Cremation is the most common funeral choice for the people of Britain. Since the late 1960s, more than half of the funerals conducted in the country have involved cremation, and now cremations account for almost 80% of UK funerals.
While the general move towards cremation continues slowly, there has been a significant rise in the number of direct cremations, with the total jumping from 3% in 2019 to 18% in 2022 according to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2023.
Where a traditional cremation includes a service at the crematorium or at a place of worship beforehand, a direct or simple cremation has no service. Instead, the deceased is taken directly to be cremated with no one in attendance unless witnesses ask to be present. A simple coffin is used and the timing of the cremation is determined by the funeral director, usually according to availability at local crematoria.
Social and economic trends
Several social and economic trends have led to the rise in the number of direct cremations. The coronavirus pandemic accounted for the huge increase in direct cremations through 2020 and 2021. Throughout the COVID pandemic, direct cremation was the most practical option for families faced with severe restrictions on funeral attendance. Almost 25% of families chose a direct cremation rather than a traditional funeral between February 2020 and July 2021.
However, even before the pandemic, there was a growing trend for direct cremation, as more people have begun looking for more affordable funeral options.
Traditional funeral services, including a viewing of the deceased and a funeral service, incur significantly greater expense than a simple cremation. With no money spent on extras like cars, flowers or an order of service, the average cost of a direct cremation in 2022 was £1,511 - almost £2,500 less than the average cost of a basic funeral according to the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2023.
Changing Attitudes
In the recent past, direct cremation was not widely available. But greater awareness has led to increased demand and availability. The great majority of funeral directors can now offer direct cremation as one of their standard services.
This wider availability is perhaps a symptom of a more general change in UK attitudes to funerals that has seen the adoption of a less traditional, more individual approach to services and ceremonies. For several years, there has been a trend for more personal ‘celebration of life’ or ‘memorial’ services and direct cremations, with the absence of a formal ceremony on the day of cremation, make it possible to organise a gathering at a time convenient to family and friends.
In a recent study, sociologists at the University of Bath’s Centre for Death and Society found that there are more than financial benefits driving the trend towards direct cremations. Dr Kate Woodthorpe explained that people want to bring their individual preferences to funerals and are less willing to conform to social norms. “People who do things differently report feeling in control of their grieving,” she said. “By running a commemorative service separate to the day of the body’s cremation, they get to decide who attends.”
Environmental Concerns
The trend for direct cremation in the UK is also being driven by increased environmental concerns. Although cremation is not generally considered to be any more environmentally friendly than burial, direct cremation is seen as a more sustainable option as it involves fewer people and services. This makes it a more attractive option for individuals who want a cremation but are concerned about the environmental impact of their funeral choices.
A combination of factors is driving demand for direct cremation, including cost, convenience, changing attitudes towards funerals, and environmental concerns. As this trend continues, it is likely that more and more people will choose direct cremation as a simple and affordable option for their end-of-life plan.
Direct cremation may not be for everyone, but for people who want to avoid the organisation or expense associated with a traditional funeral, here are six reasons to consider a direct cremation plan with Golden Charter:
- Lower cost funeral without compromising on the professional services of a local funeral director.
- The most affordable way to get peace of mind for yourself and ensure your family is spared the burden of unexpected funeral costs.
- Avoid the fuss and stress that can be involved in arranging and attending a traditional funeral service.
- Your loved ones will be free to plan a memorial service to honor their loved ones at a later date if they wish.
- Make sure your funeral is planned your way. Without instructions, most families will opt for a more expensive traditional funeral service.
- Money saved by not having a funeral ceremony could be spent on a memorial service, wake or something the deceased would have wanted, such as a charity donation.
