Arrange a Funeral FAQs

If you're looking to arrange a funeral, we have provided helpful guides, checklists and advice from our experts below.

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Arrange a Funeral Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section is based on questions we're often asked by our customers about arranging a funeral.

If there's something you can't find immediately, you can always contact us with your question and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Frequently asked questions - page 1

Yes – many wakes are now held after the funeral has taken place, allowing people to come together to celebrate the life of the deceased.

Yes, as long you are over 18 you can take out a prepaid funeral plan for a direct cremation. We ask no medical questions and there are no screenings. You can see more on our funeral plans page.

Ashes can be scattered free of charge in our Gardens of Remembrance. If you have chosen to have the ashes returned to you, one of our Funeral Operatives will personally deliver the ashes to your family after the cremation has happened.

The average cost of a funeral in the UK is now £4,141^[1]^. Our funeral plans start from as little as £1,699 or from just £1,199 if you need to arrange a funeral today or in the very near future.

^[1]^ SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs

If you’ve chosen an attended cremation, you’ll be able to pick which of our crematoriums your funeral will take place at. A direct or attended cremation will take place in your region (where possible). We recommend you let your family and friends know of your plans in advance if you’re having an attended funeral at one of our crematoria.

Our crematoria feature state-of-the-art downloadable music systems, allowing us to play any piece of music you want as long as it's been commercially recorded and released.

A direct cremation is a simple cremation without a funeral service and all the additional expenses such as flowers. However, the family can make arrangements for flowers to be delivered to the crematorium directly should they wish.

A direct cremation is a worry-free, affordable alternative to a traditional cremation, without a procession, service, mourners and viewing of the deceased. Though the cremation is unattended, the deceased is still treated with the highest level of care from beginning to end. A direct cremation is also the least expensive funeral option costing just £1,199 with Distinct Cremations. A traditional cremation on average costs £3,795.*

* The average cost of cremation in 2023 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)

I was very happy with the service I received and they are only a phone call away if I or my sons should need advice or help in any way

Anonymous 24/04/24

Excellent. Professional, sympathetic and helpful

Diana 17/04/24

This is a good company, the cremation was dealt with very smoothly without any problems. The staff were very courteous and professional throughout. Everything... Read more

Wendy H 08/04/24

They gave a superb service, they were very professional from start to finish, but also friendly and empathetic too, at what was a very difficult time... Read more

Anonymous 07/04/24

Dee was lovely and understanding and advice was easy to understand

Anonymous 06/04/24

Very kind and helpful lady. She talked me through everything that I asked her about.

Anonymous 05/04/24

easer of application

Anonymous 02/04/24

From the very first phone call I felt things were going to be handled well. Kindness compassion and helpful ness were shown throughout. I was kept informed... Read more

Anonymous 01/04/24

Respectful. Understanding. All people concerned very helpful

Colin James John Cann 29/03/24

Before speaking to Distinct Cremations I had already checked other firms offering similar services and Distinct seemed like the best option for me. I... Read more

Anonymous 29/03/24
Feefo independent service review 5 star