Wallet On Wooden Table

Choosing a low cost funeral can help relieve the financial pressure of making funeral arrangements.

At Distinct Cremations, we specialise in pared-back, simple funerals. Give our compassionate team a call if you'd like more information about our low cost funeral services.

A low cost funeral could be the best choice for you if you don't have the finances available to pay for an extravagant send-off or you know your loved one wanted you to prioritise your money elsewhere. Many people would rather their money go to their family to support them financially rather than go towards funeral costs.

In 2023, the average funeral cost in the UK was £4,141.+ For those who don't have this to spend or would rather not pay that much, low cost funerals like small intimate services or direct cremations offer respectful and dignified send-offs for much less.

+ The average cost of a basic funeral in 2023 was £4,141 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)

How to have a low cost funeral

The type of funeral you choose and the optional extras you'd like to include are what have the biggest impact on funeral costs. Burial is the most expensive funeral option so many people opt for a cremation instead and choose a simple funeral to cut out additional expenses.

Arranging a low cost funeral doesn't mean compromising on care, but can remove the stress and anxiety around funeral costs that your loved one would not want you to go through.

Type of funeral

Family Walking In The Wood Between Trees

The most affordable funeral option available is direct cremation.

A direct cremation takes place without mourners present, so families can remember their loved one in an alternative way at a time and place of their choice.

Time of funeral

Coffin Outside With Mourners In Background

The time of day that the funeral takes place can also have an impact on costs.

If you know you would like attendees at the funeral so family and close friends can pay their respects, small early morning cremation services are likely to be most affordable.

Optional extras

Funeral memorial book

One efficient way to have a low cost funeral is to keep the service simple and only include the essentials.

Personal touches like readings, music and eulogies can be just as meaningful as limousines, pallbearers, orders of service and obituaries which cost extra.

Our low cost funerals

Our funeral services prioritise affordability by removing any unnecessary extras and focusing on dignity and simplicity. We offer either an unattended direct cremation funeral or an intimate cremation if you and your family would like to be present at the service.

Find our services below or alternatively you can view our CMA standardised price list.

Unattended Cremation

From £1,199

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 £1,599

Our attended, personal 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 can have up to 8 people attend a 10 minute service or up to 20 people attend a 20 minute service.

How our funerals save you money

By choosing an unattended or simple cremation, you can celebrate your loved one's life with more flexibility. A low cost funeral could free up money for a larger wake or simply relieve the financial pressure you'd otherwise face paying higher funeral costs.

To support you, we keep our funeral services as straightforward as possible so we can offer more affordable options than the average funeral costs.

No need for officiant and pallbearers

Our attended funeral services are family led which means there is no need to pay a celebrant or officiant. At the start of the service, your loved one's coffin will already be resting in the chapel which also means there is no need for pallbearers.

Simple ashes container

Many people prefer to scatter ashes rather than keep them in an expensive urn. We personally deliver ashes back to families in a simple biodegradable ashes container for scattering.

Unembellished coffin

We provide a simple wooden coffin. For an extra £100 our Go Greener option can be added on which includes a coffin made with recycled wood fibre, carbon offsetting and tree planting.

Modest unattended service

Direct cremation has no costs for flowers, order of services, a celebrant or travel to the chapel. Instead, a piece of music of your choice can be played in the chapel with the coffin present before the cremation takes place.

Care in our professional mortuary

We don't offer viewing of the deceased or embalming which both saves you money and also allows you to remember your loved one as they were in life.

Private ambulance

Instead of a limousine or hearse, your loved one is transported to the funeral with discretion and sensitivity in one of our private ambulances.

How funeral plans can make funerals more affordable

A funeral plan allows you to choose the type of funeral you would like ahead of time and also pay for it. You can set up a low cost funeral plan for yourself, a spouse, a parent or anyone whose funeral you know you will be responsible for arranging.

Benefits of funeral plans

Funeral plans can be paid for in a single payment but if paying for a funeral in one go isn't affordable for you, the payment can also be made over a longer period of time. Our funeral plans offer the option to be paid for over 1, 5 or 10 years.

Once a funeral plan has been set up you know how much you need to pay and this amount doesn't change. Your funeral will take place as agreed in the plan even if funeral prices rise in future so having a plan now can protect you from rising costs.

See our funeral plans

Free ways to commemorate a loved one

Remembering someone close to you doesn't have to cost any money. If you've chosen to have a low cost funeral that's small and intimate, there are many other places where you can bring your wider family together to reflect back on someone's life.

You may also have a particular way you would like your loved ones to commemorate your life and if so you can share your wishes with them.

A nature walk

Family Walking In Wheat Field

Local woods, nature reserves and parks all provide varied walking routes. You could explore somewhere new or select a route that you and your loved one enjoyed walking together.

A trip to the beach

Family Walking On The Beach

A seaside trip may be especially important to you as following a cremation, many people choose to scatter their loved one's ashes from cliffs, at the beach or into the ocean.

Explore their hometown

Dying at home

You may like to travel to your loved one’s local area. Sightseeing in the town, village or city where they lived during their life can be a meaningful way to feel closer to them.

A library

Library Books On Table In Front Of Shelf

Remember your loved one by immersing yourself in one of their favourite novels. You could even ask your family to come together to share poems, readings and excerpts in memory.

Historic ruins

Historic Ruined Walls In Field

Historic ruins provide a fitting environment to look back on the past and reminisce about your loved one's life, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature.

An art gallery or museum

Older Lady And Teenage Girl In Gallery

Galleries and museums are peaceful places ideal for reflection. You may like to visit a museum relevant to your loved one’s interests or pick out a piece of art that reminds you of them.

Inexpensive ways to commemorate a loved one

You can bring your family and friends together to pay their respects and remember your loved one without having to pay high burial costs or cremation costs. Low cost funerals can be followed by a modest send off for a personal goodbye without the high financial cost.

  • Hosting a wake at your own home avoids venue and travel costs. This could be a BBQ, potluck, tea party or buffet and you can ask your friends and family for help providing food and drinks.
  • For nature and history lovers, there are National Trust properties around the country that provide scenic and peaceful locations to bring your family together in memory of your loved one.
  • If your loved one had a specific hobby or liked to attend a specific event, you and your family can get involved to remember them in a unique way that reflects their personality.
  • You may wish to raise money for a charity that helped your loved one towards the end of their life. Complete a challenge in your loved one's name like running a marathon, climbing a mountain or skydiving.
  • Your loved one's favourite local pub or restaurant could also provide the ideal location for reminiscing about their life and sharing memories.

Other useful resources

Continue your research into the funeral options available to you to help discover the right funeral choice for you within your budget.

To arrange a funeral straightaway, call our compassionate team on 01543 212000.

Different ways to pay for a funeral

Older Couple At Table With Laptop

As well as choosing a low cost funeral, being aware of the different ways to pay can also help to alleviate any worries you may have about funeral costs.

Ways to pay for a funeral

Spreading costs with a funeral plan

Man Working Out Costs Using Calculator

Funeral plans provide flexibility in how to pay. Find out how splitting the cost over a longer period of time could make a funeral more affordable for you.

Learn more about funeral plans

Arrange a funeral from just £1,199

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Our low cost funerals take care of your loved one at every stage. Our sensitive and experienced team is here to support you in arranging a cremation.

Arrange a funeral

We offer the highest level of support, but don't take our word for it

Below are a selection of reviews from those who followed their instinct with Distinct and chose to buy a funeral with us.

4.9/5
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4.8/5
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Anonymous, on Feefo 18 Oct 2024
Very pleased with customer interaction
Hayley, on Trustpilot 16 Oct 2024
From the moment I contacted Distinct Cremations after my father's passing my mind was put at ease. All of the staff were caring, compassionate & respectful. They handled all of the paperwork and made it that much easier for me. I was contacted at all of the stages and I was reassured by the fact that I could contact them at anytime. The ashes were delivered to me in such a dignified, compassionate way. Thank you to everyone at Distinct Cremations for helping me through such a difficult time.
Anonymous, on Feefo 15 Oct 2024
Very pleased with this plan just what I was after peace of mind
Tresa Spruce, on Trustpilot 15 Oct 2024
My mom wished for me to deal with my brother's unattended cremation, as she was too distraught to deal with it. I did a search and found Distinct Cremations to be the most appealing for our needs. From the initial telephone call with Darren, and then follow up dealings with Alice, I can say that the whole process was very caring and considerate. I was kept informed at every stage of events, from collection of my brother, to service details, to follow up after cremation. I couldn't have asked for more. Thank you all x
Caroline Bush, on Google 14 Oct 2024
Distinct Cremations made it so easy for me to purchase a cremation plan. The lady on the phone “Fiona” explained everything so I understood. My documents arrived all in order and to be honest “it’s a weight off my mind” knowing when the time comes it’s all sorted. Thank you so much to everyone at “DC” they also followed up with a courtesy call to make sure that I had received my plan and that everything was in order which it was. It’s a 10 off 10 from me :-)).
Alma Aganovic , on Trustpilot 11 Oct 2024
We chose Distinct Cremations to provide pre-need cremation services. From the very first interaction, their care and attentiveness exceeded our expectations. During what was an incredibly difficult and emotional time, the staff showed genuine compassion and understanding, making us feel supported every step of the way. They even suggested elements that we could include in the service, which was particularly helpful at a time when we were not feeling creative. They took the time to explain each part of the process clearly, ensuring that we felt comfortable and informed without ever feeling rushed or pressured. Their empathy was evident in every conversation, and their willingness to accommodate our specific wishes brought us much-needed peace of mind. The whole team went above and beyond in handling all the details, which allowed us to focus on honoring our loved one rather than worrying about logistics. Their professionalism and sensitivity were a great comfort, and it truly made a difference in our grieving process. We are deeply grateful for the care they provided and would highly recommend Distinct Cremations to anyone in need of cremation services. Their commitment to helping families in times of loss is truly exceptional. Thank you all, especially Maxine. x
Alice Alexander, on Feefo 10 Oct 2024
From the moment we got in touch with you the person we spoke to was so friendly and in tune with what we want excellent
Timothy Holman, on Trustpilot 9 Oct 2024
Distinct Cremations are an immensely professional organisation that make the process off organising a cremation plan so easy. “Fiona” , the lady that took my call explained everything I needed to know to get my plan set up “which I did”. My documents arrived shortly after and were in order , I received a follow up phone call to check that everything is ok. Thank you so much “DC” it’s a 10 from me. :-)).
4.9/5
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4.8/5
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4.7/5
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