What is a direct cremation?

A direct cremation, or unattended cremation, is a funeral without a service at the crematorium. Your loved one is cared for and cremated with the same dignity and respect as any other service we carry out, but only our funeral staff are present. It gives you the flexibility to hold a memorial service or celebrate their life in a way and at a time that suits your family.

How much does a direct cremation cost?

Our direct cremation service is £999 plus the cremation costs. That covers our professional fees, the simple or eco-coffin, collection within office hours, and transport to the crematorium. The cremation fee itself is a disbursement paid to the crematorium and varies by venue, typically between £303 and £780 locally.

Can we still have a service afterwards?

Yes, and many families do. A memorial service, a gathering at home, or a scattering of the ashes somewhere meaningful can all be arranged for a later date, without the time pressure of a crematorium slot. We are happy to help you plan it.

What happens to the ashes?

The cremated remains can either be scattered in the Gardens of Remembrance at the crematorium, or returned to you by us if you are within 15 miles. Beyond that a courier will be arranged at cost. We also offer a range of ashes urns, caskets and keepsakes if you would like to keep them at home.

Direct cremation

Direct cremation from £999, plus cremation costs

A non-attended cremation, sensitively carried out, giving you the freedom to celebrate a life in your own way and in your own time.

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A different approach

What a direct cremation is, and who it suits

A direct cremation, or simply a cremation service, has become increasingly popular. A non-attended service avoids the need for a more traditional funeral.

It gives you the flexibility to hold a memorial service or commemorate the deceased's passing in a way that you choose. This kind of funeral service is becoming more popular with those who simply don't feel they want or need to be in attendance at the cremation.

A different approach to a funeral in church or at a chapel attended by mourners, as it seems to have been for many years. Your loved one is still treated with the same dignity, care and respect. The coffin is conveyed to the crematorium in a hearsette or private ambulance with no family or friends attending. Only the funeral staff are at the crematorium.

The majority of our clients who choose this type of service do so because it is by far the least expensive option. You will save over £2,000 on a traditional funeral offering. Whilst at the same time it may be preferable to you and your family and may have been the wish of the deceased. Perhaps it might be down to where friends and family live, which may be some distance apart or even overseas. For this reason it might not be practical or convenient to gather for a service.

A direct cremation coffin example from Brunskill Family Funerals

Why choose this funeral service

Perfect for all types of ceremonies
A cremation for those who want no frills
Those who may wish to have a celebration service not at the crematorium
For those who want to reduce costs with the same care and service
Someone with little or no family, or with a limited financial provision
Pay a fair price for only the service you want and need

How the direct cremation process works

We will meet you to sign the required forms. They can be completed by post if you prefer.
No attendance by family or friends.
Full guidance and professional support as needed.
Provision of a simple or eco-coffin.
Collection of the deceased within office hours, 9am to 5pm.
Transportation in a funeral vehicle to a crematorium at a time of our choice for a non-attended service.
The cremated remains can be scattered in the Gardens of Remembrance at the crematorium, or returned to you by us if within 15 miles, otherwise a courier will be arranged at cost.
The full cost of our fees plus disbursements must be paid in advance before the cremation takes place.

Common questions

Direct cremation, answered

What is a direct cremation?: A direct cremation, or unattended cremation, is a funeral without a service at the crematorium. Your loved one is cared for and cremated with the same dignity and respect as any other service we carry out, but only our funeral staff are present. It gives you the flexibility to hold a memorial service or celebrate their life in a way and at a time that suits your family.
How much does a direct cremation cost?: Our direct cremation service is £999 plus the cremation costs. That covers our professional fees, the simple or eco-coffin, collection within office hours, and transport to the crematorium. The cremation fee itself is a disbursement paid to the crematorium and varies by venue, typically between £303 and £780 locally.
Can we still have a service afterwards?: Yes, and many families do. A memorial service, a gathering at home, or a scattering of the ashes somewhere meaningful can all be arranged for a later date, without the time pressure of a crematorium slot. We are happy to help you plan it.
What happens to the ashes?: The cremated remains can either be scattered in the Gardens of Remembrance at the crematorium, or returned to you by us if you are within 15 miles. Beyond that a courier will be arranged at cost. We also offer a range of ashes urns, caskets and keepsakes if you would like to keep them at home.

Related services

Speak to us about a direct cremation, with no obligation.

Call 020 3887 2090 at any hour and we will talk it through with you, honestly and clearly.

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Telephone 020 3887 2090
Email info@brunskillfunerals.co.uk
Chessington office 13 North Parade, Chessington, KT9 1QL
Twickenham office 95 Powdermill Lane, Twickenham, TW2 6EF

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