As it stands in the UK today, direct cremation is the cheapest funeral option available. The simple, no-fuss approach not only lowers costs for families, but also speaks to modern attitudes and priorities, allowing loved ones to grieve together in a way that’s personal and meaningful for them.
Distinct Cremations is proud to provide dignified direct cremations, offering affordable send-offs without compromising on quality and experience. As a key provider in the UK funeral market, we’ve got a good idea of all the key elements of the direct cremations process, including costs and features.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about direct cremation costs, what kind of cremation might be suitable for you, and what’s typically included in the cost.
According to the latest Cost of Dying report by SunLife, the average cost of a direct cremation in the UK is currently £1,498. This figure is significantly less than the cost of a traditional burial, £3,579 cheaper, with traditional burials averaging out at £5,077[1].
Considering the average price of a direct cremation, we did some research into the top direct cremation providers in the UK, to find out how the actual costs compare with the average.
| Distinct Cremations | Pure Cremations | Memoria | Co-op |
|---|---|---|---|
| £1,199 | £1,395 | £1,095 | £1,350 |
To discover what’s included in these costs, we compiled a comprehensive comparison of costs and features.
[1] Funeral costs by type taken from the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
Direct cremations offer a compassionate farewell, all whilst being more cost-effective than traditional funerals.
Here’s why direct cremation costs are lower than other types of funeral:
This lower price point offers the family flexibility in scheduling, allowing you to choose a time that suits your needs without incurring extra fees for specific dates or times.
On the whole, direct cremations provide a low cost alternative that prioritises simplicity, affordability, and respect, ensuring that families can focus on cherishing memories rather than financial worries.
At Distinct Cremations, we offer direct cremation services that prioritise simplicity and affordability, while paying tribute to your loved one's memory with dignity and respect, when you need it the most.
Pay upfront at a lower cost. Call us when the time comes and we'll conduct the funeral within 2 weeks.
Pay in monthly instalments over 1, 5 or 10 years. Call us when the time comes and we'll take care of the rest.
If you’re after all the financial savings of a direct cremation, but would like a number of guests to be able to attend, for the opportunity to pay their respects, there are options available to fulfil your wishes. As guests will be in attendance, the price of your cremation will rise, but will typically still cap off below the price of a traditional funeral.
The number of funeral plan options, attendee allowances, and service length will vary between each provider. For example, at Distinct Cremations, we offer 3 different types of funeral plans, from a standard direct cremation with no guests, to a celebrant-led funeral with an unrestricted number of attendees.
From £1,699
or £19.44* per month
Celebrate a life without the restrictions of a funeral
From £2,099
or £25.23** per month
Two simple service options for a family-led send off
From £2,999
or £28.45*** per month
A respectful cremation funeral led by a celebrant
* Price advertised is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £2,332.80 and includes administration fees. ** Price advertised is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £3,027.60 and includes administration fees. *** Price advertised is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £4,494.00 and includes administration fees.
For additional pricing information and a full list of our optional extras, please see our price list.
Our affordable funeral packages cover collection, mortuary care, cremation fees, a coffin, a basic ashes container, and more. Discover how our prices and our services compare to other industry leading providers in the UK.
Paying in advance for a funeral plan offers many benefits for both you and your loved ones. They provide peace of mind by allowing you to plan and pay for your own funeral in advance, relieving your family members of the financial burden and stress during an already difficult time.
By paying in advance, you can also financially protect yourself, or your loved ones, against the rising funeral costs. By locking in today's prices, you can avoid the impact of inflation on funeral expenses, ensuring that your wishes are carried out without additional financial strain on your family members.
Plus, prepaid funeral plans allow people to specify their preferences and make personalised arrangements for their funeral, ensuring that their wishes are respected and followed. This can include decisions regarding the type of service, burial or cremation, choice of casket or urn, and any special requests or cultural traditions.
Choosing a direct cremation can offer a compassionate and dignified farewell for a loved one. It provides a simple and respectful way to memorialise their memory without the financial burden or logistical complexities associated with traditional funerals.
Direct cremation allows families to focus on celebrating their loved one's life in a meaningful and personalised manner, without the pressure of planning elaborate ceremonies or costly services. It offers flexibility in scheduling and arrangements, ensuring that families can say goodbye in a way that feels authentic and true to their loved one's wishes.
By choosing a direct cremation, you can allocate your resources towards celebrating your loved one's memory in ways that are meaningful and impactful.
Learn more about the process of organising a funeral and how to make paying for a funeral as affordable as possible. If you need to arrange a funeral straight away, give our compassionate team a call on 01543 211997.
In order for a funeral to go ahead, there is some paperwork that needs to be filled out. If you know you will be arranging a funeral in the near future it can be useful to know what to expect.
See more about funeral documents
Our helpful and experienced team can help you arrange a respectful funeral without frills at a low cost. Get in touch with us for more information about our funeral services.
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The costs involved with paying for a funeral can vary depending on the type of funeral you choose, but the role of a funeral director or funeral provider is to guide you through the process.
Discover ways to payBelow are a selection of reviews from those who followed their instinct with Distinct and chose to buy a funeral with us.
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