minute farewell for up to 15 people at £2,395, or a longer 40-minute service for as many guests as the crematorium can accommodate at £2,995. By comparison, Avalon’s attended funeral plans start from £3,895 for their ‘standard funeral plan’.
Aura works with more than 40 crematoriums nationwide, making it easy to choose an attended plan close to home. Avalon also offers local options through a wider network of over 600 funeral directors.
Aura is built around flexibility, protection and a clear promise of ethical service. If life takes an unexpected turn, you’ll get a full refund on instalments of up to 24 months, without any cancellation fees. By comparison, Avalon applies a £395 cancellation fee if you end your plan after the first 30 days.
With Aura, you can also change your plan whenever you need to. Whether that means updating your wishes or simply correcting details, there’s never a charge. This kind of flexibility isn’t guaranteed by every provider, so it can make a real difference when choosing the right plan.
Aura and Co-op are both authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means every payment is protected, either through an independent trust or an insurance-backed arrangement. Aura also makes it very clear how your money is safeguarded by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), which gives families even greater reassurance that their funds are secure.
Fairer Finance and the Funeral Solution Expert have both given Aura’s funeral plans their highest 5-star rating. This reflects Aura’s focus on fairness, value and compassionate care for every family. Avalon, on the other hand, holds a 4/5 stars rating from Fairer Finance.
In 2024, Aura was recognised by the ICA as SME ‘Compliance Team of the Year’, reflecting their ongoing commitment to supporting every family with care and integrity. The following year, they were honoured at the 2025 UKCXA awards, receiving Gold in the highly competitive ‘Customers at the Heart of Everything’ category and Silver for ‘Best Customer Service’.
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|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £1,695 | £1,675 |
| Trustpilot | 4.9/5 stars | 4.9/5 stars |
| Fairer Finance | ||
| Aura Angel Support for Familiesℹ | ||
| Free Cancellation Anytimeℹ | ||
| Transparent Pricingℹ | ||
| Hassle-Free, No Pressure Promiseℹ |
At Aura, funeral planning is shaped around people, not sales targets. The focus is always on care, clarity and compassion. With the ‘No Pressure Promise’, families can take their time and receive straightforward guidance, without unwanted follow-up calls or feeling pushed into a decision.
By contrast some other providers have received reviews mentioning ongoing follow-up contact, which might feel overwhelming for some people during a difficult time.
Aura is a family-run business where kindness and care come first. Their support team, known as the Aura Angels, walk alongside families through every stage from arranging a simple direct cremation to planning a more personal celebration of life. The Angels can help with the practical tasks, such as paperwork, while also offering gentle reassurance for those coping with grief. They’re easy to reach online or by phone, and are always ready to give families the time and support they need.
Both providers share online resources with guidance on the funeral process, including how to plan and what to expect.
With Aura you can update your details or change your beneficiaries at any time with no admin fees or unnecessary hassle. This flexible approach is part of their promise to keep things simple and supportive.
Families can feel reassured knowing that Aura has a satisfaction guarantee in place. If the service does not meet expectations, there is the option to cancel at no cost and receive a full refund. All plans are covered by FCA regulations, which ensure strong protections. This includes the promise of a fallback provider or your money returned if something goes wrong. Beyond this financial security, Aura also offers aftercare and bereavement support, giving families gentle help and reassurance even after the funeral is over.
Prepaid funeral plans can offer peace of mind, helping people feel more in control of the future. Both Aura and Avalon aim to provide that kind of reassurance. Avalon’s plans are familiar to many and are often seen as a simple, affordable option. Some customers say it’s a relief to know their wishes are planned out in advance.
Aura is a family-run provider with a personal approach. They’re able to offer thoughtful one-to-one support while still having the resources to care for every family they work with. Many people speak about how kind and understanding the team is and how easy the process feels from beginning to end. There’s no pressure, you’re given the time and space to make decisions when it feels right for you.
Both providers are highly rated, with Aura and Avalon each holding a Trustpilot score of 4.9/5 stars. Aura has also been awarded 5 stars by independent reviewer Fairer Finance, while Avalon holds a rating of 4/5 stars from the same source.
Aura and Avalon both aim to give people confidence in their planning. What sets Aura apart is the way they focus on individual care, making space for each person’s needs without pressure. Their flexible approach and strong reviews from independent sources make them a thoughtful choice for families who want clarity, kindness and support throughout.
Choosing the right funeral provider can feel tough, especially when you’re trying to make sense of different plans, prices and promises. Aura and Avalon each offer prepaid funeral options designed to bring peace of mind but they take very different approaches.
Avalon has a long-standing presence in the industry and offers a range of plans through their network of funeral directors. For those looking for a traditional route this can be a reassuring choice.
Aura takes a simpler path, focusing on thoughtful all-inclusive cremation services with a personal touch. As a family-run provider they prioritise clear communication, flexible options and gentle support without any pressure to decide before you’re ready.
What matters most is finding a service that feels right for you or someone close to you. If you need a little help working out what that looks like Aura’s team is always here to listen and guide you at your own pace.
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.
Avalon isn’t a local provider in the traditional sense. They’re a national funeral plan company that works with over 600 independent funeral directors across the UK. This network allows them to support services in many areas, but the funeral director you’re assigned may not be based locally to you or your loved one.
Yes, Avalon is a long-standing name in the funeral planning industry. They’re regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which means they must meet strict standards to protect customers. They also hold a strong Trustpilot rating and are recognised by independent reviewers such as Fairer Finance.
Avalon’s plans typically include:
Yes, you can cancel an Avalon plan. If you cancel within the first 30 days, you’ll receive a full refund. After that, a cancellation fee of £395 applies. This is different from some other providers, like Aura, who do not charge cancellation fees at any time.
Yes. Avalon’s funeral plans are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means your money is protected and must be held securely, either in a trust or through insurance. This regulation offers families peace of mind that their investment is safe.
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.