Reading direct cremations

Need to arrange a funeral in Reading? Our Reading funerals are delivered with the utmost care and start from just £1,199. Arrange a simple no-fuss funeral at our Reading crematorium.

At Distinct Cremations, we specialise in compassionate and straightforward funeral arrangements. Unlike more traditional Reading funeral directors, our attended or unattended funerals prioritise simplicity and affordability, but like any funeral director, care and dignity are our utmost priorities.

As part of the Westerleigh group, our network of UK crematoria provides over 70,000 cremations each year including Reading direct cremation funerals and the fulfilment of Reading funeral plans. Our West Berkshire crematorium is ideally situated 12.5 miles from Reading town centre for those organising a funeral in Reading, Thatcham, Pangbourne, Tadley, Newbury and the surrounding areas across Berkshire.

Our caring and compassionate customer service specialists are available to help you arrange a funeral 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01543 211997.

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Distinct Cremations

Choosing a direct cremation instead of a traditional funeral lets you celebrate a loved one’s life however you wish, with less stress and no fuss. You can see the key differences between a direct cremation and a traditional funeral in more detail below.

Group toasting a friend's memory

A funeral with Distinct Cremations

The contemporary, simple, fuss-free farewell

  • A choice of two options: an unattended cremation with no mourners present or an attended cremation
  • A compassionate team there 24/7 for your questions and support with paperwork
  • A service free of pomp and ceremony
  • You can organise a separate memorial service that’s personal and unique to your loved one
  • On average 71% cheaper* than a traditional funeral, with prices starting from just £1,199


* 71% saving is based on the cost of a basic funeral at £4,141 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/ funeral-costs) vs the cost of a Distinct Cremations direct cremation at £1,199.

Arrange a funeral today
Traditional Funeral

Traditional Funeral

A fixed format funeral, with a set service

  • A set format 20-50 minute service held in a traditional setting like a church or chapel with mourners present
  • Traditionally less personal and flexible
  • Option to have a procession with a hearse or limousines
  • Funeral and service coordination from a funeral director
  • Costs on average £4,141# for a basic funeral





    # The average cost of a basic, funeral in 2023 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)
Distinct Cremations

We’re here for you whether you are looking for our direct cremation services today or planning for tomorrow.

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

Arrange a Funeral

From £1,199

Whether your loved one has died or is close to passing, our team is available 24/7 to support and talk you through the next steps; from collection and care of your loved one, completion of all paperwork, to the day of the funeral itself.

 

Funeral Plans

From £1,699 or £19.44** per month

Relax knowing that the arrangements are agreed and paid for. There are no medical questions and acceptance is guaranteed. You can also pay in monthly instalments.

** Price advertised is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £2,332.80 and includes administration fees.

Low Cost Funerals In Reading

Our Reading funeral services take place at West Berkshire Crematorium which is a 32 minute drive from Blagrave St, Reading RG1 1QH.

To arrange a funeral, call our compassionate team on 01543 211997

Address not found - make sure your search is spelled correctly. Try adding a city, county or postcode.

12.5 miles from Reading
West Berkshire Crematorium Bath Road, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4LD

Parking (76)
Toilets
Pets Allowed
Disabled Access
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Nearby Locations

Our Reading funeral services are also available to all those in the surrounding areas and across mainland UK. Wherever you are, you can feel reassured that your loved ones will be professionally and compassionately looked after.

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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4.7/5
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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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Read all our reviews
Sue Cook Talking About Direct Cremation

Distinct Cremations leave out the funeral fuss and needless extras but leave in great service and a wonderfully caring attitude. That’s why my instinct is Distinct.

Sue Cook, TV Presenter

Call on 01543211997

One of Reading’s best value direct cremation services, delivered with a caring and compassionate heart

Not only are our funerals carried out with love and care, but we also offer one of the UK’s best value services.

From your very first phone call, right through to the hand delivery of the ashes, you can rest assured that you will be in the most caring and attentive hands with Distinct Cremations

Our caring team are here 24/7 to support you through the most difficult of times

Rhiannon Pearson

Team Leader

Alex on White
Rhiannon P v3
steven customer service

If you are struggling to afford the costs of a funeral, you could be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government to help you pay.

If you are not eligible for this financial help but would like low cost funeral services in Reading, our simple cremation funerals prioritise affordability without compromising on care. Our direct cremation funerals without attendees are available from just £1,199. Alternatively, if you and your family would like the tradition of saying a final goodbye, our attended cremation services costs from £1,599.

The most affordable funeral option available is a direct cremation funeral. This is a cremation that takes place without any mourners present. Our respectful direct cremation funeral services in Reading start from just £1,199. Prior to the cremation, the coffin is rested in the chapel with a chapel attendant present and a chosen piece of music can be played. The cremation then takes place and the ashes are personally returned to the preferred family member or friend.

If you are planning ahead for your own funeral, our Unattended Direct Cremation Plan for £1,699 is also available to those in the Reading area. You can pay for this funeral plan upfront or flexibly in instalments if you would like to spread the cost.

Our Reading funeral services let you arrange a funeral from your own home. You can research and choose the funeral option that suits you best on our website, then give our experienced and empathetic team a call on 01543 212000. Whilst our funerals can be arranged without needing to visit any physical premises, we have a nationwide network of 40 crematoriums so can provide flexibility in where our attended cremations are held.

Many of the traditional costs and formalities of a funeral are not necessary and can be removed in favour of a simple funeral. Our funeral services in Reading offer compassion at a low cost. For those looking for a funeral without fuss, direct cremation is the simplest option as it is a completely unattended service. Our direct cremation starts from just £1,199. Or if you and your family would like to be present at your loved one's funeral service, our attended cremations from £1,599 are pared back to the essential funeral elements and carried out with the utmost respect.

When you begin researching funeral services in Reading you may find the prices are higher than you expected. It's important to remember that a meaningful and personal send-off does not need to be expensive, adhere to tradition or contain any pomp and ceremony.

At Distinct Cremations, we offer simple, fuss-free Reading funeral services so you can avoid paying for costs associated with a funeral that you may not want. For example, we transport the deceased in our own private ambulances so you don't have to hire costly hearses or limousines. We also provide simple and respectful coffins and ashes containers rather than ornate options which can be expensive.

Our most affordable Unattended Cremation service starts from just £1,199 and takes place without mourners present so you can say goodbye to your loved one in your own time in a way that reflects their life instead. Or if you would like to be present at the cremation to pay your respects, our Intimate Cremation costs from £1,599.

Have Any Questions?

Have Any Questions?