Direct cremation funeral plans
A direct cremation funeral plan pays in advance for a simple cremation, with no service and no mourners present.
Simplicity specialises in direct cremation only, which keeps the plan focused and the price low. Every plan is backed by the Dignity network, one of the UK's most established funeral care providers.
How does a direct cremation funeral plan work?
You pay for your plan in advance, either upfront or in instalments. When the time comes, your loved one is collected and transported by specialist vehicle.
There's no service, no ceremony, and no mourners in attendance. The date, time and location are chosen by the provider rather than the family.
Once the cremation has taken place, the ashes are returned in a simple container.
If you're still deciding whether cremation without a funeral is right for you, our guide to cremation without a funeral explains the process in more detail.
A funeral plan for peace of mind
If you’re planning ahead, our direct cremation funeral plan is the way to go. At just £1,799, with no hidden costs, it’s simpler and more affordable than a traditional funeral.
Buy a direct cremation funeral plan »Why choose a specialist direct cremation provider?
Simplicity Cremations only arranges direct cremation. This is different to a traditional funeral director offering direct cremation as one option among many.
Focusing on a single, simple service means fewer overheads and a leaner process. That focus is passed on as savings.
It also means every part of the plan, from booking to the day itself, is built around this one type of arrangement, rather than adapted from a traditional funeral.
What's included in your plan
- Collection and transport of the deceased in a specialist vehicle
- Removal of a medical device, if needed
- A simple, dignified coffin
- The cremation itself
- Scattering of the ashes or hand delivery to any address in mainland Great Britain
- Specialist support from our funeral advisors
What's not included
- A funeral service or ceremony
- Attendance by family or mourners
- Choice of cremation date, time, or venue
- A hearse-led procession
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- One of the lowest-cost ways to arrange a cremation
- Minimal admin and decision-making for your family
- Fixes the cost at today's price, protecting against future inflation
- A calm, no-fuss option for those who don't want a formal service
Disadvantages:
- No formal gathering for mourners
- The family doesn't choose the date or time
- Anyone wanting a traditional ceremony will need to arrange this separately
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Personalising your plan
Choosing direct cremation doesn't mean losing all personal choice. You can select a different ashes container or urn in place of the standard option.
Many families also add a small memorial, such as a plaque or keepsake, once the ashes are returned. Others hold their own informal gathering afterwards, on their own terms.
Put the savings toward a celebration of life
Because direct cremation costs less than a traditional funeral, many families use the difference to fund a celebration of life instead.
This might be a gathering at home, a favourite pub, or somewhere that meant something to your loved one. It happens when you're ready, not fixed to a cremation date.
Separating the practical side from the emotional side gives families more control over how they say goodbye.
Paying for your plan
You can pay for a Simplicity direct cremation funeral plan in one upfront payment, or spread the cost over 24 monthly instalments.
Our pay monthly funeral plans guide explains how instalments work, including what to check before you commit. Spreading the cost makes planning ahead more accessible, without adding unnecessary complexity.
Buying your funeral plan online
Setting up a direct cremation funeral plan doesn't need to involve a lengthy process. Many people now choose to arrange their plan entirely online, in their own time.
Our guide on how to buy a funeral plan online walks through what to expect, from choosing a plan to confirming the details.
Cancelling a plan
Every plan comes with a cooling-off period, usually 30 days from purchase, during which you can cancel for a full refund.
Cancel after this window, and a cancellation fee may apply, so always check the exact terms before you buy.
Making changes to your plan
Circumstances change, and most plans can be updated to reflect this. Moving home is a common example; your plan can usually be amended to your new address.
Speak to your provider about what can be changed and whether any fees apply.
Not all direct cremation plans are the same price
Direct cremation plans vary more than people may expect. Some providers charge extra for instalment payments, oversized coffins, removing a medical device such as a pacemaker, or collection from a private home.
These add-ons can quietly push up the total cost. Our breakdown of the cheapest prepaid funeral plans in the UK shows how to compare providers properly, so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Why choose Simplicity Cremations?
Simplicity is a specialist direct cremation provider, built to do one thing well and keep costs down as a result. Behind that specialism sits the Dignity network, giving families the reassurance of a long-established, trusted name in UK funeral care.
With an "Excellent" Trustpilot rating from over 600 customer reviews, you can rest assured we provide a direct cremation funeral plans of proven quality.
A funeral plan for peace of mind
If you’re planning ahead, our direct cremation funeral plan is the way to go. At just £1,799, with no hidden costs, it’s simpler and more affordable than a traditional funeral.
Buy a funeral plan online »Direct cremation funeral plans FAQs:
Are direct cremation plans really the cheapest option?
Direct cremation is typically the lowest-cost way to plan a funeral, since it removes the costs of a service, venue, and ceremony. Prices still vary between providers, so it's worth comparing what's included.
How much could I save compared to a traditional funeral?
Savings vary depending on the traditional funeral you're comparing against, but direct cremation removes many of the biggest costs, including venue hire, a hearse-led procession, and a formal service.
However for context, according to SunLife's Cost of Dying report 2026, the average cost of a direct cremation is £1,628, while a traditional attended burial is £5,440.
What if I want to cancel my funeral plan?
You can cancel within the cooling-off period, usually 30 days, for a full refund. A cancellation fee may apply after this period which varies by provider.
Can someone buy a funeral plan on your behalf?
Yes. Family members or friends can purchase a plan for someone else, either as a gift or as part of future planning.
What happens if I stop paying for my plan?
Contact your provider as soon as possible if you miss an instalment payment. Options may include pausing, adjusting, or cancelling the plan.
Are funeral plans safe and regulated?
Yes, prepaid funeral plans in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which sets standards providers must meet to protect customers' money.
