Frequently Asked Questions

At Distinct Cremations, we offer both direct and Funeral Service plans delivered with dignity and care.

Our funeral plans include every aspect of the cremation arrangements so when the time comes there will be nothing more for your family to pay. We deliver all of the services ourselves including transport, care at our mortuary, cremation at one of our crematoriums and the return of the ashes. Our caring team is there to offer support throughout with both paperwork and making the arrangements.

Yes – many wakes are now held after the funeral has taken place, allowing people to come together to celebrate the life of the deceased.

No - We can’t send ashes overseas directly, however we can help you to make the arrangements to do so yourself.

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.

After confirming the death, a hospital doctor will issue a vital medical certificate detailing the cause, essential for legal procedures. Enclosed in a sealed envelope, it's addressed to the local register office of births, deaths, and marriages. You can usually retrieve this certificate from the hospital's bereavement office or the deceased's GP, along with guidance on death registration procedures.

The documents needed for a direct cremation include:

• The medical certificate of cause of death
• Death certificate/green form from the registry office
• Completed cremation forms

In case of a coroner's involvement, additional forms may be required. Approval by a medical professional is needed for the cremation to proceed. For more detailed information, see our guide on the documents you need to arrange a funeral.

For some, the lower cost of an unattended funeral makes it a more affordable or attractive option. Others simply prefer to have a more low-key send off. Or for people who don't want to follow traditions, an unattended cremation gives families the freedom to hold a personal and unique celebration of life event. See our celebration of life ideas for inspiration around locations, themes, dress codes and more.

Unattended direct cremation plans are the cheapest funeral package on the market in the UK. For example, our unattended direct cremation plan starts at £1,999 with the option to pay in a single payment, over 12 months, 5 years or 10 years.