What is a direct cremation?
What is the difference between cremation and direct cremation? Let's learn more about this alternative to a traditional cremation or burial.
What is a direct cremation?
Every year, thousands of direct cremations take place in the UK. Despite this, research has shown that only one in five UK adults know what it is.
The simplest definition of a direct cremation is an unattended cremation. The body of the person who died is cremated without a service and without any mourners.
Direct cremations are nothing new. But they became much more common during the COVID-19 pandemic and are still popular now.
There are two main advantages of direct cremations. First, they're more affordable than cremations with mourners in attendance. Secondly, they give loved ones more time to arrange a memorial service separately from the cremation itself.
What is the difference between cremation and direct cremation?
"Cremation" refers to the process of burning a person's body after death. A cremation service is a service held in a crematorium. As with burials, there can be readings, eulogies, poems and music. There are often formal arrangements around transportation and flowers.
A direct cremation is just the cremation itself. Typically, nobody attends the cremation and there's no service. And unlike a traditional cremation, family and friends usually don't spend time with the person who died before the cremation.

After both a cremation and a direct cremation, the ashes are returned to loved ones. These can then be buried, scattered or kept at home.
What is the average cost of direct cremation?
According to SunLife, the average cost of a direct cremation in the UK is £1,597. This covers the cremation without a service or ceremony.
This is significantly more affordable than the average cost of a traditional cremation. This costs £4,285 on average.

The money saved on the cremation can be spent on a memorial service or celebration of life at a later date.
Direct cremation FAQs
When does a direct cremation take place?
Direct cremations take place at a time chosen by the crematorium rather than the loved ones. This could be early in the morning at the crematorium. It could also take place at a venue specially designated for direct cremations.
What kind of coffin is used for a direct cremation?
Because of the lack of mourners, crematoriums tend to use simple and affordable coffins for direct cremations.
How do you arrange a direct cremation?
If you want to arrange a direct cremation, your first port of call should be a funeral director. Direct cremations are offered by corporate chains and independent funeral directors alike. A funeral director will be able to talk you through your options and offer you a quote.
Why do people choose direct cremations?
There are three main reasons why people choose direct cremations. The first is cost. Direct cremations are more affordable than traditional cremations.
The second is the simplicity of the occasion. Some people ask for "no fuss" when they die. Others prefer to celebrate the person's life on a separate occasion.
Thirdly, direct cremations offer more flexibility with timings. If family members live far apart, a direct cremation means they can spend longer planning a memorial service and ensuring as many people as possible are present.
Direct cremations became much more widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic owing to lockdown restrictions.
Can I attend a direct cremation?
The answer is almost always no. Some funeral directors, however, allow a small number to attend (for a fee). If you do attend, don't expect a formal ceremony.
What happens to ashes after a direct cremation?
After a direct cremation, ashes are returned to loved ones. These can then be buried, scattered or kept at home. A funeral director can help you plan an ashes scattering ceremony or memorial service that involves scattering ashes.
Can I have a memorial service after a direct cremation?
Yes, many people hold memorial ceremonies after a direct cremation. This frees up time for family and friends to find a convenient time to meet. This can be especially important if family members live in different parts of the world.
Can you have a direct aquamation?
Aquamation is an environmentally friendly alternative to cremation that uses water rather than heat. While a direct aquamation is possible in theory, aquamation is currently unavailable in the UK.
When were direct cremations introduced?
The first direct cremation was in March 1885. Mrs Jeanette Caroline Pickersgill was cremated at Woking Crematorium. Her ashes were sent home and eventually buried in a coffin with another family member.
Arrange the funeral you want with AFD
At AFD, we can help you arrange a direct cremation. We offer a listening ear and clear, compassionate guidelines at all stages of the process. Contact us via
our webpage or on our 24/7 phone line on 020 8355 7876.
