A direct cremation is a simple, unattended cremation and in recent years, they’ve been growing in popularity. 20% of final send-offs were described as direct cremations in 2023, compared to just 3% back in 20191, according to research from SunLife.
The average cost of dying in the UK, which includes the funeral, professional fees, and send-off costs, has risen by 156% since 20041. Opting for a direct cremation can reduce the overall cost of dying and can provide a cost effective option for a funeral 4.
Direct cremations are a simpler and cheaper option compared to a traditional funeral so there are some differences in what they include.
Direct cremations: The basics
Also known as a cremation without ceremony or a basic cremation, a direct cremation is a cremation that family and loved ones don’t attend. Not having a ceremony is significantly more affordable than traditional alternatives, and allows for a dignified, no-frills send-off. Unlike a traditional cremation, there is no family viewing throughout the cremation.
If you decide that a direct cremation is the right option for you, we can help. Our basic plan includes a direct cremation, as well as the following:
• Provision of professional services and making all arrangements for the cremation
• Advice on the certification and registration of the death and related documentation
• A coffin suitable for cremation, selected by the funeral director
• Collection and transportation of the deceased to the funeral director’s premises within a 25 mile radius (within working hours)
• Care of the deceased prior to cremation
• £500 allowance towards third party costs
• 24 hour funeral director telephone support for the bereaved
• Transportation to the funeral director’s premises if death occurs whilst on holiday in mainland UK
It’s important that you also know what’s not included before committing to this plan. The following is a rundown of what’s not included:
• Choice of time and date of cremation
• Funeral procession to funeral location
• Use of chapel of rest or service rooms
• Family viewing
• Funeral service at a local crematorium
• Provision of staff to attend to the coffin as required (e.g. pallbearers)
• Limousines
• A list provided to the family of mourners who sent flowers
• Headstone or memorial
• Catering / wake
• Medical certificates
• Minister or officiant fees
• Flowers
• Order of service
• Newspaper / online notices
Direct cremations are increasingly common
Cremations are the most common type of funeral in the UK. In 2023, 53% of funerals were traditional cremations1. This has dropped, however, from 74% in 2019, while direct cremations have risen from 3% in 2019 to 20% in 20231.
Awareness of direct cremation has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions meant that, in some areas, as few as five people could attend funerals. During this time, unattended cremations seemed a clear-cut choice for many2.
But the growing demand for direct cremations predates the pandemic. Before pop legend David Bowie died in 2016, he informed his loved ones that he didn’t want a funeral service. Instead, he opted for a direct cremation, and his ashes were scattered in Bali. Sales of this type of cremation saw a notable increase in the years following3.
While traditional funeral services are typically held within one to two weeks of a death, a direct cremation allows family and friends to remember the deceased at a time that suits them, in as personal a manner as they wish.
-ENDS-
1 Funeral Costs in the UK | Cost of Dying 2024 | SunLife
2 The UK’s Traditional Funeral Market shifts as Direct Cremations rise in popularity by 500% | Bdaily
4 The pay monthly price of our Basic Plan is based on a 50 year old paying by the instalment payment option with a £49 deposit over 10 years. An instalment charge is included based on the term you select and is included in the overall cost of your funeral plan. The retail price of your funeral plan is representative of the equivalent cost of a funeral today plus an arrangement fee of £285 which is retained by Golden Charter to help cover the costs of setting up your plan (Basic Plan | Funeral Plans (goldencharter.co.uk))
