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The affordability of fuss free funerals

- 05/06/24

The enduring popularity of direct cremation funerals

With the price of a direct cremation falling for the third year running, we believe the trend for simpler, low-cost funerals is here to stay.

"More than half of our funeral plan customers are now choosing the option where there is no funeral service, and no family or friends present," said our Chief Marketing Officer, Mark Hull.

“The trend for direct cremations is increasing year on year with families increasingly choosing a lower cost farewell that is less stressful and more readily personalised.

“The average cost of direct cremations has dropped once again and is now at £1,628.* This makes direct cremation the only funeral type that costs almost the same as in 2022.

“It comes at a time when a record number of families struggle with funeral charges as high inflation increased prices and many are falling into debt to cover the cost.”

The annual SunLife Cost of Dying report found the average cost of a funeral, including either cremation or burial, a coffin, limo, and all undertaker fees, is now £4,510.**

Many people choose a simpler direct cremation to save money and also see it as an option to ease stress at an emotional time.

* The average cost of direct cremation in 2023 was £1,628 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs) ** The average cost of a basic funeral in 2023 was £4,510 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)

Direct cremation funeral plans

“The growth of simpler, low-cost direct cremations can really be seen by the number of people choosing a direct cremation in advance through pre-paid funeral plans.

“The funeral plan market – strictly regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) since new legislation came into force in 2022 – is now growing again.

“Plan providers now operate to much higher standards with far tighter financial controls and people are now protected by the FCA’s compensation scheme, which gives peace of mind.”

David Bowie famously opted for a direct cremation because he wanted to “go without any fuss”, before his ashes were scattered in Bali, Indonesia.

Mark points people to the FCA who have a list of regulated plan providers and the National Association of Funeral Plan Providers which only regulated plan providers can join. 

Related topics

Funeral industry Direct cremation

Other useful resources

Our direct cremation services are available either for a loved one who's died or pre-paid in advance with a funeral plan.

Find out more about our services below or call our experienced Customer Service Specialists on 01543211997.

Direct Cremation services

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Our unattended direct cremations are fuss free and low cost. All of our services from collection to cremation are delivered by our teams so you know exactly who's caring for your loved one.

Direct Cremation

Direct Cremation Plan

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Pay for a direct cremation ahead of time with our Direct Cremation Plan. The funeral plan includes all of our direct cremation services and can be paid for upfront or over 1, 5 or 10 years.

Direct Cremation Plan

How our direct cremations work

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Find out more about how we look after the deceased in our care. We respect your loved one's dignity and pay attention to the finest details at every stage.

Steps involved in a direct cremation
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Cremations for low cost farewells

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Over 76,000 cremations a year

Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations carried out over 76,000 cremations in 2025.

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Distinct Cremations office: Oak Tree Court, Brookfield Drive, Cannock, WS11 0JN

‘Distinct Cremations’ is a trading style of Distinct Funeral Plans Limited (DPFL) and Distinct Cremations Limited (DCL). DFPL is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 965289. DCL provides ‘at need’ funeral and cremation services and is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Both companies are registered in England. DFPL No. 13366327 and DCL No. 13366310. Registered office: Head Office Westerleigh Crematorium, Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh, Bristol, BS37 8QP. Part of the Westerleigh Group.

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