Frequently Asked Questions

All of our ashes are returned in a simple biodegradable container. For an additional cost, this can be upgraded to a casket or urn to keep, bury or scatter the ashes. Call us on 01543 211997 to discuss the options available.

Our cremation plans guarantee your acceptance, with no medical questions or additional costs for the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions. However, for cremation plans payable over 5 or 10 years we incur additional administration expenses for collecting the monthly instalments and for the purchase and administration of a “whole of life” policy from Scottish Friendly - an authorised and regulated insurance provider.

You need to be over the age of 18 to take out a funeral plan. For 5 & 10 year instalment plans you must be aged between 50 & 74 when you purchase your funeral plan.

In the unlikely event that Distinct Cremations stops trading, we are required to work closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) to transfer your plan to another funeral plan provider or arrange compensation.

You can find more information on the FSCS's website.

Direct cremation includes a respectful cremation but does not include a funeral service with mourners present. We take care of all aspects of our direct cremation services including:

• Collecting your loved one in our private ambulances
• Caring for them at our mortuary
• Supporting you with the paperwork required
• Arranging the cremation itself at one of our parent-company Westerleigh Group crematoriums
• Scattering the ashes at the crematorium

Prices to arrange our Direct Cremation for someone who has died start from £1,350. Or if you'd like to pre-plan and pay for a funeral for yourself or someone else ahead of time we also offer our Direct Cremation Plan from just £1,999.

Our direct cremation starts from just £1,350, which is 70%** cheaper than a traditional cremation.

** 70% saving is based on the cost of a traditional funeral at £4,510 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026, sunlife.co.uk/ funeral-costs) vs the cost of a Distinct Cremations direct cremation at £1,350.

The cost of a funeral plan can vary widely depending on the type of service you choose, the provider, and the specific options included.

A Distinct Cremation plan offers a more budget-friendly alternative to traditional funeral plans, with complete transparency and no hidden fees. Locking in a plan at today's rates ensures you and your family are safeguarded against future price hikes and inflation.

If you're unsure, you might want to contact a few providers directly for quotes based on your specific preferences.

Our Funeral Service includes a celebrant from our network of service leaders. We will speak to you about your preferences and then find you a celebrant that meets your needs.

You can also choose to use a specific celebrant you already have a connection with. However, if they charge more than the fee we provide for celebrant services, there may be additional fees to pay directly to the celebrant.