Why Choose A Direct Cremation?
A direct cremation is a fuss free, low cost modern alternative to a traditional funeral. Since February 2020 Direct Cremations account for 25% of the funerals chosen by families. With a Direct Cremation costing on average £1,554 compared with a traditional funeral £3,885 with costs on a traditional funeral increasing with additions such as flowers costing on average £193.00. 59% of people are currently aware of a Direct Cremation which is an increase of 7% since 2019, with 93% of Funeral Directors now offering a Direct Cremation. (SunLife The Cost of Dying Report 2021)
In some circumstances, where family members are living across the world, attending a traditional funeral can present logistical difficulties without time to plan effectively.
With a Direct Cremation being fuss free, this allows your family & friends to mourn & celebrate in your own special way at a time more suitable.
What is a Direct Cremation?
A Direct Cremation is an unattended funeral and is an affordable modern alternative to a traditional funeral.
Your loved ones journey begins with the completion of all legal documents which allows the Funeral Director to collect your relative/friend from their initial place of rest. Your loved one will then be taken into the Funeral Directors care until a date where a date and time will be arranged. On the day of cremation the only person present will be the Funeral Director.
Your loved ones ashes will be returned to you in the weeks that follow.
An Unattended Cremation is a simple cremation where there are no mourners present, no traditional hearse, limousine, flowers, bearer’s or a funeral service with families opting for a memorial celebration service of their own choosing which can be at a later date & time.
Memorial, Dedications & Ashes scattering
Scattering your loved ones ashes can be an important part of the journey through grief. Organising a memorial celebratory service for your loved one’s passing can sometimes be important for closure.
Your loved ones wishes maybe for their ashes to scattered at a favourite place such as a sports stadium, park, beauty spot or at sea.
In addition, funeral director’s can offer other personal memorial’s such as ashes jewellery, finger print jewellery, decorative urn’s & keep sake’s, which may offer families peace of mind to always have a memory of their loved one that stays with them.
Direct Cremations - Celebrities choice
John Lennon was one of the first famous celebrities to have a Direct Cremation with his family having a memorial celebration at a later date. Following on from John Lennon most famously in recent years David Bowie also left in his wishes for a Direct Cremation. David Bowie’s wish was for his ashes to be scattered in a Buddhist ceremony service in Bali. Family, friends & fans could then mourn in their own unique way.
The Future of Direct Cremations
From 2019-2020 unattended / Direct Cremations had increased by 11% with traditional cremations decreasing by 3% within the same time period (SunLife The Cost of Dying Report 2021). It is considered that part of this change in trend was influenced by being a more cost effective / affordable option. Factors such as job losses, rising cost of living expenses and the increasing costs of a traditional funeral have had an emotional and financial effect on families.
If future trends mirror the conclusions of the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2021, Unattended/Direct Funerals may become a more popular choice for families.
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