What is a direct cremation?

A direct cremation is a simple and affordable funeral option where the cremation takes place without a service or attendees.

The deceased is collected, cared for, and cremated privately by professionals, with the ashes returned to the family if desired. As there’s no ceremony, procession, or mourners, it’s often described as a “fuss‑free funeral”, “unattended funeral”, or “simple funeral”.

This scaled‑back approach makes a direct cremation one of the cheapest funeral options, avoiding the costs associated with venue hire, ministers, hearses, food or additional services.

Family and loved ones are free to hold a separate memorial or celebration of life later, in their own unique way and at a time that suits them.

Direct cremations provide a respectful farewell while offering affordability, privacy, and flexibility. It’s an increasingly popular choice for those wanting a simple, modern alternative to the more costing traditional funeral.

In 2019, direct cremations made up just 3% of all funeral services; by 2025 this figure rose to 21%*.

What’s included in a direct cremation?

A direct cremation funeral usually includes:

• Collection of the deceased from the place of death (home, hospital, or care home)
• Care of the deceased until the cremation, including respectful preparation in professional facilities
• A simple coffin suitable for cremation - usually plain and functional
• Transportation to the crematorium in a private or specialist funeral vehicle (no hearse or limousine)
• All essential cremation fees, including crematorium costs and medical certification where required
• A private, unattended cremation, carried out by trained professionals with no mourners’ present
• Return of ashes to the family or scattering in the crematorium’s garden of remembrance
• Professional support and guidance from funeral staff throughout the process

There are multiple direct cremation providers in the UK, and what they include can vary.

For example, unlike Simplicity Cremations not all providers can deliver the ashes to your home.

Below you can see exactly what is included with our Simplicity direct cremation:

What’s included

• Bringing the person who has died into our care from anywhere in mainland Great Britain
• Urgent collection and cost to remove a medical device, if needed
• Specialist support from our funeral advisors
• Transfer to a crematorium of our choice
• A suitable coffin and simple urn
• A respectful direct cremation and all the crematorium fees
• Scattering of the ashes or hand delivery to any address in mainland Great Britain

What’s not included

• The choice of crematorium
• A funeral ceremony at the crematorium
• Visiting the person who has died before the cremation
• A hearse, limousine, flowers or a celebrant

Direct cremation process (step-by-step)

1. Collection of the deceased
The funeral provider collects the deceased from the place of death and takes them into their care.

2. Medical certification and Medical Examiner check
A doctor issues the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD), which is then independently reviewed by a Medical Examiner (mandatory since September 2024).

3. Register the death
Once the Medical Examiner has completed scrutiny, the family registers the death with the local registrar. The registrar issues:

• The Death Certificate, and
• The Green Form (Certificate for Burial or Cremation) authorising the cremation

4. Cremation application
The applicant (next of kin/executor) completes Cremation Form 1 (Application for cremation). Your funeral provider will help you submit this to the crematorium. For more information see our cremation forms guide.

5. Care and preparation
The deceased is cared for respectfully at a local facility. There is no embalming or viewing with a direct cremation.

6. Transfer to the crematorium
The funeral provider transports the deceased to the crematorium at a scheduled time (often an unattended, off‑peak slot).

7. Unattended cremation
The direct cremation takes place without a service and without mourners present.

8. Ashes
Ashes are either returned to the family (collection or delivery) or scattered in the crematorium’s gardens if requested.

How does a direct cremation differ from a traditional cremation?

As mentioned above, a direct cremation is a simple, unattended cremation without a funeral service or mourners present, whereas a traditional cremation includes a full funeral ceremony with family and friends in attendance.

Please note, the below table is simply an example of what could be included in a direct cremation vs traditional cremation; not what is always included, as every funeral is different.

For example, you may choose to opt for a traditional cremation, but don't require pallbearers because the family wish to carry the coffin or a procession because a hearse is sufficient.

In summary, a direct cremation is the simplest and most affordable option, while traditional cremation offers a full, attended funeral experience but at a significantly higher cost.

How much do direct cremations cost?

Direct cremations are widely regarded as the most affordable funeral option, as they remove the significant costs associated with services, venues, and traditional ceremonial elements.

According to data from SunLife’s Cost of Dying report 2026, the average cost of a direct cremation in the UK is £1,628; a +1.9% increase on the previous year. Whereas the average cost of an attended burial is £5,440 ,a +4.7% year-on-year increase.

At Simplicity Cremations we offer direct cremations from just £1,399, while Co-op cheapest offering is priced from £1,445 and Pure Cremation from £1,495**.

While some providers may offer a cheaper direct cremation than Simplicity, it’s important to compare what each service includes.

Factors like immediate collection of the body and hand delivery of the ashes anywhere in mainland GB can make a meaningful difference beyond price alone.

If covering the cost of a direct cremation via a prepaid funeral plan the cost increases. For example, if you purchase a funeral plan with Simplicity Cremations (single payment) it would cost £1,799.

That said, one of the main benefits of a funeral plan is that it lets you arrange the send‑off you want, while also relieving your loved ones of the financial burden when the time comes.

Who are the direct cremation providers?

There are a range of providers in the funerals market, some specialising specifically in direct cremations, with others offering a range of different funeral options.

Specialist direct cremation plan providers include:

• Simplicity Cremations
• Pure Cremation
• Aura Funerals
• Distinct Cremations
• Direct Cremation
• With Grace

Other providers who also offer Direct Cremations include:

• Dignity Funerals
• Co-op
• Golden Charter
• Avalon Funeral Plans
• Golden Leaves

Pros and cons of a direct cremation

There are several key advantages and some disadvantages to a direct cremation. While it can be a great option for many, for some it won’t be the best funeral option.

Pros

• More affordable than a traditional cremation
• Less pressure to plan all the elements of a traditional funeral with loved ones present
• Flexibility to hold a personalised memorial later
• Speed. Everything is handled quickly and without the need to plan or coordinate a formal funeral service
• Convenience. No need for a large gathering. Ideal if family and friends are spread across different locations or unable to attend a traditional service
• Often more environmentally friendly. Fewer resources are used compared to a full funeral with vehicles, printed materials, or large gatherings

Cons

• Additional fees sometimes added by providers i.e. delivering ashes
• Some find it harder to say goodbye without a formal moment of remembrance
• Family and friends don't attend a service, which may feel impersonal for some

Financial help with funeral costs

Many people choose a direct cremation because it is a more cost-effective option.

If you’re struggling with the cost of a funeral, there are several forms of financial help that may be available depending on your circumstances. These options could help reduce or fully cover the cost of a funeral.

1. Funeral Expenses Payment (Government support)

If you receive certain benefits, you may be eligible for a Funeral Expenses Payment, which helps cover:

• Cremation fees
• Doctor’s fees
• Travel costs
• Necessary items like a coffin

You’ll still need to pay for some elements yourself, but the payment can significantly reduce the overall cost.

2. Bereavement Support Payment

If your spouse or civil partner has died, you may qualify for a Bereavement Support Payment, which gives you:

• A one‑off lump sum
• Up to 18 monthly payments

This payment is not specifically for funerals, but many people use it to help cover funeral costs.

3. Local authority funeral support

If no one is able or willing to arrange the funeral, the local council can provide a Public Health Funeral, often referred to as a pauper’s funeral. This typically takes the form of an unattended direct cremation.

While you won’t have control over the details, it ensures a respectful funeral takes place.

4. Charity and community grants

Some charities offer financial support depending on:

• The deceased’s profession (e.g., military, NHS, merchant navy)
• Personal circumstances
• Financial hardship

These grants can sometimes fully cover or supplement cremation costs.

5. Prepaid funeral plans

If you’re planning ahead rather than arranging an immediate cremation, a prepaid funeral plan lets you:

• Fix the funeral price at today’s rate
• Spread the cost over monthly instalments
• Protect loved ones from future price increases

This can be one of the most cost‑effective ways to prepare for a direct cremation.

Direct Cremations FAQs:

Can you have an attended direct cremation?

No, a direct cremation is traditionally an unattended funeral with no mourners present.

Some providers, such as Dignity Funerals, now offer an attended option, allowing a small number of people to be present for a simple, scaled‑back ceremony, usually for an additional fee.

Simplicity Cremations doesn’t offer attended funerals.

What happens to the ashes after a direct cremation?

After a direct cremation the ashes are passed back to loved ones, or they can be scattered within the grounds of the crematorium if preferred.

At Simplicity Cremations, we can hand deliver the ashes anywhere in mainland Great Britain at an extra cost, although not all providers offer this service.

Alternatively, the ashes can be picked up in person from the crematorium.

Can I arrange a direct cremation near me​?

Yes, with more than 300 crematoriums across the UK, it’s very likely there’s a facility nearby that provides direct cremations.

Simplicity Cremations operates 45 crematoria within our extensive network, so there’s a strong chance we offer one local to you.

How long do I have to wait for a direct cremation?

While the deceased can be collected immediately and taken to a care home, a direct cremation typically takes place within 1 to 3 weeks after death.

Usually, the wait is shorter than that of a traditional funeral because it doesn’t require coordinating a service with attendees and everything this entails.

While a direct cremation can occur as soon as statutory paperwork is completed (usually 48 hours), the precise timing depends on crematorium capacity and registration.

Can I take out a funeral plan to pay for my direct cremation?

Yes, taking out a funeral plan to pay for a direct cremation is a great way of locking in today’s prices and avoiding future inflation.

A funeral plan can either be paid for in a single payment (usually cheaper) or via monthly instalments over a fixed period.

Can I buy a direct cremation online?

Although rare, it’s possible to buy a direct cremation online via the websites of some providers.

At Simplicity, you can buy a funeral plan online. However, if you need an immediate cremation, please call our dedicated customer services team.

Can you visit the deceased before a direct cremation?

No, with a direct cremation it’s uncommon for you to be able to visit the deceased and this is not something we offer at Simplicity Cremations.

Is embalming included with a direct cremation?

No, embalming is not included with a direct cremation from Simplicity.

A direct cremation is a simple, practical alternative to a traditional funeral, and it doesn't involve embalming or other invasive preparation of the body. Because there is no viewing, visitation, or service with the deceased present, embalming is not required.

By removing these additional processes, direct cremation remains a more affordable and straightforward option while still ensuring the deceased is cared for with dignity and respect.

Is a coffin required for a direct cremation?

Yes, a coffin is still required for a direct cremation. Often a basic coffin and urn is used, which helps to keep cremation costs low.

* Average costs taken from https://www.sunlife.co.uk/siteassets/ documents/cost-of-dying/sunlife-cost-of-dying-report-2026.pdf

** Here is our Standardised Price List. We’ve used the Standardised Price List of each provider to compare the cost of an unattended funeral (cremation) for someone who has died. The list of services included by each provider for the prices above may vary. Tap the logos to see their Standardised Price Lists for more details. Prices are accurate as of January 2026. Visit our funeral plans page to see our funeral plan prices