Cremation without service

With over 75% of UK funerals in 2024 opting for cremation+, it's clear that cremation has become the preferred choice for many. Despite its popularity, there's still a lack of awareness about the diversity within cremation services themselves.

+SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs

From traditional to direct and attended cremations, each type offers a unique way to commemorate a loved one, with varying costs and considerations.

In this guide, we'll explore the most common types of cremation services, outlining how they work, what you can expect to pay, and why each might be the fitting choice for your needs. Whether you're seeking simplicity, flexibility, or tradition, understanding these options can help you make a decision that remembers your loved one in a way that feels right.

Direct cremation

Direct cremation is the simplest and most affordable type of cremation, involving no formal funeral service or viewing beforehand. This option stands out due to its simplicity, low costs, and the freedom it offers families to plan a memorial that truly reflects their loved one's life and wishes.

The process begins with the collection of the deceased from the place of death, followed by transportation to the crematorium. The necessary legal documentation is handled by the cremation provider. Once paperwork is completed, the cremation takes place, without family or friends present.

Since the cremation itself takes place without a formal service, families often organise a separate memorial service at a later date, in a location and manner that feels more fitting to them and the life of their loved one. Some choose to hold a private memorial at home or another meaningful location, allowing friends and family to share memories, stories, and celebrate the life of the loved one.

After the cremation, the ashes are handed back to the family or scattered on their behalf. This allows for a range of choices on what to do next. Some may choose to scatter the ashes in a meaningful place, keep them in an urn, or even incorporate them into unique memorial objects like jewellery. The decision on how to memorialise a loved one with their ashes is a deeply personal one, offering families the opportunity to reflect on the best way to commemorate their life.

To learn more, read our guide on what is a direct cremation?

Direct cremation costs

The average cost of direct cremation across the UK is £1,597#, making it significantly less expensive than traditional funerals with a service.

At Distinct Cremations, we offer our services starting from £1,199.

For those looking to plan ahead, we offer direct cremation plans starting at £1,899 or as low as £19.79 per month*. Opting for a direct cremation can alleviate financial stress, allowing families to focus on a memorial that truly reflects the life and preferences of their loved one.

For a breakdown of direct cremation costs from various providers, helping you make an informed decision, explore our comparison of direct cremation costs.

#SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs
* Price advertised is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £2,374.80 and includes administration fees.

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Why choose a direct cremation?

Direct cremation offers several benefits:

  • Cost-effective: according to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs, over a third (35%) of people want their families to spend as little as possible on their funerals. Direct cremations significantly reduce the financial burden on grieving families. The money saved can instead be allocated towards a celebration that better suits the person’s life and legacy.
  • Simplicity: this type of cremation simplifies the process at a difficult time. Without the need to arrange a formal service immediately, it lessens both the emotional and logistical load on families.
  • Flexibility: it offers the freedom to decide how and when to celebrate the life of a loved one. Families can plan a memorial that feels right for them, whether that’s immediately or in the future.
  • Not everyone wants a traditional funeral: this option allows for a goodbye that can better reflect the individual’s personal beliefs and views.

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Attended cremation

Attended cremation combines the simplicity of a direct cremation with the option for family and friends to be present during the cremation process. This type of service allows for a more traditional form of goodbye while still offering the flexibility and affordability of direct cremation.

The attended cremation process typically includes a short ceremony at the crematorium where loved ones can share memories, readings, and music to celebrate their loved one’s life. This provides a dedicated time and place to say farewell in a more personal setting before the cremation.

Our services you have the choice of a 30 or a 60 minute service. This could be family-led or led by a professional celebrant, depending on what you'd prefer.

Following the cremation, families have the option to collect the ashes and decide on the most fitting tribute. This could range from scattering the ashes in a meaningful location, keeping them in an urn, or using them in a variety of memorial items.

Attended cremation costs

Attended cremation provides a personal and meaningful service at an affordable cost. Our prices begin at £1,899, allowing for a dignified ceremony without the high expenses of traditional funerals.

Arrange an attended direct cremation

Why choose an attended cremation?

Attended cremation is a straightforward, flexible, and affordable way to say goodbye. Here’s why it might be a suitable choice:

  • Simplicity and ease: it’s a straightforward service without the extras of a traditional funeral, but still allows friends and family to be present.
  • Affordability: it costs less than traditional funerals, making it easier on your budget while still remembering your loved one.
  • Flexibility: you can tailor the service to your needs, choosing either a 30 or a 60 minute service, with or without a professional celebrant.

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Traditional funeral service with cremation

In 2023, about half of all funerals were traditional cremations, showing they're still a common choice. However, their popularity has slightly decreased from 74% in 2019. At the same time, direct cremations are on the rise, making up 20% of cremations in 2023++.

Despite the changes, traditional funeral services with cremation continue to play a significant role in how we remember our loved ones. This type of cremation typically begins with a ceremony attended by family and friends, which can be either religious or non-religious. This service is often held at a crematorium or a place of worship, depending on the family's preference. Following the ceremony, the body is cremated.

A traditional service is usually arranged with a funeral director, and will involve a hearse and procession. The funeral director plays an important role on the day, running the service in line with the family’s wishes.

Venues for traditional cremation services can accommodate varying numbers of attendees, subject to their capacity. This flexibility ensures that anyone wishing to pay their respects can do so, making it a suitable option for those anticipating a large gathering of mourners.

For families looking to avoid the expenses of a full traditional funeral, smaller attended cremations or direct cremations present more straightforward, affordable alternatives.

Learn more about the differences in our related guide: direct vs traditional cremation.

++ Sunlife Cost Of Dying Report 2024

Traditional funeral costs

The cost of a traditional funeral with cremation in the UK has seen its first increase in three years, now averaging at £4,141—a 4.7% rise from the previous year****. This includes the ceremonial aspects, such as the service and procession, which contribute to the higher cost compared to other types of cremation.

For those seeking more budget-friendly alternatives, attended and direct cremations offer significantly lower costs. These options eliminate many of the expensive elements of traditional funerals, providing simpler, yet dignified ways to say goodbye.

**** SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2025, sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs

Eco-friendly cremations

Eco-friendly cremations are becoming a popular choice for those who want to leave a lighter footprint on the earth. These types of cremation focus on reducing environmental impact.

Here’s what they typically includes:

  • Eco-friendly coffin: for example, this option may come with a coffin made from wood fibre, using fewer trees than traditional coffins.
  • Carbon offsetting: many providers also offset the carbon emissions from the cremation process, helping to balance the environmental impact.
  • Tree planting: additionally, a tree will often be planted in memory of your loved one, contributing to reforestation and fighting climate change.

Purple Flowers In Field

Get in touch with us today

Whether you're wanting to arrange a funeral today, planning for the future, or looking for something else, our customer service specialists are here for you 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.

Ask a question today or call us on 01543 211 997.
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Other helpful resources

What is a direct cremation?

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Learn more about direct cremation. An easy, low-cost option for managing a loved one’s remains, bypassing a traditional service.

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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.

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Anonymous, on Feefo 28 Mar 2025
The team have been amazing during dealing with the death of two family members in a very short period of time . We dealt mainly with Yasmin who has been do helpful and understanding during our time of loss. As result of the service provided during this time further family members have decided to proceed with booking such services for themselves for the future.
Lisa Matthews, on Feefo 22 Mar 2025
Very helpful with difficult decisions. No pressure sales as with other funeral services I approached. Also very good price in comparison with others.
Anonymous, on Feefo 19 Mar 2025
From my first interaction requesting a guide to my conversation with Sophie, I cannot fault the service I've received. All my questions have been answered in a way that I can understand what I am being offered and what I have asked for. All processes and procedures have been explained and I have been given ample time to research other possible companies and I haven't felt pressurised or been given the 'hard sale'. On the service i have received so far I would highly recommend them to family and friends
Anonymous, on Feefo 10 Mar 2025
Bought a policy online which was quick and simple to do and then received a courtesy call from Distinct Cremations to make sure that I was happy with my purchase. Very professional.
Debbie Burchell, on Feefo 8 Mar 2025
I had no idea where to go when my mum passed away. We had discussed that she wanted to be cremated, but that was it. My partner saw Distinct Cremations on our local Crematorium website, as they work with them. I didn't want loads of fuss, or to go into an office. Just a lovely personal service. Distinct Cremations went above and beyond in every area. I picked my options on the website, nice and simple, to get an idea of my quote. Then had a lovely discussion on the phone with Dan. We talked about all the options I wanted and he was so thougthful, sincere and genuinely supportive, I was really nicely surprised. It was really simple to put the order through and to pay for. Since then I have had a singluar, regular contact called Grace who looked after me every step of the way. The professionalism and compassion of the staff at Distinct Cremations is second to none. I was informed at every step with what was going to happen. They regularly checked in with me, to make sure I was doing ok. The service and celebrant Carol Porter was incredible. Everything happened exactly as planned. I couldn't have wanted anything better. The ashes were delivered to me at home, I had the standard box for them to be delivered in. The gentleman who delivered them was really kind and compassionate also. They came in a really nice blue box. Thank you for making one of the worst times of my life as easy as it could have been. I would highly recommend Distinct Cremations to everyone. I would definitely use them again myself.
Anonymous, on Feefo 7 Mar 2025
I purchased a cremation plan for my wife and myself. It was very easy to do and so far everything is fine. Just hope I don"t need to use it for a while. Bob
Yvette Glover, on Feefo 7 Mar 2025
I am so grateful to the two people who looked after me during the process of organising the cremation. They were really caring and nothing seemed too much trouble. A huge thank you to Daniel and especially Maxine.
David Peter Lee, on Feefo 6 Mar 2025
Excellent company and great customer service and follow up.
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