Direct Cremation: Freedom to Say Goodbye Your Way
Understand the modern choice that separates the logistics of cremation from the celebration of life. No ceremony, no attendees, just simple, respectful care.
What Exactly is Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation (sometimes called “simple cremation” or “cremation without ceremony”) is the most affordable and fastest-growing option in the UK. It involves the cremation of the deceased without a funeral service, viewing, or mourners present at the crematorium.
What IS Included:
- ✅ Collection of the deceased from hospital/home.
- ✅ A simple, dignified coffin.
- ✅ Transportation to the crematorium.
- ✅ Doctors’ fees and cremation fees.
- ✅ Return of ashes (or scattering).
What is NOT Included:
- ❌ Embalming or viewing in a chapel of rest.
- ❌ A hearse or limousine procession.
- ❌ A service at the crematorium.
- ❌ Flowers or Order of Service sheets.
Why choose this? It allows families to separate the “admin” of the cremation from the “emotional” farewell. You can hold a Celebration of Life or Wake afterwards at a venue like Teal Farm, with the ashes present, on a date and time that suits everyone, without the strict time limits of a crematorium.
The “Better Goodbye” Calculator
Direct cremation saves an average of £2,500. See how that money can create a truly memorable gathering instead.
Traditional Funeral Average
Includes hearse, limousines, expensive coffin, and fees for a 30-minute slot.
Direct Cremation Average
Includes all dignified care, transport, and fees. No attendees at the crematorium.
Plan Your Celebration with the Savings
Select items below to see what your savings could fund at a venue like Teal Farm.
Direct Cremation Providers
🇬🇧 National Specialists
Pure Cremation
The UK’s leading dedicated provider. Ashes hand-delivered back to you.
Simplicity Cremations
Part of the Dignity network. Low cost, high standard of care.
📍 Local Independent Options
Tony Clarke Funeral Directors
Sunderland & Washington. Trusted local family firm offering a simple direct option.
Richard Dalton Funerals
South Shields & Tyneside. Independent and transparent about lower-cost choices.
Contact Local Team →Manor House Funeral Service
Washington & Sunderland. SAIF member offering tailored simple services.
Contact Local Team →Is Direct Cremation Right for You?
Yes, if:
- You want to avoid the high costs of a traditional funeral.
- You prefer a celebration of life party over a sombre service.
- Family are scattered and can’t attend a funeral quickly.
- The deceased requested “no fuss.”
Maybe not, if:
- Viewing the body is an important part of your grieving process.
- You want a religious service with the body present.
- You want to witness the committal at the crematorium.