Frequently Asked Questions

With Distinct Cremations, it will take approximately 2-4 weeks to arrange the funeral. This includes the completion of the necessary paperwork and the cremation itself. Once the cremation has taken place, the ashes can be scattered in the crematorium garden of remembrance or personally returned by our team within 14 days.

After the death of your loved one, you need to contact the register office and register the death within 5 days in England and Wales and within 8 days in Scotland. You'll need the cremation or burial certificate to start making the funeral arrangements. Using the help of a funeral provider like Distinct Cremations can speed up things as we are professionals and we can guide you through the process

Yes, you can pay for your funeral plan in 12 monthly instalments or over 5 or 10 years. Terms & conditions apply.

The Westerleigh Group are the parent company of Distinct Cremations. Together, we are one of the UK’s largest cremation providers. The Westerleigh Group have owned and managed a network of crematoria within the UK for over 30 years. We now operate 42 crematoriums.

Westerleigh Group has a strong emphasis on the environmental aspect of its work and has been measuring emissions and investing in the latest energy efficiency for some time. By 2032, Westerleigh Group has a target of reaching net zero carbon emissions by continuing to invest in the latest energy-efficient equipment and developing a significant programme of woodland tree planting.

Westerleigh Group’s crematoriums also have extensive and beautiful grounds and offer a unique opportunity to respond to the current biodiversity crisis and offset residual carbon.

If you would like to arrange a direct cremation in [location] for yourself in the future or you know you will be responsible for planning someone else's funeral, you can also arrange a direct cremation in advance with a direct cremation funeral plan. As well as providing direct cremation services at the time of need, we also offer the option to set up a Direct Cremation Plan.

Absolutely. If you have chosen a service at the crematorium, you can add music or readings of your choice. Some people like to ask for donations to a preferred charity rather than flowers. We can also help with additional items including printed orders of service or In Memory Pins as keepsakes for mourners.

When a direct cremation is chosen, family and loved ones often choose to hold a celebration of life at a location that is meaningful to them; a walk along a favourite route, a family meal where memories can be shared.
Your funeral plan includes the essential elements to carry out the funeral, but you’re welcome to add your own personal touches.

A [location] direct cremation is an unattended cremation without a conventional funeral service. Choosing a direct cremation funeral gives you the freedom to hold a celebration of your loved one's life at a place which has personal significance and takes away the time pressure so you can plan a memorial in exactly the way you would like.

Some alternatives to a traditional funeral are taking a walk to scatter ashes, having a family meal, holding an event at home or at a local venue or something to reflect your loved one's unique hobbies and interests.

While we can’t arrange the celebration for you we can provide funeral guidance if needed.

Yes, you can arrange your own direct cremation funeral with a direct cremation funeral plan. Our Direct Cremation Plan includes everything needed for a respectful unattended cremation. The plan also includes the return of the ashes so that your family has the option to hold a memorial event separate to the cremation itself.