Frequently Asked Questions

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 unattended cremation. Having a cremation without a funeral service reduces the costs and stress associated with arranging a traditional funeral.

Direct cremation allows for a separation between the cremation and how you choose to say goodbye to your loved one.

To simplify arrangements, all of the aspects of the direct cremation can be left to us. Get in touch to arrange a direct cremation with Distinct Cremations.

Yes, Distinct Cremations is cheaper than Pure Cremations for funeral services now and depending on your age, either the same price or cheaper for a funeral plan in future too.

For a loved one who has died, a direct cremation costs from £1,350 with Distinct Cremations and £1,595 with Pure Cremation, saving you £245 if you choose Distinct Cremations.

A direct cremation funeral plan with Distinct Cremations costs £1,795 regardless of your age. Pure Cremation’s comparable direct cremation plan price varies depending on how old you are and where you live. A Pure Cremation funeral plan could cost up to £2,295, in which case a plan with Distinct Cremations is £500 cheaper.

(Funeral plan costs based on a single payment direct cremation funeral plan. Pure Cremation price based on a 55 year old in central Birmingham. Correct as of 19/08/2026.)

Yes, we will share the date and time your loved one's coffin will be brought into the crematorium if you would like to know. You may wish to have a moment of quiet reflection at the same time to view some photos, read a poem or light a candle at home in their memory.

Pure Cremation share the date the direct cremation will take place.

The choice is entirely yours. It's not uncommon for people to divide the ashes of the deceased between their loved ones, so that everyone can have a reminder of them.

There are many benefits to choosing a direct cremation. Direct cremations offer a respectful, uncomplicated cremation with no attendees present.

These are a few of the key benefits:

• Families have flexibility over the farewell process so a loved one's life can be remembered in a personal and unique way.
• Direct cremations are a cost-effective alternative to traditional funerals, allowing families to invest more in the farewell event with the money saved or prioritise their finances elsewhere.
• Families of faith can hold a separate spiritual service instead of a traditional funeral.
• A celebration of life event can be postponed until a later date when everyone involved is emotionally ready.
• Busy and geographically scattered families have additional time to coordinate a gathering.

78% of Westerleigh Group’s crematoriums have mercury abatement technology installed which reduces air pollution. 27% of crematoriums have both mercury abatement technology and nitrogen oxide (NOx) filtration. These crematoriums are:

• Babworth Crematorium
• Mercia Forest Crematorium
• New Forest Crematorium
• North Wiltshire Crematorium
• Sirhowy Valley Crematorium
• Stirlingshire Crematorium
• The Vale Crematorium
• Waseley Hills Cemetery & Crematorium
• Arun Crematorium
• Herne Bay Crematorium
• Bishopsbriggs Crematorium

Installing nitrogen oxide (NOx) filtration and mercury abatement is a programme Westerleigh Group intends to continue and accelerate over the coming years. By 2032, all crematoriums in our network will have the same environmental credentials as those listed here. Keep checking back as we add more crematoriums to the list.

Yes, with a Distinct Cremations funeral you can choose to have a 30 or 60 minute long funeral service led by either a family member or a professional celebrant. These funeral options are available for a funeral that’s needed now or as a funeral plan for the future. You can also personalise the funeral with music, flowers, service stationery and more.

Pure Cremation does not offer attended funeral plans. However, families can choose to pay extra for a small family led service at the crematorium if they’re arranging a funeral now or when the time comes to redeem a plan.