Simple, unattended funerals
A Direct Cremation is an increasingly popular alternative to an often costly traditional funeral.
A Direct Cremation involves the cremation of the deceased without a funeral service or mourners in attendance. This pared back option can dramatically reduce the funeral costs because expensive coffins, flowers, venue, cars, celebrants, and the funeral service itself are not included.
A Direct Cremation also provides loved ones with greater flexibility to say goodbye in their own way, and at their own time, with many holding a ‘celebration of life’ service or gathering in a more informal setting to a crematorium at a time convenient to them.
A less costly funeral option
Our Direct Cremation service costs just £1,490.00. This includes all necessary fees, and typically covers everything you need for a simple cremation.
How it works
Read on for a brief guide to what will be required for a Direct Cremation with us, from the essential paperwork to the funeral itself.
“The option of a Direct Cremation was ideal. My father was not religious or sentimental and wanted money spent on a wake, not a funeral.”
— Mrs B, Machynlleth
Famous people who have chosen a simple cremation
John Lennon
The death of Beatles star John Lennon, aged 40, rocked the whole world in 1980. A person of this level of fame could have had a huge funeral service, attended by millions of fans and fellow celebrities. However, he had no formal funeral. He was cremated in secrecy in New York, and his ashes given back to his family.
David Bowie
The musical Legend David Bowie who died more recently also did not have a conventional funeral service. Before his death, Bowie had decided to arrange a simple cremation for himself with no other service or celebration. Bowie’s body was cremated without any of his family or friends present.
Anita Brookner
The novelist died aged 87 and requested that no funeral be held on her behalf. Just like Bowie, Brookner arranged a direct cremation, where the body is taken straight from the hospital or place of death to the crematorium. The ashes are either returned to the family or scattered by the undertakers.