Cremation without service

With over 70% of UK funerals in 2023 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 2024

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. 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 £1,498#, making it significantly less expensive than traditional funerals with a service.

At Distinct Cremations, we offer our services starting from £1,399.

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 2024
* 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 2024, over a third (37%) 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.

Purple Flowers In Field

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 offer up to 8 people for a 10-minute ceremony, or up to 20 people for a 20-minute ceremony.

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 £1,699, allowing for a dignified ceremony without the high expenses of traditional funerals.

For smaller, intimate ceremonies of up to 8 people lasting 10 minutes, plans start from £2,199 or £25.58 monthly**. Larger services for up to 20 people and lasting 20 minutes begin at £2,399, or £28.80 monthly***.

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** Price advertised is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £3,069.60 and includes administration fees.
*** Price advertised is for a 50 year old paying over a 10 year period. Total cost is £3,456 and includes administration fees.

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 an intimate gathering of 8 people for 10 minutes or a larger one of 20 people for 20 minutes.

Purple Flowers In Field

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 2024

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.

Our Go Greener option, available for an extra £100, is a great choice for anyone looking to make their cremation more eco-friendly. Here’s what it includes:

  • Eco-friendly coffin: this option comes with a coffin made from wood fibre, using fewer trees than traditional coffins.
  • Carbon offsetting: we also offset the carbon emissions from the cremation process, helping to balance the environmental impact.
  • Tree planting: additionally, choosing Go Greener means we'll plant a tree 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 19 Dec 2024
perfect service thank you
Richard Ingram, on Google 18 Dec 2024
My wife and I decided to sort out our funeral arrangements we looked at various brochures phoned all the major company's .The best one we found was Distinct cremations not the cheapest but the best . The lady who dealt with me was so informative and patient . Everything was explained and all my questions were answered ,I didn't feel pushed into making a decision there and then .This company do really care I've never spoke to anyone in the industry with such knowledge of their company and such compassion when discussing what is a delicate and personal subject . We have recommended this company to my wife's sister and husband and they too have taken out a policy with them . Fully recommended
Anonymous, on Feefo 18 Dec 2024
Everything was done to the highest standard and the staff were very helpful and respectful of our needs
Trevor Alan Flack, on Feefo 17 Dec 2024
Distinct Cremations have been exceptional in the way they dealt with everything for us during a very difficult time. They were respectful and caring and very very helpful, they kept in constant touch showing empathy and compassion; excellent.
Anonymous, on Feefo 16 Dec 2024
I did not purchase this plan it was purchased by my sister who is the one that died. However I have been extremely impressed by the service provided by Distinct Cremations from day one. Their staff have been helpfull, courteous and polite throughout my dealings with them and I would have no hesitation in recommending them.
Anonymous, on Feefo 13 Dec 2024
Very helpful & explained everything before we signed up
David Hanbury, on Google 12 Dec 2024
Excellent and caring communication via mail, email and phone. Very impressed with the courtesy and quality of service.
Earl Batty, on Google 12 Dec 2024
Upon deciding what future wishes I wanted I contacted distinct and spoke to a wonderful lady called Sarah Jordan who explained everything I needed to know regarding my future wishes in the most calming, stress free way, Sarah made the whole process feel so natural,where people may find this sort of thing quite a difficult subject to approach, Sarah has an undoubted ,reassuring quality about her and her calming and caring nature shone through like a lighthouse guiding the ship to port, very professional in her attitude and mindful of what the customer may or not need without the pushy type nature of a sales person selling a product, I was so grateful for the input I received and without doubt I would recommend this company for your future wishes to be taken care of, very competitively priced with so many different options to choose from,and also a good financial plan for spreading the cost that makes it manageable for your own personal choice,and most importantly someone who has a good idea of what you are going through but also the reassurance you need to make your final wishes and decisions when the time comes thanks Sarah
4.9/5
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