What is a direct cremation?

A direct cremation differs from a traditional cremation in several ways, yet both approaches are handled with care and respect for your loved one.

Firstly, a traditional cremation typically involves a formal funeral service or viewing before the cremation takes place. A direct cremation does not have a service or viewing – instead, friends and family can celebrate in their own way.

Traditional cremations may also involve embalming and elaborate preparations of the body for the viewing or ceremony. However, in a direct cremation, embalming is typically not required, and the body is prepared simply and respectfully for cremation without the need for elaborate arrangements.

Another difference lies in the cost and logistics. Traditional cremations typically involve additional expenses associated with embalming, caskets, and funeral services. On the other hand, direct cremations are typically more cost-effective as they forego many of these traditional elements.

Whether you choose a traditional cremation with a formal service or a direct cremation without one, the staff involved will ensure that your loved one's final journey is handled with compassion and sensitivity. They understand the importance of this moment and are committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Here’s a summary of the key differences:

A direct cremation with Distinct Cremations

The contemporary, simple, fuss-free farewell - free of tradition. Here’s what a direct cremation with Distinct Cremations looks like:

• An unattended cremation with no mourners present
• A compassionate, attentive 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.

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 and 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)

We can’t speak for all providers. However, we conducted some research across the top direct cremation providers in the UK to create a direct cremation comparison table of features, costs, and more.

To give you an idea of what’s included in a direct cremation with Distinct Cremations, here’s a brief overview:

• Collection of the deceased from a hospital or coroner's mortuary on weekdays in office hours
• Care at our state-of-the-art professional mortuary
• Preparation of the deceased for cremation
• Help with all legal and cremation paperwork
• 24/7 support from our customer service team
• Transport of the deceased via private ambulance
• A simple coffin
• Respectful and dignified cremation
• Ashes scattered in our crematorium remembrance gardens or personally hand delivered within 14 days

In a direct cremation, the process is handled with the utmost care and respect for your loved one. Here’s an overview of what to expect in 4 simple steps:

1. Immediately after death

The process begins by transporting your loved one from the place of passing to our crematory facility. Here, the necessary paperwork and legal requirements are completed with sensitivity and attention to detail.

2. Preparing the body

Next, the body is respectfully prepared for cremation. This involves gentle cleaning and dressing, ensuring that your loved one is treated with dignity throughout the process. It's important to note that embalming is typically not required for a direct cremation, allowing the deceased to remain undisturbed.

3. Cremation

When everything is ready, the body is placed in a simple cremation container and introduced into the cremation chamber. The chamber, heated to a very high temperature, gently transforms the remains into ashes.

4. Celebration of life

After the cremation is complete, the ashes are carefully collected and placed in a temporary urn. From there, you and your family have the opportunity to decide how you would like to honour your loved one's memory. Whether through a memorial service, private scattering ceremony, or another meaningful tribute, you have the freedom to choose what feels most appropriate for you and your family.

The direct cremation process with Distinct Cremations

At Distinct Cremations, we take care of all the arrangements. From arranging the direct cremation to making sure all your paperwork has been filled in correctly. From the collection of the deceased, right through to the hand-delivery of the ashes. And everything in between.

With expert guidance on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our customer service and funeral teams at Distinct Cremations will help with all your funeral arrangements as you need them, when you need them.

Funeral planning is never an easy task, but our team can help ease the load.

We're here for you 24 hours a day

We’re here for you 24/7. You can call us on 01543 211997 before a passing to give you and your loved ones time to prepare or you can call us when the time comes. All we need from you is some basic information to start getting your cremation arrangements in place.

Collecting your loved one and bringing them into our care

Our caring team will collect the deceased from anywhere in the mainland UK, whether your loved one is at home, in a care home or at a hospital. The deceased will be then taken to our professional mortuary facilities before cremation.

We care and prepare your loved one for cremation

We will prepare your loved one for cremation, bathe them, remove any artificial items and dress your loved one upon request. We will then lay them to rest in the coffin, transport them to the crematorium and we will inform you of the date of cremation.

The day of the direct cremation

The cremation will take place at one of our 40 crematoriums in the UK. The coffin is taken through the front door, rested on the catafalque while a song of your choice is played or a moment of silence is respected, then the cremation takes place.

The personal return of the ashes and beyond

The ashes will be personally delivered back to you within 14 days or scattered in the garden of remembrance upon request. You may then like to arrange a memorial service to commemorate the life of your loved one.

Direct cremations have quickly become the most popular alternative to a traditional funeral, now being favoured by over 20% of the UK population****.

Many people like having a direct cremation because they are the simplest way to have a funeral and because of the price, but there are also many more benefits to choosing a direct cremation over a traditional funeral.

**** SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs

What happens during a direct cremation?

During a direct cremation, the body is respectfully cared for and then cremated, typically without embalming or elaborate preparations. During a direct cremation, the coffin will go through the front door of the chapel, will rest on the catafalque, and a moment of silence or a piece of music will be observed to create the most dignified and respectful send off. Afterwards, the family may choose to hold a memorial service or scattering ceremony to honour their loved one's memory in a way that feels meaningful to them.

With Distinct Cremations, every direct cremation is carried out with the utmost respect and each service takes place at one of our charming 40 crematoriums located throughout the UK mainland.

Who attends at a direct cremation?

At an unattended direct cremation, the coffin is rested in the chapel with a chapel attendant or funeral operative present. They will conduct the short service and cremation.

There is an option to have an attended, direct cremation, which includes a short service and a limited number of attendees. Prices for this start at £1,599.

Do you need a coffin for a direct cremation?

Yes, an FFMA-approved coffin is mandatory to conduct a direct cremation at a Westerleigh Crematorium.

Some crematoriums in the UK will cremate the deceased with just a shroud, however, Distinct Cremations only use Westerleigh crematoriums and a simple coffin will be provided for every cremation.

Below are a few further articles that you may be interested in.