Direct / Unattended Funeral
Direct Cremation – a simple, respectful option
In recent years, the world of funerals and memorial services has seen a shift towards more personalised and cost-effective options. One such option gaining popularity in the UK is direct cremation. This straightforward approach offers families a simpler way to say goodbye to their loved ones.
What is Direct Cremation?
A Direct Cremation is an unattended or ‘no service’ funeral. The person who has died is taken away from their place of death, cremated without any ceremony or mourners present, and their ashes are returned to the next of kin, if requested.
Families can then, if they wish, arrange a separate memorial service, scattering of ashes, or any other commemorative gathering in accordance with the wishes of the deceased or in a way that provides a fitting farewell.
As local, independent, Funeral Directors, we have been providing simple, unattended cremations for years, but recently there has been much media attention given to this type of service, with newly created national companies advertising direct cremations as ‘no-fuss’ funerals without ‘the hard bit’.
The ‘hard bit’ as these companies put it, is the sadness that comes with saying goodbye and what they dismiss as ‘fuss’ in their advertising, is also known as ‘love’.
Why choose a Direct Cremation?
Even the simplest, unattended cremation can still be full of love and personalised with special touches that help the bereaved family to say goodbye – while still respecting the wishes of the person who has died.
Direct cremation plans are also sometimes advertised as a way of removing the future financial ‘burden’ of a funeral from families.
Covering the cost of a funeral can be very difficult for some families, but lower-cost options are available from local funeral directors and government support may also be available too. If you are considering a direct cremation funeral plan, come and talk to us.
Our Unattended / Direct Cremations differ from some companies, as we use our Hearse and four attendants. The coffin will enter the Crematorium in the traditional manner, through the front door of the Chapel.
The Unattended Direct Funeral
where no mourners will be attending
and when no Service is to be held
£1,375
plus Crematorium and Doctor's Fee
Crematorium Fees
(Prices correct as at 1st April 2023)
| Monday to Friday | Unattended Cremation |
|---|---|
| East Devon Crematorium (Whimple) | £450 |
| Weymouth Crematorium | £572 |
Doctor's fee for the Cremation Certificate £82.00
The Unattended Direct Funeral includes:-
Taking care of all necessary legal and administrative arrangements
Collecting and transporting the deceased person from the place of death (normally within 15 miles of the Funeral Director's premises) into the Funeral Director's care, during normal working hours
Care of the deceased person before the Funeral in appropriate facilities
Provision of a suitable Coffin
A Hearse and four attendants to attend the Crematorium at a time of our choosing
A complimentary online tribute where donations can be collected (if desired) through our partnership with Muchloved
The Unattended Direct Funeral does not include:-
Collection outside the hours stated (an additional £125.00 with be charged)
Viewing of the person who has died
A home arrangement, Embalming, Provision of a Limousine
Arranging Service Sheets or Newspaper Notices
The Administration of Offline Donations
Why choosing a local funeral home helps you to stay in control:
- The person who has died is cared for locally.
- They are treated with dignity and compassion, by experienced professionals.
- You can talk to caring Funeral Directors about the arrangements and ask any questions at any time, day or night.
- There are opportunities to personalise the arrangements, sometimes at additional cost, to make the unattended cremation special, and if there is a change of heart, you can alter and amend almost any aspect of the arrangement.
If you choose a funeral home, like ours, that is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors, the UK’s largest funeral sector organisation, you can be assured that the funeral home’s standards of care are monitored.
I’m considering a Direct Cremation. What should I do?
It is really important to talk to your loved ones about what you want – but also what they might need – from your funeral arrangements, before you put them in place.
Whether you choose an attended or unattended funeral, there is only ever one chance to say goodbye and we are here to support you in making the right choices for you and those you are closest to.
Our experienced team will help and support those who are closest to you to say goodbye when the time comes, in the way that is right for them, as well as respecting your wish for a simple funeral.
Come and talk to us about your wishes, we can explain all the options offered by Direct Cremation.
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