main top home Company History Contact Us
main left main right
spacer
First Steps Coffins Fleet Vehicles Type of Service Memorials Flowers Pre-paid Plans Register Now Code of Practice
spacer
spacer spacer spacer
The most thoughtful decision you could make


How planning your funeral brings peace of mind

COMFORT, reassurance, freedom from worry and stress - these are benefits mentioned by almost everyone with a Golden Charter funeral plan. They're ordinary folk, just like you, perhaps, who have given some thought to the future.

More than 250,000 people in Great Britain have planned their funerals. Many, through losing loved ones, have known the grief of bereavement - and the distress of selecting the funeral arrangements, as well as the financial anxiety. Sometimes they worry about about how their sons, daughters or even grandchildren will cope at the time of their own funeral. Consideration for others is the most common benefit. For with Golden Charter you know that your loved ones will be spared much of the burden of bereavement. You'll have specified every detail of the funeral in advance, selected the funeral director and taken care of the costs.

A guarantee that defies inflation

No matter, how much funeral costs may rise in the future, neither you nor your loved ones will ever be asked for a penny more. Unless you change the arrangements, once you have paid for your Golden Charter plan, that's it. There are no membership charges, no hidden extras or loose ends.

In recent years funeral expenses have outstripped inflation, mainly because of rising cemetery and crematorium costs and fees to doctors and clergy. With Golden Charter you can fully cover these charges in advance, so there is nothing to pay at the time of need. Your plan is complete.

Financial Security

You can, be sure your money will always be secure. Your payment goes directly to the Golden Charter Trust, which holds the money for your funeral on behalf of participating funeral directors. This is why the funeral director is able to provide a legally binding contract, which guarantees that your funeral arrangements will be carried out exactly as you wish when required at no further costs.

The Trust Fund is a separate legal entity from Golden Charter.

In the unlikely event of something untoward affecting the company, the Fund would still continue indefinitely, until every plan had been carried out and payment made to the funeral director.

Freedom of choice

Golden Charter gives you the freedom to select any funeral director you wish.

Some Funeral planning companies may restrict your choice of funeral director. This could be distressing to the bereaved. It might mean having to travel some distance to a firm not known to the family. With Golden Charter you can be content in the knowledge that your wishes will be carried out by someone you know and trust. We are an independent, British owned and run company, as are the funeral directors who offer our services. There are around 2,000 such funeral directors across the country - local independent family firms, committed to upholding the traditional high standards and caring service that are hallmarks of the British funeral profession.

Choosing your plan

An introduction to the four Golden Charter plans, and how you can personalise any one.

Most people don't want to think about arranging their own funeral. That's natural. But there is some quiet satisfaction to be gained from putting your affairs in order and reflecting on the most appropriate arrangements. Many personal decisions have to be made. Your wishes are special - and with Golden Charter, you can decide exactly what you want. Although there are four plans, ranging from simple to the most comprehensive, you can make sure your personal requests are included in any one. Additional limousines, floral tributes and newspaper notices are common requests, but there's nothing to stop you from having something more elaborate. The Select Reserve option will make sure all your wishes are honoured.

Important Questions to ask before purchasing a pre-paid funeral plan
  • Does the funeral plan guarantee that my family or estate will never be asked for another penny?


    - Once your plan is paid for, there will be nothing more to pay for the selected arrangements unless you change the plan details.
  • Does the plan cover extra charges (Disbursements)?

    - Golden Charter gives you the freedom of choice to select any funeral director you want.
  • Can I select the funeral director I want?


    - Golden Charter gives you the freedom of choice to select any funeral director you want.
  • Is the company a member of the funeral Planning Council?

    - Golden Charter gives you the freedom of choice to select any funeral director you want.
  • Is all the money placed straight into separate Trust Fund?

    - Every penny that Golden Charter receives is placed into a Trust Fund that is a separate legal entity from the company.
  • Is the company a member of the Funeral Planning Council?

    - Golden Charter is a founding member of the FPC and adheres to its Code of conduct.
  • Does the company offer flexible payment terms, with 12 months interest free?

    - Golden Charter offers payment terms of up to 60 months, with payment within 12 months.
  • Does the company let me personalise the plan to my wishes?

    - Golden Charter's unique Select Reserve option allows you to personalise your plan.
  • Does the company have national coverage?

    - Golden Charter has Britain's largest funeral planning network with around 2,000 independent family funeral homes across the country.
  • Is the company British owned?

    - Golden Charter is an independent British company.
  • Does the company offer a full refund without deductions?

    - Golden Charter will give a full refund on request without any deductions.
Only golden Charter can answer Yes to all of these questions

spacer horese drawn
stand classic charter golden
This plan is for a simple funeral and provides:

  • The funeral director's services.
  • Attending to all necessary funeral arrangements.
  • Advice on the Certification and Registration of Death, and related documentation.
  • A simple coffin, suitable for burial or cremation.
  • Conveyance of the deceased from the place of death within mainland UK to a suitable resting place.
  • The care of the deceased prior to burial or cremation.
  • The provision of a hearse to a local cemetery or crematorium.
  • Confidential advice concerning social and personal matters.
  • Cremation. Burial where locally available.
  • A church service is available as a Select Reserve Option.
  • Viewing is also available as a Select Reserve Option.
This popular plan provides:

  • The funeral director's services.
  • Attending to all necessary funeral arrangements.
  • Advice on the Certification and Registration of Death and related documentation.
  • A superior veneered coffin, suitable for burial or cremation.
  • Conveyance of the deceased from the place of death within mainland UK to a suitable resting place.
  • The care of the deceased prior to burial or cremation.
  • The use of a chapel of rest, or rest rooms and service rooms, or the conveyance of the deceased to a suitable location for viewing arrangements.
  • The provision of a hearse and one limousine for the service at a local church, cremation or crematorium.
  • Confidential advice concerning social and personal matters.
  • Cremation. Burial where locally available.
  • Fees payable to doctors and clergy.
 This plan consists of a more detailed service and provides:

  • The funeral director's services.
  • Attending to all necessary funeral arrangements.
  • Advice on the Certification and Registration of Death and related documentation.
  • Provision of a solid wood coffin.
  • Conveyance of the deceased from the place of death within mainland UK to a suitable resting place.
  • The care of the deceased prior to burial or cremation.
  • The use of a chapel of rest, or rest rooms and service rooms, or the conveyance of the deceased to a suitable location for viewing arrangements.
  • The provision of a hearse and one limousine for the service at a local church, cemetery or crematorium.
  • A full listing of floral tributes.
  • Confidential advice concerning social and personal matters.
  • Cremation. Burial where locally available.
  • Fees payable to doctors and clergy.
 This is our most comprehensive plan and provides:

  • The Funeral director's services.
  • Attending to all necessary funeral arrangements.
  • Advice on the Certification and Registration of Death and related documentation.
  • A solid wood casket of the highest quality.
  • Conveyance of the deceased from the place of death within mainland UK to a suitable resting place.
  • The care of the deceased prior to burial or cremation.
  • The use of a chapel of rest, or rest rooms and service rooms, or the conveyance of the deceased to a suitable location for viewing arrangements.
  • The Provision of a hearse and two limousines for the service at a local church, cemetery or crematorium.
  • A full listing of floral tributes, together with complimentary Thank You cards.
  • Confidential advice concerning social and personal matters.
  • Cremation. Burial where locally available.
  • Fees payable to doctors and clergy.
For up to date prices and more information go to www.goldencharter.co.uk
   
   
   
spacer
spacer
spacer