×
Two Together: Save £100!
Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
Two Together: Save £100!
Save £100 when you purchase two funeral plans together. Call us for more details.
10 minute read
Direct cremations are quickly becoming a more prevalent practice here in the UK, due to, among other things, the cost of living. If you find yourself navigating the challenging and emotional task of organising a funeral for someone close to you, or are considering arrangements for your own funeral, you may be wondering whether or not it’s possible to attend a direct cremation. During this difficult time, your mind is likely spinning, and clear answers are essential.
Here at Aura, we receive the question, “Can you attend a direct cremation?” often. As a top-rated provider of direct cremations and prepaid funeral plans, we know how frustrating it can be to figure things out with so much information available. This article will serve as a definitive guide as to the specifics of what direct cremation is, and whether you can attend one.
A direct cremation is a straightforward and cost-effective alternative to traditional funeral services, and is generally thought of as an unattended service. Unlike conventional cremations, this process does usually skip the ceremonial aspects such as viewings, hearses, limousines, pallbearers and gatherings inside of the crematorium’s chapel. Instead, the focus is on a simple, respectful cremation without the additional complexities of organising a more formal service.
Direct cremations, or low-cost cremations, are sometimes mistaken for pauper’s funerals, or ‘public health funerals’. While they do share similarities, they are not the same type of service. Similar to a direct cremation, public health funeral services are minimalistic, often eliminating everything beyond the absolute essentials. They are a type of service in which the local council is legally required to organise for anyone who dies within their jurisdiction who leaves behind nobody willing or able to bear the cost of their funeral.
With a direct cremation, the decision to simplify and avoid traditional formalities is a conscious choice made by the family or person planning the funeral, reflecting their personal preferences. It might be that the person who has died does not want an expensive funeral, or the family would simply prefer to arrange a more meaningful celebration of life away from a crematorium instead.
This type of cremation, while potentially appealing to those seeking a straightforward and more private way to honour their loved ones, still leaves room for families to come up with meaningful ways of remembering a loved one in their own time, and in a location that is special to them.
With Aura’s direct cremation, the person who has died is brought into care and looked after in one of our state-of-the-art local care facilities until the time for cremation comes. On the day of the cremation, they will be taken to the crematorium in a private ambulance, and the coffin will be laid on the catafalque where a few words will be said. The cremation itself occurs very shortly after this, and takes between one and three hours.
They will be cremated privately, after which the ashes can be hand-delivered to you at home within 21 days, or scattered on your behalf at the crematorium’s Garden of Remembrance – whatever you think would be best.
If your loved one has chosen a direct cremation, it’s understandable that you might feel at odds with this choice, or that there isn’t enough opportunity for adding more personal and warm touches to the service. Likewise, if you have told your family that that is what you want, you might have found that it can be hard to talk to your family about direct cremation.
You may be choosing a direct cremation for yourself as part of your end-of-life plans, or a prepaid funeral plan, and want to make sure your family feels good about your decision. Aura provides families with the capability to customise their loved one’s goodbye even with an unattended direct cremation. One of our goals is to make sure that families achieve the closure and meaningful goodbye they need. Families have the option to select an alternative to a standard coffin, send flowers or sentimental items to be placed with their loved one within their coffin, and even arrange for specific music to be played as their loved one enters the crematorium.
While direct cremation generally refers to a cremation with no attendees, depending on the provider’s policies and crematorium’s facilities, a small number of family members and friends are able to be present. An attended direct cremation can be accompanied by a brief, family-led service, or could even involve a religious figure or celebrant. Aura offers options for a more intimate ceremony before the cremation, allowing for an ideal hybrid between a no-frills funeral and a more involved ceremony.
Aura’s attended options are designed to meet the varying needs of families interested in direct cremation in the UK. From ceremonies in which the family requests private attendance, to a more broadly attended goodbye, there are two offerings to highlight:
Either of these attended services is also available to those seeking prepaid funeral plans, making it easier than ever to calm your anxieties about what will happen in the future. Their flexibility and ability for personalisation make them great choices for those who want something a little different to the norm.
When you’re looking into direct cremations, it’s important to do some research about different direct cremation providers and their specific rules regarding attendance. Many direct cremation services exclude an option for an attended service by default, and others may allow limited attendance under certain circumstances. When you choose Aura as your funeral provider, our industry-leading team of Aura Angels will be there to guide you and field conversations between specific local crematoriums and your family. This can take away lots of the pressure that comes with organising a funeral.
Direct cremations are purposefully designed to be minimalistic, removing the formalities and public gatherings that accompany traditional funeral services. The loss of a loved one can be an extremely overwhelming time, and it can be confusing trying to figure out what to do when someone dies. This simplicity makes for a process that remains quick, private, and focused on the essential aspects of saying goodbye. For many families, this privacy is a significant advantage, allowing them to grieve without the pressure and complications of public ceremonies.
Direct cremation prices are a major factor in their popularity. They often cost less than half the price of traditional funerals. Eliminating attendance and traditional funeral elements significantly reduces expenses, which makes this a good option for budget-conscious families, or people who would rather their money be spent otherwise. Direct cremations make sense for those who don’t think the ceremonial aspects of a funeral are so important, and instead value more informal gatherings or other activities.
Aura’s direct cremations, for example, cost less than half the average UK funeral cost. SunLife place the average UK funeral cost at £4,141, while our unattended direct cremations start at £1,095 for those in need now, and £1,595 for those looking for a prepaid funeral plan. However, some providers may offer attendance as an add-on feature, which could increase the overall cost. You will want to carefully go over and be sure you understand these additional fees when discussing options with a cremation provider.
Some family members may want to be present during the actual cremation itself. This is often called ‘witnessing the committal’. While sometimes crematorium guidelines do not allow for witnessing, usually if arranged prior to the day, this is possible.
Crematoria often have stringent guidelines governing who can be present during the cremation process. These policies may stem from operational, safety, or privacy concerns. Some facilities simply lack the infrastructure to accommodate attendees, while others may require prior arrangements to ensure compliance with their protocols.
If you’re interested in witnessing this process, an Aura Angel will assist you in figuring out if this is possible in your location. We make sure to keep you informed with quick, transparent correspondence all throughout the arrangement.
As direct cremation itself is a simplified process, families often desire different ways to celebrate and remember their loved one after the service. These alternatives to a traditional funeral allow for personalisation and creativity in paying tribute.
Organising a memorial service or celebration of life after the cremation provides an opportunity for friends and family to come together. Without the time constraints of traditional funerals, these events can be tailored to reflect the unique personality and legacy of the person who has died. Families can choose a date, venue, and format that best suits their needs, making the occasion both meaningful and comforting to everyone involved.
When it comes to figuring out what to do with cremation ashes, there are a variety of different options these days. Some families prefer scattering ashes in a special location or locations that held significance for their loved one. Others may choose to inter the ashes in a columbarium, family grave, or another memorial site. These acts create a lasting connection to the individual, offering a sense of closure and peace.
There are some more creative ways to inter ashes, including incorporating them into jewellery or even fireworks. Memorial objects made from ashes provide a real, tangible way to remember someone who has died, while creating an event such as an undersea coral reef or space launch can brilliantly showcase a loved one’s personality. These items and events serve as daily reminders of the person’s life and the memories shared.
Direct cremation provides a practical and respectful solution for those seeking an alternative to traditional funeral services. Whether attended or not, families have ample opportunities to honour their loved ones in ways that align with their values and wishes. By understanding the nuances of direct cremation and the options available, families can make informed decisions that best reflect their unique circumstances.
Aura is here for you, should you need to arrange a direct cremation for a loved one, or take out a direct cremation prepaid plan for yourself, attended or otherwise. Our dedicated team of Aura Angels will be there for you at every step of the way, keeping you well informed and making sure you feel confident in the next steps. They will make sure that all of your paperwork is completed correctly, and make all of the arrangements for the cremation.
Our brochure includes all the details you need surrounding our prepaid direct cremation funeral plans.
Get your free brochure sent by email or First Class post by clicking on the link below.
