Whether you're looking for answers on arranging a funeral, our funeral plans, or you want to know more about us as a business, you'll find it here in our FAQ section. Or you can always contact us with any question you have and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Our FAQ section is based on questions we're often asked by our customers. If you're looking for questions related to a specific topic, you can use the buttons below 'Browse guidance by topic' then click Submit and you'll only be shown the FAQs from this section.
If there's something you can't find immediately, you can always contact us with your question and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
As part of the Westerleigh family, we have 42 crematoriums across mainland GB. If you do move home, just let us know. If you have chosen a funeral service, you can select a crematorium closer to your new location.
A direct cremation funeral plan lets you choose and pay for an unattended funeral ahead of time. Planning your own funeral protects your family from funeral costs and ensures your wishes are known for the type of funeral you'd like. If you know you'll be the one making funeral arrangements for someone else in future, you can take out a funeral plan for them for peace of mind.
When the time comes we'll carry out every part of the process and deliver the ashes to your family at no extra cost. Our funeral plans include cremation, fees, collection, care, return of the ashes and much more. For full details of what is and is not covered with our different funeral plan options, please read our price list and terms & conditions.
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.
Distinct Cremations give families a choice of attended funeral services and funeral plans.
Simplicity Cremations offer an attended funeral service for their funeral plans only. Their plan includes a simple 20-minute service, led by family and restricted to a maximum of 25 attendees.
With Distinct Cremations, families can choose either a 30- or 60-minute service at the crematorium. The service can be led by either a family member, friend or a professional celebrant and there are no limits to the number of loved ones who can attend the farewell. These funeral options are available both for a funeral now and a future funeral plan.
When the time comes to make arrangements, the funeral can be personalised with music, visual tributes, service stationery, flowers and more.
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.
Part of
Over 76,000 cremations a year
Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations carried out over 76,000 cremations in 2025.
