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.
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.
The contemporary, simple, fuss-free farewell
* 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.
A fixed format funeral, with a set service
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.
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.
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.
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
12.5 miles from Reading
West Berkshire Crematorium Bath Road, Thatcham, Berkshire, RG19 4LD
If you are interested in a personal, intimate, attended cremation to celebrate the life of a loved one, this can take place at our beautiful crematorium just outside Reading. Up to 8 people can attend a 10 minute service from just £1,599 or 20 people can attend a 20 minute service from just £1,749.
Set in 10-acres of picturesque countryside, West Berkshire Crematorium works in harmony with the rural backdrop thanks to its Newbury red brick design that resembles a country house and a light, open chapel, which features a natural wood and stone finish. As the largest purpose-built chapel in the county, it also offers a digital music system to cater for any request allowing you to create a truly personal service.
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 just take our word for it. Below are recent reviews from customers who bought a funeral with us.
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
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
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.