Direct cremations and low cost funerals

With Distinct Cremations, it will take approximately 2-4 weeks to arrange the funeral. This includes the completion of the necessary paperwork and the cremation itself. Once the cremation has taken place, the ashes will be personally returned by our team within 14 days.

Our direct cremations are unattended cremations which take place without mourners present. However, we do offer a choice of small attended cremations where up to 8 mourners can attend a 10 minute service or up to 20 mourners can attend a 20 minute service.

Many people struggle to afford a funeral because of the rising funeral costs. If you’re arranging the funeral of a loved one and you think you can’t afford it, check if you’re eligible for Government assistance via a Funeral Expenses Payment in England & Wales or check your eligibility and apply for a Funeral Support Payment in Scotland.

We provide a simple light oak style coffin.

This can be upgraded to an environmentally friendly coffin made using recycled and recovered wood as part of our Go Greener add on.

You can, and it can make things easier and less stressful for when the time comes. If a loved one is suffering from a life limiting ailment, the dying person may want to be involved in their own funeral arrangements. Or a funeral can be planned when you're healthy with a funeral plan. We're happy to talk through your options 24/7 on 01543 211997.

The cheapest way to be cremated in the UK is with a direct cremation which takes place without a funeral service or mourners in attendance and starts from just £1,399 with Distinct Cremations if you need a funeral today.

The documents needed for a direct cremation include:

• The medical certificate of cause of death
• Death certificate/green form from the registry office
• Completed cremation forms

In case of a coroner's involvement, additional forms may be required. Approval by a medical professional is needed for the cremation to proceed. For more detailed information, see our guide on the documents you need to arrange a funeral.

Our unattended cremation service starts from just £1,399, which is 66%** cheaper than a traditional cremation.

** 66% saving is based on the cost of a basic funeral at £4,141 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/ funeral-costs) vs the cost of a Distinct Cremations direct cremation at £1,399.

Direct cremations are simpler and more affordable than traditional funerals. Choosing not to have an attended funeral avoids the cost and fuss of a funeral procession and service. Instead, a separate memorial can be arranged at a more personal venue.

A cremation without mourners present suits those who'd like to minimise funeral costs, avoid the confines of tradition or keep the send-off as straightforward as possible. Choose a no-fuss cremation conducted with the utmost professionalism.

At Distinct Cremations, we offer cost-effective direct cremation and attended cremation services, without cutting any corners. Respectful care for your loved one is prioritised throughout.

We deliver all of the services ourselves including transport, care at our mortuary, cremation at one of our crematoriums and the return of the ashes. Our caring team is there to offer support throughout with both paperwork and making the arrangements.

As part of the Westerleigh Group, we are one of the UK’s largest cremation service providers. We have 40 crematoriums nationwide and facilitate over 70,000 each year.

Direct cremations are a dignified and simple way to say farewell without the pressures and costs of a traditional funeral. They involve cremating the body without a ceremony or mourners present and provide you and your family with the flexibility to commemorate your loved one's life in your own time and manner.

This allows for a personal and meaningful celebration or wake at a place and time of your choosing. Cost-effective and straightforward, direct cremations offer a less stressful alternative, enabling you to honour the deceased in a way that feels right for you, surrounded by comfort and support.

At Distinct Cremations, we care for your loved one at each step of the cremation process. We swiftly and safely transport them to our state-of-the-art mortuary and offer round-the-clock guidance to help you with the necessary forms. At the cremation, your loved one's coffin is taken through the chapel while your chosen song is played. Afterwards, we can return the ashes to you or scatter them in our garden of remembrance.

No matter where you are in Great Britain, our friendly and experienced team can help arrange a direct cremation near you. We will collect your loved one, bring them into our care, carry out the cremation and personally hand deliver the ashes to you within 14 days, all whilst maintaining that human touch enveloped with compassion. To find out more information about our direct cremation services near you, head to our locations page or give us a call on 01543 212000. Our lines are open 24/7.