Direct cremations are becoming more and more popular as a funeral option, providing a fuss-free and respectful way to say goodbye to a loved one after they’ve passed away. But what is a direct cremation? Unlike traditional funerals, which involve a ceremony or viewing before cremation, a direct cremation takes place without mourners or a formal service beforehand.
This option is on the rise in the UK for various reasons, such as simplicity, cost-effectiveness, or the wishes of the deceased or their family. It allows families to say goodbye in their own way, at a time and place that feels most comfortable for them.
The family may choose to have their own personal memorial service to commemorate their loved one at a meaningful location and time of their choosing, often using the urn as a centrepiece of the event.
Once the cremation is over, the ashes will then be scattered in the garden of remembrance, or put into an ashes container or urn and personally returned to the family of the deceased.
If you opt for a direct cremation with Distinct Cremations, the deceased will rest on the catafalque before the cremation takes place, and a piece of music requested by the family will be played. This will be respectfully observed by those present, and then the cremation will commence.
Here, we aim to provide all the information you need to know about direct cremations, whether you’re considering a funeral plan, or looking to arrange a funeral for a loved one.
A direct cremation differs from a traditional cremation in several ways, yet both approaches are handled with care and respect for your loved one.
Firstly, a traditional cremation typically involves a formal funeral service or viewing before the cremation takes place. A direct cremation does not have a service or viewing – instead, friends and family can celebrate in their own way.
Traditional cremations may also involve embalming and elaborate preparations of the body for the viewing or ceremony. However, in a direct cremation, embalming is typically not required, and the body is prepared simply and respectfully for cremation without the need for elaborate arrangements.
Another difference lies in the cost and logistics. Traditional cremations typically involve additional expenses associated with embalming, caskets, and funeral services. On the other hand, direct cremations are typically more cost-effective as they forego many of these traditional elements.
Whether you choose a traditional cremation with a formal service or a direct cremation without one, the staff involved will ensure that your loved one's final journey is handled with compassion and sensitivity. They understand the importance of this moment and are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
Here’s a summary of the key differences:
The contemporary, simple, fuss-free farewell - free of tradition. Here’s what a direct cremation with Distinct Cremations looks like:
* 69% saving is based on the cost of a basic funeral at £4,285 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/ funeral-costs) vs the cost of a Distinct Cremations direct cremation at £1,299.
A fixed format funeral, with a set service
Today, cremations account for 75% of funerals in the UK, with 25% of people choosing burial***. Why are cremations becoming more common? For many families, cremation is a more affordable, flexible, and straightforward option, which can be a relief during such a challenging time.
In terms of costs, cremations are typically less expensive than burials, which has made them a preferred choice for many. The simplicity and flexibility of cremation align well with the needs of today’s families.
***SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
The price of a direct cremation varies across providers. However, as the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, more and more people are opting for direct cremations over traditional funerals every year in the UK.
The average cost of a direct cremation in the UK in 2024 was £1,597, which is, on average, £2,688**** cheaper than a traditional funeral with a service. However, with Distinct Cremations, direct cremation costs start at just £1,299.
Direct cremation is the cheapest funeral option on the market, and, with various direct cremation plans and payment instalment options to choose from, the financial management of a direct cremation funeral plan is as easy as can be. For example, at Distinct Cremations, you have the option to pay for your funeral plan in a single payment, or in monthly instalments over 1 year, 5 years, or up to 10 years.
**** The average cost of a direct cremation in 2024 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
Direct cremations are typically an unattended event, however, modern direct cremation providers do offer various packages and plans to allow an allotted number of family and friends to attend a service after the cremation has taken place. This is referred to as an attended direct cremation.
For example, we offer attended cremations for either 30 or 60 minutes, with or without a celebrant, depending on what the family would prefer.
These options provide family and friends of the deceased an opportunity to witness the committal of the coffin, and experience a family-led service to remember your loved one in your own way. During this time, you may like to give a meaningful reading, have a few moments of quiet reflection or play a piece of music in honour of the deceased.
We can’t speak for all providers. However, we conducted some research across the top direct cremation providers in the UK to create a direct cremation comparison table of features, costs, and more.
To give you an idea of what’s included in a direct cremation with Distinct Cremations, here’s a brief overview:
- Collection of the deceased from a hospital or coroner's mortuary on weekdays in office hours
- Care at our state-of-the-art professional mortuary
- Preparation of the deceased for cremation
- Help with all legal and cremation paperwork
- 24/7 support from our customer service team
- Transport of the deceased via private ambulance
- A simple coffin
- Respectful and dignified cremation
- Ashes scattered in our crematorium remembrance gardens or personally hand delivered within 14 days
In a direct cremation, the process is handled with the utmost care and respect for your loved one. Here’s an overview of what to expect in 4 simple steps:
The process begins by transporting your loved one from the place of passing to our mortuary. Here, the necessary paperwork and legal requirements are completed with sensitivity and attention to detail.
Next, the body is respectfully prepared for cremation. This involves gentle cleaning and dressing, ensuring that your loved one is treated with dignity throughout the process. It's important to note that embalming is typically not required for a direct cremation, allowing the deceased to remain undisturbed.
When everything is ready, the body is placed in a simple coffin and introduced into the cremation chamber. The chamber, heated to a very high temperature, gently transforms the body into ashes.
After the cremation is complete, the ashes are carefully collected and placed in a temporary urn. From there, you and your family have the opportunity to decide how you would like to honour your loved one's memory. Whether through a memorial service, private scattering ceremony, or another meaningful tribute, you have the freedom to choose what feels most appropriate for you and your family.
At Distinct Cremations, we take care of all the arrangements. From arranging the direct cremation to making sure all your paperwork has been filled in correctly. From the collection of the deceased, right through to the scattering or hand-delivery of the ashes. And everything in between.
With expert guidance on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our customer service and funeral teams at Distinct Cremations will help with all your funeral arrangements as you need them, when you need them.
Funeral planning is never an easy task, but our team can help ease the load.
You can call us on 01543 211997 before a passing to give you and your loved ones time to prepare or you can call us when the time comes. All we need from you is some basic information to start getting your cremation arrangements in place.
Direct cremations have quickly become the most popular alternative to a traditional funeral, now being favoured by over 20% of the UK population[1].
Many people like having a direct cremation because they are the simplest way to have a funeral and because of the price, but there are also many more benefits to choosing a direct cremation over a traditional funeral.
^ SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
Direct cremations are the simplest way to have a funeral as they take place without mourners or a funeral service. It's also the most cost-effective way to have a funeral as it's on average 69% cheaper[2] than a traditional cremation with no need to pay for any additional funeral services than what is needed.
[2] 69% saving is based on the cost of a basic funeral at £4,285 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/ funeral-costs) vs the cost of a Distinct Cremations direct cremation at £1,299.
With a direct cremation, many people like to host a personal memorial service once the cremation has taken place. This can take place anywhere and at any time you would like.
This may be at the deceased's local pub, at a local sports club or a family home. The options are endless and they all contribute to creating a more personal, intimate and unique funeral experience.
A direct cremation is all about making the funeral process as stress free for the family of the deceased as possible. With Distinct Cremations, we take care of all organisation and logistics, and even help you with the obligatory legal paperwork.
This allows you to be with your nearest and dearest at the most difficult of times.
What happens during a direct cremation?
During a direct cremation, the body is respectfully cared for and then cremated, typically without embalming or elaborate preparations. During a direct cremation, the coffin will go through the front door of the chapel, will rest on the catafalque, and a moment of silence or a piece of music will be observed to create the most dignified and respectful send off. Afterwards, the family may choose to hold a memorial service or scattering ceremony to honour their loved one's memory in a way that feels meaningful to them.
With Distinct Cremations, every direct cremation is carried out with the utmost respect and each service takes place at one of our charming 42 crematoriums located throughout the UK mainland.
Who attends at a direct cremation?
At an unattended direct cremation, the coffin is rested in the chapel with a chapel attendant or funeral operative present. They will conduct the short service and cremation.
There is an option to have an attended, direct cremation, which includes a 30 or 60 minute service depending on the family's choice. Prices for this start at £1,899.
Do you need a coffin for a direct cremation?
Yes, an FFMA-approved coffin is mandatory to conduct a direct cremation at a Westerleigh Crematorium.
Some crematoriums in the UK will cremate the deceased with just a shroud, however, Distinct Cremations only use Westerleigh crematoriums and a simple coffin will be provided for every cremation.
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At Distinct Cremations, we provide non traditional funerals which are simple to arrange, affordable and delivered with care, dignity and respect. Prices start from just £1,299 if you need to arrange a funeral today.
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Over 74,000 cremations a year
Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations carried out over 74,000 cremations in 2024.
