Arrange a cremation today_ Distinct Cremations

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

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 3

Yes, you can attend a direct cremation. Though most direct cremations are unattended, with Distinct Cremations you can attend a cremation for 30 or 60 minutes depending on your choice.

You can read more on our Funeral Service page.

An oversized coffin is for individuals who are too big for the average coffin width of 24 inches, 76 inches in length and 14 inches in depth. If the deceased is over 22 stone or 6 ft 5 or over, then an oversized coffin will be needed.

When you die, your family should first notify your local registry office so they’re aware that a death has happened.

A direct cremation is a simple fuss-free cremation without a funeral service. Having no mourners attend the cremation reduces the costs and stress of arranging a traditional funeral.

For many, a direct cremation allows them to separate the cremation from the celebration of the deceased’s life, allowing them a dignified opportunity to say goodbye in a way that better suits them.

At Distinct Cremations, we handle all the direct cremation arrangements including collecting your loved one, caring for them in our mortuary and carrying out the cremation itself.

Upon arranging a funeral, once you’ve agreed the type of service that you’d like, one of our Customer Service Specialists will take the payment in full, which can be made by credit or debit card.

For those planning ahead, we offer funeral plans that can be paid for upfront or in monthly instalments, allowing you to arrange and pay for your funeral in advance.

There’s no limit on how many people can attend a wake, only as many as the organiser and venue are comfortable with.

At Distinct Cremations, we offer cost-effective direct and funeral services, without cutting any corners. Respectful care for your loved one is prioritised throughout.

We deliver all of the services ourselves including transport, care at our mortuary, cremation at one of our crematoriums and the scattering or return of the ashes. Our caring team is there to offer support throughout with both paperwork and making the arrangements.

As part of the Westerleigh Group, we are one of the UK’s largest cremation service providers. We have 42 crematoriums nationwide and facilitate over 74,000 each year.

You have a choice. You can either have the ashes personally hand delivered within 14 days or scattered in the garden of rememberance at the crematorium.

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.

4.9/5
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4.9/5
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4.9/5
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Cherrill Ellis, on Google 26 Nov 2025
The person I spoke to was kind and considerate, she answered my questions clearly and appropriately, the follow-up phone calls were also conducted with care, friendliness and understanding, I am so pleased I chose this service.
Rebecca Pearson, on Google 26 Nov 2025
I bought plans for myself and my husband three years ago. The company was very professional, helpful and efficient in setting these up. Sadly, my husband died in October. Distinct Cremations have been wonderful. I have dealt with the same person, Kerry, throughout and she has been so kind and caring. She informed me of all the legal processes and then ensured I got exactly the funeral I wanted for my husband. She has been so thoughtful, considerate and professional. I was nervous initially going down the route of a direct cremation as my other relatives have had more traditional funerals. But I needn’t have worried. As soon as I spoke to Kerry I felt reassured. This was perfect for our requirements and just my son and I are going to scatter his ashes later in a small private celebration of his life. I highly recommend Distinct if you are looking for a direct, no fuss, cremation. I believe they’re the best in the business.
Anonymous, on Feefo 23 Nov 2025
Excellent service very respects caring staff from start to finish. Thank you.
Fiona Hill, on Google 21 Nov 2025
I was not sure what to expect from a 'direct cremation' service initially but I am pleased to report that the team at Distinct Cremations could not have been more kind, supportive and respectful. We lost my stepfather and my mother in close succession, both of whom had the same funeral plans with Distinct Cremations and so this review comes from having dealt with different members of the team at different times over the past few months. In all my dealings with Kerry and Sarah nothing was too much trouble, no question felt too silly and the exact procedures were explained clearly and kindly. It was different not having a funeral, but I felt as included as it was possible to be in the circumstances. Also, despite us not being there, we still felt this was a very personal service. I have been to a number of attended cremations where it is obvious that there is a tight timescale, things feel rushed and mourners are queueing up for the next funeral before the last one has left. In this situation we could light a candle and listen to the same piece of music, in our own time, remembering our loved ones in our own way. Thank you to Sarah, Kerry and all the team for your kindness.
Karen Foster, on Google 19 Nov 2025
Felt very reassured and cared for by everyone we spoke to when using this service recently. Especially Kerry who was just so understanding and respectful. Thank you for helping us through a tough time with kindness and compassion
Gregory Mako, on Google 18 Nov 2025
Maxine went above and beyond to help us with all things needed for a beautiful service. We requested some things outside of the norm and she produced everything with class and ease. I am so impressed with how she organized and reorganized the music, provided more than one box for transporting ashes along with the casket for permanent holding. There were so many gentle and supportive moments on the phone with her. She definitely really cared about us and our service. That is amazing. We felt cared for and provided for. Thank you, Maxine.
Jacqueline Vincent, on Feefo 14 Nov 2025
Amazing, very personal
Janet Dimaline, on Google 8 Nov 2025
Our funeral arrangements were handled with professionalism and compassion by Tracy. Everything was fully explained which made the whole process of a delicate subject easy to handle. Thank you!
4.9/5
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4.9/5
Google g icon
4.9/5
Trustpilot logo
Read all our reviews