Last updated: May 6, 2026
More people today are choosing to take a more personal approach to planning their funeral. Instead of a traditional service, many are now considering alternative options like direct cremation.
Direct cremation is a simple, no fuss funeral plan choice. It’s a cremation that’s unattended by family or friends. Afterwards, the ashes are kept in the care of the funeral director before being returned, or they can be scattered in the garden of remembrance, depending on the person’s wishes.
The simplicity a direct cremation offers can be comforting. It separates the practical arrangements of the cremation from the emotional act of saying goodbye. For many*, it also allows space for a unique memorial, an event that can be held later and truly reflects their loved one’s personality and wishes.
Cremation is the most popular choice in the UK
Cremation has a long history in Britain. In fact, the very first official cremation took place over 150 years ago, in Woking in 1885. Since then, it has become the most popular choice for funerals in the UK.
In recent years, we've seen a big shift in the types of funerals UK families are choosing. This decade in particular, the pandemic led many to move away from traditional send-offs and towards simpler and more unique options. Direct cremation has grown significantly in popularity since this time.
According to the latest research, direct cremations now make up 21% of all funerals in the UK. This is a massive shift from just 3% in 2019*. The trend is clear: direct cremation is here to stay, being an increasingly common choice for people from all walks of life.
What's involved in direct cremation?
A direct cremation is perhaps best defined by what it doesn't include, when compared to a traditional funeral. The NAFD describes it as a completely unattended funeral.
This means:
- There is no viewing of the deceased in a chapel of rest (although some funeral directors may offer this option).
- There is no funeral service at the crematorium, so no mourners attend.
- There is no procession with a hearse or limousines.
- There is no need for embalming, as the cremation usually takes place soon after death.
- A simple coffin suitable for cremation is used, as there is no procession or ceremony.
- The funeral director chooses the time and place of the cremation.
While there is no service to attend, this doesn't mean you can't mark the moment. With a Golden Charter plan, we make sure your loved ones are told the date of the cremation in advance. This gives them a chance to pause and reflect in their own way, perhaps by lighting a candle or playing a favourite song.
After the cremation, the ashes can be returned to the family or scattered in a garden of remembrance. This frees family and friends to plan a more unique memorial service at a time and place that suits them, if they wish to.
Why are people choosing direct cremation?
There are many reasons why someone might choose a direct cremation. For some, it is a more affordable way to go. The latest research states that a direct cremation costs £1,628. This is significantly less than an attended cremation, which costs an average of £4,200, or a traditional attended funeral, which averages £4,510*.
For others, it's simply a question of personal choice. Some people just don't want the fuss of a full funeral service. They may be very private people, or they may find traditional funerals stressful and want to spare their family that experience.
Choosing direct cremation doesn't mean you can't have a meaningful send-off. In fact, according to latest research, 86% of families who organised a direct cremation still held a separate memorial service or celebration of life*. This could be anything from a quiet moment of reflection in the garden to a larger gathering of family and friends weeks or even months later at their loved one’s favourite spot.
Whatever the reason, direct cremation is a valid and respectful choice. It allows people to separate the cremation from the memorial, so there's no pressure to plan everything at once during a difficult time.
How the direct cremation market has changed
The market for direct cremation has grown and changed a lot in recent years. We outlined earlier how the pandemic saw more people looking for simpler, unattended options, and how this trend has continued.
This growth has led to more providers entering the market. Alongside established, local independent funeral directors, there are now national, online-only providers. While this means more choice, it can also make things feel more confusing and less personal. Research shows that many people still prefer to use a local, independent funeral director as a trusted source of expertise and emotional support, rather than relying on online options which can be seen as remote and impersonal in comparison*. You can find your local, Golden Charter approved funeral directors using the search tool our website: Funeral directors near me.
Prices can also vary. One 2025 report found that while independent funeral directors had lowered their average price for a direct cremation to £1,873, the prices from some specialist national operators had risen by 12.5%. Some prepaid unattended plans were even seen to cost more than £2,000.
The average price of about £1,628 also means the cost of a direct cremation is relatively steady. Traditional attended burial costs have increased by 4.7% since 2024, and cremations by 5.5%. Direct cremation costs, meanwhile, have only increased by 1.9% in the same time*.
Planning ahead with a Direct Cremation Plan
At Golden Charter, we want everyone to be able to choose the final farewell they want. We believe in being clear and honest, so you can make an informed decision with confidence. Our Direct Cremation Plan costs £1,950. It is fully guaranteed and arranged in advance, so there are no surprises and no extra costs for your family later on for the services contained in the plan.
Here's what's included in our Direct Cremation Plan:
- All the costs in the plan, including cremation fees, are fully guaranteed. That means once your plan is paid in full, there’s nothing more to pay.
- A trusted, local funeral director from our network to handle all the arrangements.
- Bringing the deceased into the care of a local funeral director within 25 miles during working hours.
- Care and preparation of the deceased before the cremation, including the removal of a pacemaker if needed.
- A simple coffin, suitable for cremation.
- Notifying the next of kind about the date of the cremation.
- Care for the ashes, which can be scattered in a garden of remembrance or returned to your family.
- 24-hour telephone support for your loved ones.
As this is a direct, unattended cremation, there is no funeral service to attend. Any additional arrangements, such as a family viewing, would be a separate agreement between your family and the funeral director and may incur additional costs.
You can pay in a single payment or spread the cost with monthly instalments, starting with a deposit from just £49. Our flexible payment options are designed to give you the peace of mind that everything is taken care of, at a pace and budget that’s right for you.
If you decide direct cremation isn't the right choice for you, we also offer a range of traditional funeral plans designed to suit different wishes and needs.
Our friendly UK-based team is here to answer your questions from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Give them a call, free, on 0800 090 2258.
Alternatively, your local, independent funeral director can help guide you through your choices. Search for the closest member of our network in your local area using our free search tool – and don't forget to look for the Golden Charter seal of approval.
If you're ready to buy a plan, you can call our team or buy online.
