Direct Cremation Explained

What Is a Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is a cremation that takes place without a formal funeral service. The deceased is collected from wherever they die (hospital, care home, or private address), taken into the care of a funeral provider, and cremated — typically without any mourners present at the crematorium. The cremated remains (ashes) are then returned to the family, who can choose to hold a separate memorial at a time and place of their choosing.

Direct cremation has become the fastest growing option in the UK funeral market. According to industry analysis, it now accounts for an estimated 15–20% of all UK cremations, a figure that has grown sharply from negligible levels before 2015. The COVID-19 pandemic — which severely restricted funeral attendance — accelerated this trend, and many families who experienced direct cremation during that period have continued to choose it.

How Direct Cremation Differs from a Traditional Funeral

To understand direct cremation, it helps to understand what it does not include compared to a traditional funeral:

The Direct Cremation Process: Step by Step

Understanding exactly what happens in a direct cremation can help families feel more comfortable with the choice:

1. Arrangement – Arrangements are typically made online, by phone, or in person with the direct cremation provider. You will confirm personal details of the deceased, agree to the cremation, and select any optional extras (ashes return method, type of container).
2. Collection – The deceased is collected from the place of death, typically within 24–48 hours. A direct cremation provider will have a dedicated vehicle for collection — while not a traditional hearse, the transfer is carried out with full dignity and respect.
3. Care of the deceased – The deceased is kept in refrigerated storage in the provider's care until the cremation takes place. Unlike a traditional funeral, embalming is generally not included or necessary.
4. Documentation – The funeral provider obtains the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death and completes the statutory cremation forms. If the death is referred to the coroner, the cremation cannot proceed until the coroner's paperwork is complete.
5. Cremation – The cremation is carried out at a local crematorium at a time allocated by the provider. The family is not present. A simple coffin (typically a robust cardboard or wood-chip coffin) is included in the direct cremation price.
6. Return of ashes – Ashes are returned to the family, typically within 3–10 days of the cremation. Most providers deliver by post (in a secure, sealed container) or in person. The family can then decide what to do with the ashes.

The Cost of a Direct Cremation

The average cost of a direct cremation in the UK is between £895 and £1,500, making it the most affordable mainstream funeral option available. By comparison, the average cost of a traditional funeral is £4,141 according to SunLife's Cost of Dying Report 2024.

Direct cremation prices vary between providers, so it is worth comparing quotes. Most providers offer a fixed all-inclusive price that covers:

• Collection of the deceased (within a specified radius)
• Care of the deceased
• A simple coffin
• Cremation fees
• Return of ashes (by post or collection)
• All required statutory documentation

Additional costs to be aware of include: extra charges for collection outside normal hours or beyond the provider's standard radius, upgraded ashes container or urn, scattering at a specific location, and certified copies of the death certificate (needed separately, from the register office).

Who Chooses Direct Cremation?

Direct cremation is chosen by a wide range of families for a variety of reasons:

• Cost – For families on limited budgets, direct cremation provides a dignified option at a fraction of the cost of a traditional funeral.
• The deceased's wishes – Many people who have seen the price of traditional funerals specify direct cremation as their preference, wanting to reduce the financial burden on their family.
• Flexibility – Families who want to hold a celebration of life at a time and location that suits them — rather than being constrained by crematorium slots — often prefer direct cremation.
• Geography – When family members are dispersed across the country or abroad, coordinating attendance at a formal crematorium service can be difficult. A separate memorial held weeks later can allow more people to attend.
• Simplicity – Some families simply prefer a quiet, private approach without the formality of a traditional funeral service.

Is Direct Cremation the Right Choice?

Direct cremation is not suitable for every family or every situation. It may not be appropriate where:

• The deceased held strong religious beliefs that require a particular form of committal
• Family members feel a strong need to be present at the cremation itself as part of their grieving
• Cultural traditions require specific elements such as an open coffin for viewing by mourners
• There is no clear agreement within the family about cremation without a service

The National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) advises that any funeral decision — including direct cremation — should reflect the wishes of the deceased where known, and should be made with the informed consent and understanding of close family members. Grief is a complex process, and for some people, the rituals of a traditional funeral service play an important role in acknowledging the loss.

Holding a Memorial After a Direct Cremation

Choosing direct cremation does not mean there is no ceremony to mark the life of the person who has died. Many families hold a celebration of life or memorial service after the ashes have been returned. This can take any form the family chooses:

• A gathering at home or in a garden, with family and friends sharing memories
• A service at a local church, chapel, or non-religious venue
• A memorial walk or gathering at a place that was significant to the deceased
• A scattering of ashes ceremony at a meaningful location
• A planting of a memorial tree

Because the memorial is entirely separate from the cremation, it can be arranged at any time — immediately after, or months later when the immediate shock of bereavement has eased and when distant family members can travel.

How to Arrange a Direct Cremation

Direct cremations can be arranged through a traditional funeral director who offers a direct cremation service, or through specialist direct cremation providers. When choosing a provider, consider:

• Whether they are a member of the NAFD or another professional body with a formal code of practice
• Whether their pricing is transparent and fully itemised
• Whether they will keep you informed throughout the process
• The method and timescale for returning ashes
• Whether they offer a 24-hour contact number

For a fuller comparison of cremation options, see our guide to cremation vs burial. For full information on funeral costs, see our guide to funeral costs in the UK.

This guide is provided by the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD), which represents funeral directing businesses conducting over 80% of all UK funerals. Find a trusted NAFD funeral director near you.