The SNP is today calling for the establishment of an official regulator for the UK funeral industry.
Prices have escalated in recent years with the average Scottish funeral costing about £3,481 in 2014, according to the party.
This compares with £1,815 in 2005, representing a 92% rise, the SNP said.
Neil Gray, Airdrie and Shotts MP, said it was unacceptable that a family mourning the loss of a loved one should be put through the additional stress of having to work out how to pay for a funeral.
He added: “This is a source of misery for many individuals and families who suddenly find themselves having to handle expensive funeral costs.”
Mr Gray said funeral directors should be required to inform clients of their lowest-cost option so that people who may be unable to afford high fees are not pressured into a decision they cannot afford.
He added: “An official regulator for the industry – like there are for care home providers or paid carers – would level the playing field across the UK.
“It would allow families to deal with their grief rather than worrying if they can afford a funeral.”
The Scotland Bill, which is currently making its way through the House of Lords, gives Holyrood powers over the provision of assistance for meeting funeral expenses.
Once law, the Scottish Parliament will be able to determine the conditions of entitlement or to replace these types of benefits altogether.
Mr Gray said an SNP amendment, lodged during discussion of the legislation in the House of Commons but not accepted by the UK Government, would have handed Holyrood “better ability” to help.
A Scotland Office spokesman said: “The Scotland Bill gives the Scottish Parliament the power to legislate to provide financial assistance to meet or reduce maternity, funeral or heating expenses.
“The government brought forward an amendment at report stage in the House of Commons that also enables the Scottish Parliament to provide non-financial assistance in these areas, should it chose to do so.”
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “Our funeral payments provide an important safety net for families struggling to meet the cost of a funeral.
“In the past year, 32,000 applicants have been supported and the average payment has increased year-on-year.”