If you're looking to arrange a funeral, we have provided helpful guides, checklists and advice from our experts below.
This FAQ section is based on questions we're often asked by our customers about arranging a funeral.
If there's something you can't find immediately, you can always contact us with your question and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Yes – many wakes are now held after the funeral has taken place, allowing people to come together to celebrate the life of the deceased.
Yes, as long you are over 18 you can take out a prepaid funeral plan for a direct cremation. A prepaid direct cremation plan is an agreement set up between you and your funeral provider. The funeral can be chosen and paid for in advance, providing a straightforward way to organise your future and ensuring a direct cremation for you when the time comes.
At Distinct Cremations, we ask no medical questions and there are no screenings. You can see more on our funeral plans page.
The average cost of a funeral in the UK is now £4,285^[1]^. Our funeral plans start from as little as £1,899 or from just £1,199 if you need to arrange a funeral today or in the very near future.
^[1]^ SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
If you’ve chosen a Funeral Service, you’ll be able to pick which of our crematoriums your funeral will take place at. A Direct Cremation or Funeral Service will take place in your region (where possible). We recommend you let your family and friends know of your plans in advance if you’re having a Funeral Service at one of our crematoria.
Our crematoriums feature state-of-the-art downloadable music systems, allowing us to play any piece of music you want as long as it's been commercially recorded and released.
A direct cremation is a simple cremation without a funeral service and all the additional expenses such as flowers. However, the family can make arrangements for flowers to be delivered to the crematorium directly should they wish.
A direct cremation is a worry-free, affordable alternative to a traditional cremation, without a procession, service, mourners and viewing of the deceased. Though the cremation is unattended, the deceased is still treated with the highest level of care from beginning to end. A direct cremation is also the least expensive funeral option costing just £1,199 with Distinct Cremations. A traditional cremation on average costs £3,980.*
* The average cost of cremation in 2024 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
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.
We offer the highest level of support, but don't just take our word for it. Below are recent reviews from customers who bought a funeral with us.
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.
