There are many people out there who don't want a lot of fuss when they die and don't even want a funeral at all. So that begs the question, by law, in the UK, do you have to have a funeral? And if not, what are the options? We'll explore more in this article.
The short answer is: no. By law in the UK, there is no legal obligation to have a funeral. However, when somebody dies, the body must be disposed of either by being buried, cremated or donated to medical science.
By definition a funeral is "a ceremony or service held shortly after a person's death, usually including the person's burial or cremation." However, not everyone wishes for a formal funeral ceremony. Alternatively, you may wish to arrange a direct cremation.
Direct cremation is a simple, no-fuss alternative to traditional funerals. It involves the collection and cremation of the deceased without a preceding funeral service. The ashes are then returned to the family or scattered at the crematorium.
A celebration of life or memorial can still take place, but this happens separately from the cremation at a time and place of the family’s choosing. This provides the flexibility to remember a loved one in a way that’s personal and meaningful to them.
Though it's a pared-back service compared to a traditional funeral, the deceased is still treated with the same compassion and care you would expect any funeral provider to supply. Additionally, a direct cremation is the cheapest way to be cremated or buried and prices start with Distinct Cremations from just £1,299.
When someone dies, there are a number of legal requirements or processes that must be adhered to in the UK, even if you don't want to have a funeral.
Here is a handy checklist which details exactly what you need to do when someone dies.
We have created a free checklist for you to download which lets you know exactly what you need to do when someone dies.
The decision to have a funeral may depend on a number of factors. This could be a cultural or religious consideration, personal preference, practical reasons or financial reasons.
Here are some reasons why you might have a funeral and reasons why you might choose not to
While some may opt for alternatives, there are several reasons why people choose to have a traditional funeral:
Common reasons to have a funeral:
Conversely, there are valid reasons for choosing not to have a funeral:
Common reasons not to have a funeral:
If you choose not to have a funeral, you can choose alternatives that offer flexibility and cost savings. Common options include direct cremation, where the deceased is cremated without a service or attended cremation with a small, intimate service led by the family.
Here are a few alternatives you may like to consider if you or your loved one aren't interested in having a traditional funeral.
An unattended cremation or direct cremation, now favoured by 20% of the UK population*, has quickly become the most popular alternative. They take place without mourners or a funeral service. After the cremation the family has the option to host a memorial service.
Many like the idea of an unattended cremation because it allows the family to have a memorial service which is separate from the cremation itself.
* SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
More about unattended cremation
A small or private attended cremation, sometimes referred to as a family-led funeral, is a funeral with a small attended service designed and guided by the family of the deceased, without a celebrant or religious minister. The choice of how the service looks is entirely with the family.
A small, attended cremation or family-led funeral is an intimate affair usually favoured by those looking to say farewell in a straightforward way. There is no procession and the service can be as traditional or non-traditional as the family wants.
More about attended cremations
Natural burials are a type of green funeral which are fast becoming a popular alternative funeral choice as people become more environmentally aware. A natural burial, occasionally referred to as a woodland burial or green burial, is where the deceased is buried at a green burial site in a natural coffin or shroud.
A green burial site is often in a forest, meadow or wooded area. Currently in the UK, these aren’t especially common. However they are increasing in availability as demand increases.
Choosing a simple, no fuss funeral instead of a traditional cremation lets you celebrate a loved one’s life however you wish, with less stress and no fuss.
You can see the key differences between a simple, no fuss funeral and a traditional funeral in more detail below.
The contemporary, simple, fuss-free farewell, free of tradition
** 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
A fixed format funeral, with a set service
Whether you're wanting to arrange a funeral today, interested in funeral plans, or looking for something else, our customer service specialists are here for you 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.
Call on 01543 211997Below are a few more resources that you may be interested in.
It is possible to organise a funeral yourself without a funeral director. If you choose to arrange a funeral without a funeral director, there are a number of key elements that you’ll need to take into consideration.
Do you have to use a funeral director?
At Distinct Cremations, we provide no fuss funerals which are simple to arrange, affordable and delivered with care, dignity and respect. Prices start from just £1,299 if you need to arrange a funeral today.
Arrange a funeralWhat is the cost difference between a traditional funeral and a direct cremation?
A traditional funeral in the UK costs around £4,285 on average[1]. In comparison, a direct cremation is much cheaper, starting from just £1,299 with Distinct Cremations. Direct cremation involves cremating the deceased without a funeral service beforehand, which reduces the overall cost significantly.
[1] SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
Is it necessary to have a traditional funeral director?
No, you don't have to have a funeral director. While they can help with the arrangements and paperwork, you can choose to organise the funeral yourself. This means handling the necessary documents, transporting the body, and coordinating with the crematorium or burial site on your own.
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.
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Over 74,000 cremations a year
Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations carried out over 74,000 cremations in 2024.
