Frequently Asked Questions

When you die, your family should first notify your local registry office so they’re aware that a death has happened.

A direct cremation is a simple unattended cremation. Having a cremation without a funeral service reduces the costs and stress associated with arranging a traditional funeral.

Direct cremation allows for a separation between the cremation and how you choose to say goodbye to your loved one.

To simplify arrangements, all of the aspects of the direct cremation can be left to us. Get in touch to arrange a direct cremation with Distinct Cremations.

The choice is entirely yours. It's not uncommon for people to divide the ashes of the deceased between their loved ones, so that everyone can have a reminder of them.

There are many benefits to choosing a direct cremation. Direct cremations offer a respectful, uncomplicated cremation with no attendees present.

These are a few of the key benefits:

• Families have flexibility over the farewell process so a loved one's life can be remembered in a personal and unique way.
• Direct cremations are a cost-effective alternative to traditional funerals, allowing families to invest more in the farewell event with the money saved or prioritise their finances elsewhere.
• Families of faith can hold a separate spiritual service instead of a traditional funeral.
• A celebration of life event can be postponed until a later date when everyone involved is emotionally ready.
• Busy and geographically scattered families have additional time to coordinate a gathering.

78% of Westerleigh Group’s crematoriums have mercury abatement technology installed which reduces air pollution. 27% of crematoriums have both mercury abatement technology and nitrogen oxide (NOx) filtration. These crematoriums are:

• Babworth Crematorium
• Mercia Forest Crematorium
• New Forest Crematorium
• North Wiltshire Crematorium
• Sirhowy Valley Crematorium
• Stirlingshire Crematorium
• The Vale Crematorium
• Waseley Hills Cemetery & Crematorium
• Arun Crematorium
• Herne Bay Crematorium
• Bishopsbriggs Crematorium

Installing nitrogen oxide (NOx) filtration and mercury abatement is a programme Westerleigh Group intends to continue and accelerate over the coming years. By 2032, all crematoriums in our network will have the same environmental credentials as those listed here. Keep checking back as we add more crematoriums to the list.

It typically takes between one and two weeks for the funeral to take place, although this time can increase if there are outstanding factors such as the need for an inquest. Funerals may also be delayed if there's limited availability at the crematorium.

A direct cremation is a simple fuss-free cremation without a funeral service. Having no mourners attend the cremation reduces the costs and stress of arranging a traditional funeral.

For many, a direct cremation allows them to separate the cremation from the celebration of the deceased’s life, allowing them a dignified opportunity to say goodbye in a way that better suits them.

At Distinct Cremations, we handle all the direct cremation arrangements including collecting your loved one, caring for them in our mortuary and carrying out the cremation itself.

Upon arranging a funeral, once you’ve agreed the type of service that you’d like, one of our Customer Service Specialists will take the payment in full, which can be made by credit or debit card.

For those planning ahead, we offer funeral plans that can be paid for upfront or in monthly instalments, allowing you to arrange and pay for your funeral in advance.