If your wish is for an unattended funeral, planning ahead allows you to establish a simple and dignified, no-fuss send-off that covers all essentials, from professional collection into our care to the final cremation. Ensuring a seamless process when the time comes.
A direct cremation is a simple alternative to a traditional funeral that involves the cremation taking place without a service, ceremony, or any attendees present. In the instance of a direct cremation, the deceased is collected by the funeral provider and taken directly to the crematorium, where the cremation will happen shortly afterwards. This is a no frills option for those looking for something simple as there is no need for embalming, viewings, or any formal arrangements beforehand, which keeps the process straightforward and low-stress for families.
The ashes are returned to the family after cremation, giving you the choice to hold a personal memorial or celebration of life when the time feels right. If this type of personal send-off would be your preferred option, head on over to our dedicated blog on memorial ideas for those who have been cremated for inspiration on planning your own celebration of life after direct cremation.
£1,695
Our direct funeral plan is a simplistic cremation funeral offering with no service and no mourners attending. This plan includes cremation only, not burial.
While this is an unattended funeral, you’ll still receive outstanding care and support from the professional colleagues at our local branches.
This plan includes all our professional fees, a coffin, and the cremation fee.
Our direct funeral pre-paid plan includes the following:
To ensure this simple option meets your needs, our funeral directors are available to discuss your wishes and guide you through the process. We will provide a detailed and transparent breakdown of costs, so you can feel confident in exactly what your pre-paid plan covers for the future.
No, you cannot attend a direct cremation. The defining feature of a direct cremation compared to a traditional funeral is that it takes place without any mourners present and without a service at the crematorium. The cremation will happen privately at a time chosen by the crematorium.
While you can’t attend a direct cremation, families often choose to hold a personal celebration or wake after receiving the ashes to celebrate the life of those lost. If you’re looking for advice on organising your own celebration of life, head on over to our blog on how to organise a wake for further information.
If you’re considering opting for a direct funeral but you’re unsure if it is the right fit for you, we can help you reach the right decision. Below, we’ve detailed a few reasons why people choose direct funerals over attended services, as well as why they might not work for you so you can be fully informed of all the differences:
To save costs, a direct funeral option removes the traditional ceremony elements, making the funeral significantly more affordable. Families only pay the essential cremation and service fees.
If you prefer a more simple and private option: Direct funerals are well suited to those who prefer a more simplistic and personal approach. With no mourners present, the privacy of a direct funeral will offer peace and space for families who value a more quiet reflection, or for those who feel more comfortable organising their own memorial in their own time.
Keep in mind that a direct funeral is not for everybody, especially if you are wanting a burial, as this plan offers cremation only.
If you are looking for an option for a burial: Direct funerals do not allow for burial, therefore an Essential, Traditional or Bespoke funeral plan would be the better option.
If you want a funeral service: For those who need a religious service, or want a traditional send-off that includes having friends and family present, an attended funeral would be the better option.
If your needs don’t match up with the above, head on over to our pre-paid plans page to discover what attended funeral plan options are on offer to find the right fit for you and your family.
Our pre-paid direct funeral plan does not allow you to pay for the funeral in installments. An upfront one-off payment in full is required upon application. For further information our funeral plan terms and conditions brochure breaks down exactly how payments work.
When it comes to selecting a direct cremation pre-paid plan, we know there’s a choice to be made between online options and your local funeral home. It can be hard to choose, but there are many benefits to opting to take out a plan from a funeral director close to home over a faceless company.
Choosing a local cremation provides a more personalised and transparent experience, offering the flexibility to adapt your plans if circumstances change. Engaging with a local funeral director allows for face-to-face consultations where you can address complex questions directly and receive dedicated support with essential legal documentation and personal requests.
Below is a breakdown of the many flexible options you have available when it comes to arranging a cremation with one of our local branches. Get in touch with us today to arrange an appointment with your local funeral director for more information.
| Service | Online | Local |
|---|---|---|
| Will the cremation take place at your local crematorium – not miles away? | No | Yes |
| Will your loved one be cared for locally, not transported across the country? | No | Yes |
| Will you be told the date, time and location of the cremation? | No | Yes |
| Will you have personal contact with the funeral team caring for your loved one? | No | Yes |
| Will the ashes be available locally shortly after the cremation? | No | Yes |
| Can you customise or upgrade the elements of the funeral plan if your needs change? | No | Yes |
| Can you place personal items or keepsakes in the coffin? | No | Yes |
| Will the cremation happen properly without unnecessary delay? | No | Yes |
| Can you choose to witness the committal or attend in a simple way if you wish? | No | Yes |
By choosing one of our direct funeral plans, you are choosing a recognised local funeral provider with local branches and colleagues who are on hand to support you in person. Our direct, unattended funerals are arranged in the same personal and compassionate way that our more traditional funerals are arranged, with professional care and support.
If you are uncertain which pre-paid option best meets your needs, visit our detailed funeral plans page to explore the various types available. Our pre-paid plans overview breaks down the different plans available, choosing between burial, cremation, and direct services to get the send off you desire when the time comes.
