Pews And People At Funeral Service

A direct cremation can be defined in several ways. While some may argue that a direct cremation is an unattended cremation, others don't necessarily agree. Let us explain more below.

Attending a direct cremation

Direct cremation usually means an unattended cremation, but direct cremation providers often offer pared back and family-led services too. These may be referred to as attended direct cremation. Like a direct cremation, an attended direct cremation or small cremation service is simple and lower cost, but has the added benefit of being able to say goodbye to your loved one in person.

The difference between the two is that at an attended cremation, mourners can be present and a service will take place, whereas unattended takes place without mourners or a service.

But everything else is the same. The collection and the care for the deceased are all taken care of, so you can be with your nearest and dearest at the most difficult of times.

And there isn't too much difference between the price. Our unattended cremation starts from just £1,299 while our attended cremation starts from just £1,899.

How the process of a direct cremation works

A direct cremation is the simplest and least stressful way to have a funeral. For both an unattended cremation and an attended cremation, the process is just the same. There are no organisational tasks for the family, instead, the cremation provider takes care of everything.

At Distinct Cremations, we take care of every step of the direct cremation process, from collection to the cremation itself, right through to the return or scattering of the ashes.

This allows you to concentrate on being with your family at the most difficult time.

Before a passing or at the time of passing, you just need to give us a call and we'll begin getting things ready. All we need is some basic information to start getting your cremation arrangements in place.

Our caring team will collect the deceased from anywhere in the mainland UK, whether your loved one is at home, in a care home or at a hospital. The deceased will be then taken to our professional mortuary facilities before cremation.

We will prepare your loved one for cremation, bathe them and remove any artificial items We will then lay them to rest in the coffin, transport them to the crematorium and we will inform you of the date of cremation.

The cremation will take place at one of our 41 crematoriums in the UK. Whether you're having an unattended or attended cremation, the coffin is taken through the front door, rested on the catafalque while a song of your choice is played or a moment of silence is respected, then the cremation or service takes place.

The ashes will be personally delivered back to you within 14 days or scattered in the garden of remembrance upon request. You may then like to arrange a memorial service to commemorate the life of your loved one.

What's included in an unattended and attended direct cremation?

A direct cremation, whether it's an unattended or attended direct cremation, is the simplest way to have a funeral. There is no flashy procession or flashy cars. Instead, it's just a no fuss funeral.

You can view the key differences between an unattended or attended direct cremation below.

Direct Cremation Attended Cremation
Paperwork support & professional advice ✔️ ✔️
Washing & preparation of the deceased ✔️ ✔️
Option to view deceased
Choice of crematorium ✔️ !
Funeral procession
Funeral service with attendance of mourners ✔️
Return of ashes in ashes container or urn ✔️ ✔️

! Choice of 41 Westerleigh crematoriums

Direct Cremation

From £1,299

Our unattended cremation is a great choice for those looking for a simple, low-cost unattended cremation without a funeral ceremony. Unattended cremations take place with no service or mourners present at our high-quality crematoria where dignified care is guaranteed throughout.

Attended Cremation

From £1,899

Our attended cremation is perfect for those looking for a fuss-free farewell and a final chance to say goodbye. With our dignified and affordable attended cremations you have a choice of a 30 or a 60 minute funeral service depending on what you and your family would prefer.

Commemoration events for an unattended cremation

If a family member is having an unattended cremation, that doesn't mean you can't have a commemoration event of some kind.

Indeed, there are plenty of ways to commemorate a loved one either prior to the cremation or after it. Here are a few ideas.

Pre-Cremation

Family hugging 600x400

Some families like to hold a small gathering or informal ceremony before the cremation occurs. This gathering can provide an opportunity for loved ones to come together, share memories, offer support, and say their goodbyes. This can take place wherever the family feel comfortable.

Memorial Service

Group toasting a friend's memory

Many families opt to hold a memorial service after the cremation has taken place. This allows for a more flexible timeline, enabling family and friends to come together at a later date to honour the memory of the deceased. Memorial services can take various forms, from formal ceremonies in a place of worship to casual gatherings at a favourite location or even virtual events.

Virtual Attendance

Holding hands

In an age of digital connectivity, it's increasingly common for memorial services and gatherings to be streamed online, allowing friends and family members who are unable to attend in person to participate remotely. Virtual attendance can provide a sense of inclusion for those who are geographically distant or unable to travel.

Further ways to commemorate a loved one

You don't just have to have an event to commemorate the life of a loved one. There are numerous, thoughtful ways to commemorate their life.

Here are a couple of examples you may like to take inspiration from.

A memorial tribute

Condolences Book With Photo Of Deceased

You could design a memorial tribute that celebrates the life of your loved one. This could include compiling a photo album, creating a scrapbook, or assembling a digital slideshow featuring significant moments and milestones. Displaying this tribute in a prominent place can serve as a lasting reminder of their impact on your life.

Plant a memorial garden

Lady and child gardening

You may like to consider planting a tree, shrub, or garden in honour of your loved one. Choose a location that holds special significance, such as their favourite outdoor spot or a communal garden where others can appreciate the living memorial. Spending time in the garden can provide a sense of connection and comfort.

Donate to a cause

Coins In Gold Charity Funeral Collection Bowl

Making a charitable donation in honour of your loved one can be an appropriate and selfless way to commemorate a loved one. Choose a cause or organisation that held significance to them, whether it's a charity they supported, a cause they were passionate about, or a research foundation related to their illness. Making a positive impact in their memory can be a meaningful way to honour their legacy.

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What our customers say about us

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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Anonymous, on Feefo 15 Sep 2025
I cannot thank you enough for the care you took of my dad and the consideration you gave to our family. My dad passed suddenly and you helped us through the most difficult of times liaising with the various different agencies. We are so incredibly grateful. Dad was given dignity and we were treated with respect and compassion. Thank you so much.
Anonymous, on Feefo 14 Sep 2025
Excellent service, very professional and understanding. Explained everything and advised on the best options for my family. Would recommend. We chose a basic cremation as my husband wasnt religious and it was very respectful.
Claire Church, on Feefo 5 Sep 2025
The team at Distinct Cremations were incredible during such a difficult time for me. Grace looked after me through the whole process with expert knowledge, guidance and comforting support. She provided me with a celebrant who helped me with organising the service and he too looked after me with such kindness and compassion, giving me the confidence to help arrange a service that gave my husband a dignified send off full of warmth and love. I can't praise Distinct Cremations enough. And even after the funeral, Grace is still ringing me to make sure I'm ok
Anonymous, on Feefo 3 Sep 2025
All I asked for was done and completed by Nathan I have received all the necessary documents.
Tracy MacDonald, on Feefo 1 Sep 2025
The service we received from the beginning of this journey for our family, to receiving our dad's ashes was nothing but exemplary. Dad wanted a direct cremation with no fuss, just a celebration of life with his fanily. I couldn't recommend them enough.
M. Burley, on Trustpilot 29 Aug 2025
Very pleased to recommend this company. A difficult subject was made much easier to organise with the help of a very caring lady via a phone call. Within 30 minutes everything was arranged for my husband and I and the funeral plans arrived in the post a few days later. A follow up call a week later was also welcome , just to check all was correct in the plan.
Patricia Mckenna, on Trustpilot 29 Aug 2025
Excellent customer service. A couple of weeks ago I arranged mine and my husband's cremations with Distinct Cremations. It was a very easy process to do. A young lady called Leah, led my through the process with reasssurance, kindness and professionalism. All of my questions were answered fully, everything explained in detail and all of my requests were met. 10 days later I received a phone call to make sure the paper work had arrived, that everything was correct and to check if I had any further questions. Exemplary customer service. I would not hesitate to recommend Distinct Cremations to anyone wanting to plan their funerals at a very reasonable cost.
4.9/5
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4.9/5
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