With over 75% of UK funerals in 2024 opting for cremation[1], it's clear that cremation has become the preferred choice for many. Despite its popularity, there's still a lack of awareness about the diversity within cremation services themselves.
[1] SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
From traditional to direct and attended cremations, each type offers a unique way to commemorate a loved one, with varying costs and considerations.
In this guide, we'll explore the most common types of cremation services, outlining how they work, what you can expect to pay, and why each might be the fitting choice for your needs. Whether you're seeking simplicity, flexibility, or tradition, understanding these options can help you make a decision that remembers your loved one in a way that feels right.
Direct cremation is the simplest and most affordable type of cremation, involving no formal funeral service or viewing beforehand. This option stands out due to its simplicity, low costs, and the freedom it offers families to plan a memorial that truly reflects their loved one's life and wishes.
The process begins with the collection of the deceased from the place of death, followed by transportation to the crematorium. The necessary legal documentation is handled by the cremation provider. Once paperwork is completed, the cremation takes place, without family or friends present.
Since the cremation itself takes place without a formal service, families often organise a separate memorial service at a later date, in a location and manner that feels more fitting to them and the life of their loved one. Some choose to hold a private memorial at home or another meaningful location, allowing friends and family to share memories, stories, and celebrate the life of the loved one.
After the cremation, the ashes are handed back to the family or scattered on their behalf. This allows for a range of choices on what to do next. Some may choose to scatter the ashes in a meaningful place, keep them in an urn, or even incorporate them into unique memorial objects like jewellery. The decision on how to memorialise a loved one with their ashes is a deeply personal one, offering families the opportunity to reflect on the best way to commemorate their life.
To learn more, read our guide on what is a direct cremation?
The average cost of direct cremation across the UK is £1,597[2], making it significantly less expensive than traditional funerals with a service.
At Distinct Cremations, we offer our services starting from £1,350.
For those looking to plan ahead, we offer direct cremation plans starting at £1,999 or as low as £20.74 per month[3]. Opting for a direct cremation can alleviate financial stress, allowing families to focus on a memorial that truly reflects the life and preferences of their loved one.
For a breakdown of direct cremation costs from various providers, helping you make an informed decision, explore our comparison of direct cremation costs.
[2] SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
[3] Price is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £2,488.80 and includes admin fees.
Direct cremation offers several benefits:
Attended cremation combines the simplicity of a direct cremation with the option for family and friends to be present during the cremation process. This type of service allows for a more traditional form of goodbye while still offering the flexibility and affordability of direct cremation.
The attended cremation process typically includes a short ceremony at the crematorium where loved ones can share memories, readings, and music to celebrate their loved one’s life. This provides a dedicated time and place to say farewell in a more personal setting before the cremation.
With us, you have the choice of a 30 or a 60 minute service. This could be family-led or led by a professional celebrant, depending on what you'd prefer.
Following the cremation, families have the option to collect the ashes and decide on the most fitting tribute. This could range from scattering the ashes in a meaningful location, keeping them in an urn, or using them in a variety of memorial items.
Attended cremation provides a personal and meaningful service at an affordable cost. Our prices begin at £1,950, allowing for a dignified ceremony without the high expenses of traditional funerals.
Attended cremation is a straightforward, flexible, and affordable way to say goodbye. Here’s why it might be a suitable choice:
In 2024, just over half of all funerals were traditional cremations, showing they're still a common choice. However, their popularity has slightly decreased from 74% in 2019. At the same time, direct cremations are on the rise, making up 20% of cremations in 2024[4].
Despite the changes, traditional funeral services with cremation continue to play a significant role in how we remember our loved ones. This type of cremation typically begins with a ceremony attended by family and friends, which can be either religious or non-religious. This service is often held at a crematorium or a place of worship, depending on the family's preference. Following the ceremony, the body is cremated.
A traditional service is usually arranged with a funeral director, and will involve a hearse and procession. The funeral director plays an important role on the day, running the service in line with the family’s wishes.
Venues for traditional cremation services can accommodate varying numbers of attendees, subject to their capacity. This flexibility ensures that anyone wishing to pay their respects can do so, making it a suitable option for those anticipating a large gathering of mourners.
For families looking to avoid the expenses of a full traditional funeral, smaller attended cremations or direct cremations present more straightforward, affordable alternatives.
Learn more about the differences in our related guide: direct vs traditional cremation.
[4] SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
The cost of a traditional cremation funeral in the UK costs on average £3,980[5]. This includes the ceremonial aspects, such as the service and procession, which contribute to the higher cost compared to other types of cremation.
For those seeking more budget-friendly alternatives, attended and direct cremations offer significantly lower costs. These options eliminate many of the expensive elements of traditional funerals, providing simpler, yet dignified ways to say goodbye.
Eco-friendly cremations are becoming a popular choice for those who want to leave a lighter footprint on the earth. These types of cremation focus on reducing environmental impact.
Here’s what they typically include:
Whether you're wanting to arrange a funeral today, planning for the future, or looking for something else, our customer service specialists are here for you 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.
Learn more about direct cremation. An easy, low-cost option for managing a loved one’s remains, bypassing a traditional service.
What is a direct cremation?
This overview helps you weigh cremation against burial, covering differences in cost, environmental effects, and personal choices.
Cremation or burial?
Explore the differences between direct and traditional cremation, focusing on the process, costs, and how each approach can affect your planning.
Direct vs traditional cremationWe 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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Over 74,000 cremations a year
Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations carried out over 74,000 cremations in 2024.
