What people want and expect from a funeral is changing. Our society is becoming increasingly secular and funeral prices are also on the rise. As a result, one in 14 people now opt for the cheaper and hassle-free direct funeral option.
What is a direct funeral?
A direct funeral, also known as a direct cremation, is a cremation without a funeral service. There is no hearse, procession or ceremony and generally no mourners in attendance.
As with any cremation, the deceased is treated with the utmost respect by the funeral director, and the cremation itself is private and individual. Afterwards, there is the option to return the ashes to the family to do with as they wish.
Are direct funerals expensive?
By having a cremation without a formal ceremony or any extras such as a viewing, visitation or wake, it keeps costs low. For example, direct funerals start from just £895. We guarantee that this is the cheapest cremation option in England and Wales.
In contrast, the average price for a cremation in the UK is £3,885. In London this rises to about £5,235.
There are no hidden fees or upfront costs. Everything is taken care of on your behalf, including collecting your loved one from any hospital or mortuary in England or Wales and bringing them to our crematorium. The fee also covers a simple, environmentally-friendly coffin, made by British craftsmen.
Find out exactly how much a direct funeral will cost you with our Price Calculator.
You can also speak with our friendly expert team and begin arranging a low cost direct cremation on 0800 133 7961, or send an email to [email protected].
Other advantages of a direct funeral
Besides the price, direct funerals enable friends and family of the deceased to plan and arrange their own goodbye. Many people do not want the fuss of a traditional funeral service. Instead, they prefer to hold a memorial service or celebration of life at a time convenient for them.
Scattering a person’s ashes is a poignant way to remember them and say goodbye. With DirectCremation.co.uk, you can have the ashes scattered in our Garden of Remembrance, free of charge. Or, we can deliver them to your door in a wooden urn for an extra £91.
We have provided some ideas about scattering ashes in fireworks or sending them into space. We also offer advice about travelling with ashes that you may find useful.
Can I attend a direct funeral?
Some direct funeral services allow a limited number of attendees at the cremation. This incurs an extra fee. However, the majority go ahead without mourners.
Direct cremation does not offer the option to attend. This is because we perform cremations early in the morning at a regional crematorium and we do not rent out the chapel. We made this decision in order to keep prices as low as possible for you.
Friends and family are always notified of the time and date the cremation takes place. Therefore, you can commemorate this in your own way if you prefer.
How do I pay?
You can pay for a direct funeral in full after the cremation has taken place. We do not require a deposit or upfront payment.
We also accept the Government’s Funeral Expenses Payment which covers the cost of funerals for those eligible. We can even help you to apply for this.
Call us on 0800 133 7961 or send an email to [email protected] for more information or to begin arranging a direct funeral.