What Is Direct Cremation?
A direct cremation in the UK is where the person who has died is taken directly to the crematorium from the funeral directors premises, with no attendees and no funeral service or ceremony. It is the most minimal and least expensive option for families, and with the least amount of choice - most direct cremation providers do not allow you to choose the date, time, or location of the cremation. Arrangements can all be done over the phone and email, and the ashes are returned to you at a later date.
Direct cremations have increased in popularity over the past few years, this may be due to being low-cost, or because of choice - some people simply do not want a funeral. We have answered some common questions about direct cremation below:
Is direct cremation right for me?
Direct cremation might be the right choice for you if you feel comfortable with the following choices:
A direct cremation chapel
You will not see the body of the person who has died, or if the funeral is for yourself, no-one will be able to visit your body.
There will be no ceremony with attendees with a coffin or casket present.
You will not be present at the crematorium when the coffin or casket is carried inside. If the funeral is for yourself, there will only be the staff from the funeral directors present.
Why are some direct cremation providers cheaper than others?
Some direct cremation providers are strictly online companies that provide only the logistics of carrying out a direct cremation - as opposed to a funeral director that looks after families who want full funeral services as well.
With many of these online providers you will not know where your loved one is, when and where the cremation will be, or who will be looking after them. Everything can be done the most cost-effective way for the online provider.
What if my loved one wanted a direct cremation but I want them to have a funeral?
It’s very important to talk about these things with your family or the person arranging your funeral if you can. There can often be big implications for people’s grief if they don’t have some way to say goodbye to the person who has died. Some people choose to have a memorial at a later date, or even just gather together when they know the direct cremation is taking place (we will always tell you when this will be).
We highly recommend using a funeral director who can offer some flexibility if you change your mind, or will allow you to visit the body or the closed coffin of the person who has died before the direct cremation takes place.
What are the benefits of choosing a direct cremation?
You are free to hold a memorial or event celebrating the persons life at any venue - you won’t be limited to somewhere that can accommodate a coffin. The ashes could be present instead.
There is no time limit, you may wish to do this much later after the death has occurred, when you feel more able to manage the arrangements and your grief is less raw.
If you have lots of friends and family overseas, a memorial instead of a funeral service could give them more time to travel and attend.
We often hear that people just ‘don’t want a fuss.’
What should I look for when choosing a company to carry out a direct cremation?
We recommend checking the following points, and if you cannot identify this from the website or after a phone call then seriously consider if you are comfortable with them looking after your loved one:
Where are their mortuary facilities?
If you change your mind about the arrangements can you visit your loved one or attend the cremation?
How will your loved one be looked after, and by who?
Why should I choose Exit Here for a direct cremation rather than a low-cost online provider?
We will care for your person in our on-site mortuary at our Chiswick or Crouch End branch. You will know when they are brought into our care, and if you have any questions or requests we will be happy to accommodate.
It makes no difference if you are having a full funeral or a direct cremation with us, everyone in our care is treated with the same dignity and respect.
We will tell you the date and time of the direct cremation. If you want to be outside the crematorium when we carry the coffin inside you can do so.
We will always ask if you want to choose a song to be played as we carry the coffin inside the crematorium.
We will take a photo of the coffin in place in the crematorium if you wish.
You can give us anything to place in the coffin - a letter, any special personal items, photos, flowers.
At least two members of our trusted Exit Here team will always accompany your loved one’s coffin to the furthest point they can - until the curtains close around it and the crematorium staff take to be cremated.
We will collect the ashes for you and look after them for as long as you need.
If you need any help with arranging a memorial we can assist - this may be recommending celebrants, designing and printing the order of service for you, suggesting venues, or even being there on the day to manage the event if you are planning something big. We are often asked to look after large and small memorial services and hospitality is one of our fields of expertise.
Can you attend a direct cremation?
A simple bouquet from the garden to accompany someone for a direct cremation
At Exit Here, we offer a simple service - an early morning 20 minute service at a local crematorium (usually 9:00am or 9:30am), where there is no formal ceremony but attendees are welcome. Many people choose to use this time to listen to music, say a few words, or just stand next to the coffin and say their own personal goodbyes.
Our simple cremation service is £2,300 (rather than £1,750 for a direct cremation). Many families who at first think they want a direct cremation eventually opt for the simple service. They are still honouring the wishes or request of ‘no funeral service’ but get to be present, connected, and part of the final step on their loved ones journey.
How much is direct cremation?
Direct cremation is always more low-cost than a full funeral service, but this varies across the country. Direct cremation in London is going to always be slightly higher than the rest of the UK. Online providers offer direct cremation for as low as £900 but established funeral directors are usually a little higher.
If you want to discuss whether direct cremation is the right option for you, or have any questions please contact us.