Types of funerals
There are many different types of funeral available, from direct cremations to traditional funerals. Take a look below at the types of funeral services available in the UK today, and the funeral types we offer at Distinct Cremations.
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Funerals no longer have to be traditional affairs. In 2025, you and your loved ones have the opportunity to say goodbye in whichever way you please by choosing a type of funeral that suits your family. While traditional funerals remain the most popular, direct cremations have risen in popularity in recent years, with 20% of the UK population choosing this option in 2024.*
* SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
** 69% saving is based on the cost of a basic funeral at £4,285 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/ funeral-costs) vs the cost of a Distinct Cremations direct cremation at £1,299.
Traditional funerals
Traditional funerals remain the most common option. These include a 30 or 60 minute personal service, usually led by family or a celebrant, and may include additional features.
Direct cremations
A direct cremation is a simple cremation that is usually unattended without any mourners present and on average is 69%** cheaper than a traditional cremation funeral.
Green funerals
There are also the emerging eco options, like woodland burials and eco burials. Currently these don’t have a widespread availability, but they are rising in popularity in the UK.
| Non-traditional funeral | Traditional funeral | Green funeral | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service style | Flexible, informal | Formal, structured | Eco-friendly, minimalistic |
| Venue | Any location | Chapel or Church | Natural burial site |
| Attire | Your choice | Formal | Your choice |
| Tone | Personal and unique | Traditional and solemn | Nature-focused and serene |
| Cost | Often lower | High | Often moderate, can be high |
| Planning | Highly customisable | Structured, requires professional help | Flexible, but requires professional help |
| Environmental impact | Depends on choice | High | Minimal |
| Cultural fit | Great for individual expression | Aligns with tradition | Appeals to eco-conscious values |
| Service style | Venue | Attire | Tone | Cost | Planning | Environmental impact | Cultural fit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-traditional funeral | Flexible, informal | Any location | Your choice | Personal and unique | Often lower | Highly customisable | Depends on choice | Great for individual expression |
| Traditional funeral | Formal, structured | Chapel or Church | Formal | Traditional and solemn | High | Structured, requires professional help | High | Aligns with tradition |
| Green funeral | Eco-friendly, minimalistic | Natural burial site | Your choice | Nature-focused and serene | Often moderate, can be high | Flexible, but requires professional help | Minimal | Appeals to eco-conscious values |
Non traditional funerals
Step away from convention with a non-traditional funeral, and have a dignified farewell that reflects the personality, beliefs, and passions of your loved one. With a non-traditional funeral, you choose the location, tone and style of service that feels right - from a casual gathering in a favourite spot, an intimate ceremony with close family, or a themed celebration.
More people are choosing to honour the uniqueness of the individual with an appropriate goodbye that's truly personal to them. Below are some alternative funerals that allow you and your loved ones to celebrate life with a personalised and memorable goodbye.
Direct cremation
What is a direct cremation? Often referred to as an unattended cremation, direct cremations are a pared-back cremation without a service or mourners.
Families instead prefer to hold a celebration of life or more personalised service at a time and place that suits them.
The popularity of direct cremations has risen significantly over the last five years, as they become a widely accepted alternative to traditional funerals, partly due to their affordability, simplicity, and flexibility.
Attended cremation
Some direct cremation providers offer smaller family-led services. These may be referred to as attended direct cremation.
Like a direct cremation, these are simple and lower cost, but have the added benefit being able to say goodbye to your loved one at the crematorium, without the structure of a full service.
This option is an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between simplicity and the need for a physical goodbye.
Direct burial
A direct burial, like a direct cremation, has no service or mourners, the difference being that the body is buried in the ground.
Direct burials are more expensive than direct cremations, requiring the purchase of a physical plot of land and memorial plaque, but this provides a permanent place of remembrance for families to visit.
This option may appeal to those who prefer the idea of a traditional burial but wish to keep the process simple, private, and free from formal ceremonies.
Traditional funerals
Traditional funerals are still favoured by the majority of people in the UK. A traditional funeral usually has a fixed format and can last anywhere between 20-50 minutes. Hearses and limousines are usually included within a traditional funeral, as is help and coordination from a funeral director.
Here are three common traditional funeral options:
Traditional cremation
A traditional cremation includes a service, open to as many people as the crematorium can hold.
These are more formal than a direct cremation, but also more expensive, as the family can choose to add more elements such as flowers and a procession with hearse and limousines. The service will typically include eulogies and music.
Traditional burial
A traditional burial usually includes a service led by a religious or secular officiant, and a procession. The deceased is placed in the ground at a gravesite with a headstone, and therefore is often more expensive.
Families can include personal touches such as floral tributes and the lowering of the coffin. The burial site provides a physical memorial that can be visited by family and friends.
Religious funeral
A religious funeral is presided over by a religious leader to guide the mourners through the service, which could be a burial or a cremation.
Much of what takes place at a religious funeral depends on the family or the deceased's faith, and will include specific rituals, prayers, and hymns that are meaningful within the chosen religious tradition.
Green funerals
Though green funerals are still not widely available in every county in the UK, there is a growing appetite for a more environmentally friendly farewell as people become more conscious of their carbon footprint.
Below are a few ways people are having green funerals in the UK:
Woodland burial
A woodland burial is an environmentally friendly way of laying the body in the ground by using a biodegradable coffin or casket. They come with the option of a ceremony or procession.
The perfect choice for an environmentally conscious, traditional farewell, these aren't available nationwide so it's worth looking to see if they're available in your area before choosing this option.
Tree pod burial
A tree pod burial allows the deceased to be buried in the foetal position in a biodegradable pod. The pod is then buried with a tree planted above acting like a headstone.
A tree pod burial is the most eco-friendly way to be buried or cremated, but unfortunately it isn't available in the UK right now.
Water cremation
A water cremation isn't currently offered in the UK but is likely to become available soon. Popular in other parts of the world, with a water cremation the body is placed in a pressurised tank and pressed into powder.
It's a very eco-friendly way to be cremated, however it can be costly.
Memorials and ways to remember a loved one after the funeral
At Distinct Cremations, we understand the profound impact of saying goodbye to a loved one.
The funeral ceremony often feels like a significant milestone, however the journey of remembrance extends beyond that. Choosing a meaningful way to honour and cherish memories is a personal and significant decision.
Many families like to have a memorial service at a place special to the deceased or have something created to remember them by. A custom piece of jewellery made in a loved one's honour is a memorial that offers a tangible connection to your loved one.
Mercia Forest Crematorium
Some additional ways to memorialise your loved one include:
Planting a memorial tree
A living tribute that can grow and flourish, creating a lasting connection to nature.
Creating a memory book
Collect photos, mementoes, and stories to honour their life and preserve their memory for future generations.
Establishing a charitable fund
Donate to a cause that was important to your loved one, creating a legacy that continues their impact in the world.
Commissioning artwork or a sculpture
A personalised, creative tribute to keep their memory alive in a space that was meaningful to them.
Personalised jewellery
A locket, bracelet, or ring made with a piece of their ashes or a custom engraving, offering a physical and personal connection.
Funeral types with Distinct Cremations
We pride ourselves on providing low cost funerals that provide simplicity and dignity at an affordable price.
Our direct cremation option is ideal for those who wish to keep things simple and cost-effective. If you do prefer something that combines flexibility with a more traditional feel, our funeral service options offer a 30 or 60-minute service.
We've provided some information below for those looking for a Non-Religious Funeral or a choice between Direct vs Traditional Cremation.
What to expect when you arrange a funeral with us
1. You call us
Call us 24/7 to make your funeral arrangements. Our caring team will lead you through the initial steps.
2. We bring into our care
We transport your loved one to our professional mortuary via private ambulance and prepare them for cremation.
3. Funeral arrangements
Whilst your loved one is cared for, we support with all the necessary paperwork and practical arrangements.
4. Cremation takes place
Your loved one is taken to one of our 41 crematoriums across mainland Great Britain for a dignified send off.
5. Ashes are returned
The ashes can be scattered at the crematorium or personally returned within 14 days.
Arrange a funeral today
Whether you want to arrange a funeral today, are interested in affordable prepaid funeral plans, or looking for a direct cremation, our customer service specialists are here for you 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.
Other helpful resources
We understand that it can be difficult to know where to start making arrangements for someone who has died. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Explore our guidance to learn more about your options and what's involved.
Arrange a funeral
At Distinct Cremations, we provide no fuss cremations and cheap cremations which are simple to arrange, affordable and delivered with care, dignity and respect.
Funeral plans
A prepaid funeral plan gives you peace of mind knowing that funeral costs are covered. Acceptance is guaranteed with no medical questions, and plans start from just £1,899.
How it works
We guide you through the steps of a low-cost cremation, from bringing the deceased into our care to the scattering or delivery of the ashes, while keeping you in touch each step of the way.
Our reviews
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