Remembering a loved one

At Distinct Cremations, we are dedicated to supporting you with remembering your loved one in a unique, personal and memorable way. In this section, we offer guidance on arranging a memorial service, memorial tributes, what to do with the ashes, along with helping to understand key terminology and the steps to take when someone dies.

Honouring a loved one can come in any number of shapes and sizes. As each one of us has such a unique personality and has lived such a unique life, there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to remembering a loved one.

For some, an all singing all dancing memorial service with dozens of friends and family at the local pub after an unattended, direct cremation would be the perfect send off. The deceased may have been the sort of person who wanted more of a celebratory farewell, therefore focusing more on the memorial service rather than the funeral itself would be apt.

Whereas for others, a more low-key tree planting at the local park may be more suitable. This could also follow a direct cremation or maybe an attended cremation with the nearest friends and family.

Below we'll direct you to a few pages within this section that will give you some ideas when it comes to remembering a loved one, and we look at some examples to provide you with a little inspiration.

We'll also detail some information about the legal proceedings about what to do when someone dies and signpost you to some support headlines that will help navigate this intensely difficult time.

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Memorial service & tribute ideas

The most important thing to think about when planning a memorial service or a memorial tribute is your loved one's personality and character. Everything else is secondary.

In the 21st century, there's no need to stick to tradition. You can have a funeral and memorial service that's tailored and unique. So don't be afraid to be unconventional or get a little creative. Just focus on what would make your loved one smile and their heart sing.

If you're looking for some inspiration for a memorial service, a celebration of life or a memorial tribute, below are a few articles that will be of the utmost help.

Group toasting a friend's memory

Remembering a loved one terminology

Understanding the terminology associated with memorial services and memorial tributes can help clarify the process and reduce the planning stress. Some terms such as funeral reception, memorial service and wake may be used interchangeably and may differ from region to region within the UK.

Here are some key terms explained:

Memorial service

A ceremony to honour the deceased without the body present. This can be held anywhere and anytime after the death.

Wake

A gathering held after the funeral, used interchangeably with memorial service or funeral reception. Often a wake takes place immediately after the funeral.

Celebration of life

A ceremony focused on celebrating the deceased's life, often less formal and more uplifting. This can be held in place of a memorial service or wake.

Funeral reception

A gathering held after the funeral, and another term used for a memorial service or a wake.

Interment of ashes

This means burying the ashes in a cemetery plot or private location, often accompanied by a plaque or marker.

Scattering of ashes

Releasing ashes in a chosen location such as your garden, at sea, or another place meaningful to the deceased.

What to do when someone dies

After a death, knowing what steps you'll need to take, and the order in which to take them, can feel daunting.

But, here at Distinct Cremations, we’ll help and support you through every step from the death of your loved one to the day of the funeral, and we are available 24/7 to lend you a helping a hand - just give us a call anytime on 01543 211997, no matter how big or small your question.

Below are a few resources that may help: a downloadable checklist which has everything you need for when the inevitable happens, and step-by-step guides tailored to where your loved one dies.

Download our free checklist

Here at Distinct Cremations, we have created a free checklist for you to download which lets you know what you need to do when someone dies.

Download our checklist below or speak to our expert team on 01543 211997 today.

Download free checklist

What to do when someone dies at home

Homes

When someone dies at home, the situation can be particularly distressing. If the death was expected, such as in the case of a terminal illness, you should contact their GP or the nearest doctor to issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). If the death was unexpected, call emergency services immediately.

For a detailed guide on what to do when someone dies at home, read our guide.

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When someone dies in a care home

Care Home Courtyard

If your loved one passes away in a care home, the staff will usually handle most of the immediate arrangements. They will contact the GP to verify the death and issue the MCCD. They will also inform you as soon as possible and help with the initial steps that need to be taken.

For more information on what to do when sometimes dies in a care home, read our article.

Find out more

What to do when someone dies in hospital

Hospital exterior

When a death occurs in a hospital, you’ll likely be made aware that death is imminent and be able to prepare for it. The medical staff will take care of confirming the death and issuing the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The hospital will provide you with the necessary documents and guidance on what to do next.

For details on what to do when someone dies in a hospital, explore our guide.

Find out more

Getting support

If you're struggling or would just like someone to talk to, below are a few helplines that do great work and provide a shoulder to lean on for anyone who needs support:

Samaritans (Call: 116 123) - Free 24/7 support for anyone needing any kind of emotional support

Cruse (Call: 0808 808 1677) - Free helpline supporting those suffering with grief

Veterans UK (Call: 0808 191 4218) - Government-run support organisation providing free support for veterans and their families

Age UK (Call: 0800 678 1602) - The UK's leading charity helping millions of older people with support, companionship and advice

The Silver Line (Call: 0800 470 8090) - Free 24/7 helpline for older people struggling with loneliness, sadness or lowness

Other helpful resources

Below are a few more resources that may come in use when remembering a loved one or when anticpating a death.

The costs associated with a funeral

Cremation costs

If you’re looking at arranging your own funeral or that of a loved one, you’ll need to know exactly how much a funeral costs so that you can make the appropriate arrangements.

Funeral costs

Preparing for a loved one's death

Close up of middle-aged people holding hands to comfort one another after the loss of a loved one

Whether you're considering a hospice for your loved one or you're looking at organising the funeral, it's worthwhile making arrangements as early as possible to help ease the stress slightly.

Preparing for a loved one's death

Funeral plans for yourself or a loved one

Couple reviewing funeral plan options

Whether you're planning for yourself or someone else, funeral plans allow you to cement the funeral arrangements at a less stressful time, and cover the costs in monthly instalments.

View our funeral plans

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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4.9/5
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