The cremation process explained

In the UK, around 74% of funerals are cremation. Until you attend a cremation, the cremation process may seem a little daunting. 

In this guide, we explain what happens at a cremation, and how the cremation process works, including: 

• What is a cremation?

• What happens during the cremation process?

• How much does a cremation cost?

• How to arrange a cremation

• What to do with ashes after cremation

What is cremation?

Cremation is the process that transforms the body of someone who has passed away into ‘ashes’ using intense heat. The machine used to cremate bodies is called a ‘cremator’.

Following the cremation, the ashes are often scattered in the crematorium’s garden of remembrance or returned to the family.

Cremation is often more affordable and flexible than traditional burial options and has risen in popularity in recent years.

In the UK, most cremations are arranged through a funeral director or other funeral provider, although it is possible to arrange a cremation directly with the crematorium.

A cremation takes place in a 'crematorium' and is traditionally accompanied by a service for mourners to attend, (unless it is a 'direct cremation').

The coffin will be present in the chapel throughout the cremation service. At the end of the service, the coffin will be committed for cremation (this is the point where the coffin is removed from view).

Mourners will not normally witness the cremation itself, but in some cases may be able to witness the ‘charging’ of the coffin to the cremator.

What happens during the cremation process?

During the cremation process, the coffin will be placed into the cremator, with the deceased inside.

A cremator only has the capacity for one coffin at a time, so all cremations are performed separately.

The heat inside the cremator is very intense. On average, the cremation process takes around 90 minutes to complete.

When the cremation is finished, all that is left is small fragments of bone. These remains are taken from the cremator, cooled and placed in a machine that reduces the bone to ‘ashes’.

The ashes are then put into a simple container, fully identified with the details of the deceased.

The ashes are normally returned to the family or scattered in the gardens of remembrance at the crematorium.

Your funeral provider will be able to advise how long it may take for the ashes to be returned; they will not be returned on the day of the cremation.

Crematoriums follow a strict code of practice to ensure the cremation process is always followed correctly.

How much does a cremation cost?

The cost of a cremation will depend on a number of factors, including where in the UK the cremation takes place and the funeral arrangements you choose.

However, the average traditional attended funeral in the UK costs £4,510 in 2025. This includes cremation fees, funeral director’s fees, doctor’s fees and the cost of a minister or officiant.

In contrast, the average cost of a direct cremation in the UK is just £1,628. While, a direct cremation funeral from Simplicity is just £1,399.

The cost of a cremation is typically significantly less than a traditional burial, which on average costs £5,440. 

Find out more about average cremation costs, what’s typically included and the elements you may have to pay extra for.

How to arrange a cremation with Simplicity

When organising a cremation, there are a number of arrangements you need to make. This includes arranging for the care of your loved one between the death and the cremation. Plus the completion of paperwork for the cremation to proceed.

At Simplicity, we make arranging a cremation a simple, straightforward process. Unlike arranging a traditional cremation, you will not have to visit a funeral home or spend hours discussing arrangements with a funeral director.

All it takes is a phone call to get the process started.

When you contact us, our expert team of funeral arrangers will answer any questions you have and explain the entire cremation process, from the collection of your loved one, to the return of their ashes.

We realise that not everyone wants a costly traditional cremation; procession beforehand with a hearse / limousines and a service performed by a minister.

Our no funeral, just cremation simple offering includes:

• Cremation fees

• Doctor’s fees (something not all providers will include)

• A simple coffin

• Collection of the deceased from the place of rest

• Transportation of the deceased in a specialised funeral vehicle

If you are unable to pay for your funeral upfront, you may consider prepaying for it in advance with a funeral plan.

By securing a Simplicity funeral plan you can lock-in todays' price, avoiding future price rises. What's more, you can relieve loved ones from the financial burden of your send-off. Prices start from just £1,799 .

Direct cremation

Direct cremation is one of the most affordable funeral options available in the UK. Families choose this option for a variety of reasons, and it's not always down to cost:

• Your loved one expressed their wishes for a low-key funeral

• Your loved one did not wish for a religious ceremony, or a ceremony at all

• Family and friends live far away, meaning it is not practical to travel to a funeral service at some notice

Many families choose direct cremation as they want to hold a celebration of life or memorial service at a time and place away from the crematorium.

As our lowest cost cremation option costs from £1,399.

What happens at a direct cremation?

The main difference between a direct cremation and a traditional cremation with a service, is that there is no service beforehand, and there are no mourners present at the crematorium.

The remainder of the cremation process is the same as a traditional cremation with a service.

Deciding what to do with the ashes of your loved one can be a very sensitive subject. Of course, you may decide you do not want to do anything with them and simply keep the ashes at home in an urn.

Many people choose to scatter or bury their loved one ashes in the gardens of remembrance at the crematorium or in one of their loved one’s favourite places. There are also a number of other popular places you can scatter ashes.

To arrange a low-cost cremation for a loved one, contact us today. Our expert team will also be able to answer any questions you may have about the cremation process.

Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 *Average cremation costs as quoted in the SunLife (2025), Cost of Dying Report, https://www.sunlife.co.uk/over-50-life-insurance/funeral-costs/