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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.
Preparing to say goodbye to a loved one, or taking on the emotions that can potentially come with planning your own funeral is not easy for most people. Choosing the right approach can feel overwhelming, especially during what can be a challenging time.
For many, direct cremation offers a simple, dignified way to honour a life or prepare for the future, without the complexities and costs of a traditional funeral. It’s a choice that creates space for what truly matters—cherishing memories, celebrating life, and finding a way to say goodbye that feels right for you and your family.
But with so many providers offering direct cremation services, how do you make the right choice? It’s not solely about cost or convenience; it’s about ensuring you or your loved one is treated with care and respect. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose a direct cremation provider, helping you feel confident that you’re making an informed decision that balances affordability with compassion and quality.
Key Takeaways
Direct cremation refers to a straightforward process where the person who has died is cremated shortly after their death, without a traditional funeral service or ceremony, or any mourners in attendance. It differs significantly from conventional funerals, which often involve elements such as pallbearers and hearses.
Direct cremations can either be arranged immediately after a death, or planned for in advance with a prepaid direct cremation funeral plan.
Here’s why direct cremation is increasingly chosen:
In the UK and other regions, direct cremation is growing in popularity. Influential figures like David Bowie famously chose this approach, helping to normalise it as a meaningful alternative to traditional funerals. Still, some find talking to their family about the benefits of direct cremation to be a bit intimidating, as it doesn’t always align with their views or beliefs about what a funeral should be. Having these conversations about death are an important step in making sure loved ones know about end-of-life preferences.
Finding the right provider involves careful evaluation of several factors. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
The average cost of direct cremation in the UK currently sits at £1,557, depending on the provider and location. Here’s what contributes to these direct cremation prices:
Selecting a trustworthy provider begins with thorough research. Start by exploring online reviews on platforms like Trustpilot or Google Reviews, where you can find unfiltered feedback from previous customers. Personal recommendations are equally valuable; consider speaking with friends, family members, or grief counsellors who may have firsthand experience with reliable providers. Additionally, check for certifications or accreditations, such as membership in the National Association of Funeral Directors (NAFD) or adherence to recognised industry codes, to make sure the provider operates to high professional and ethical standards.
Not all direct cremation providers provide the same level of service. Here are key inclusions to look for:
Transportation
A key service offered by direct cremation providers is the collection of the person who has died from the place of passing. It’s worth checking what happens when someone dies in a hospital vs if they died in a care home, or if there is an extra charge for collecting someone who has died from a private residence.
It’s important to confirm whether the provider includes transportation in their quoted price, as some may charge additional fees for collection of the person who has died outside standard working hours or from remote locations. Timely and respectful handling of the person is essential, and many families find comfort in knowing their loved one is treated with dignity during this process.
Assistance with paperwork and admin
The legal paperwork required for cremation can feel overwhelming, particularly during an emotionally challenging time. A good provider will guide you through this process, ensuring all necessary documentation is ready to go. This support can help alleviate stress and give families peace of mind that everything is handled properly and in compliance with local regulations.
Ashes Return
After the cremation, families will need to decide how they wish to receive their loved one’s ashes. Some providers offer delivery services, ensuring the ashes are returned to your home for a small fee. Others may require collection from the crematorium or provide the option to have the ashes scattered in the crematorium’s Garden of Remembrance. It’s essential to confirm these options and any associated costs in advance so you can plan accordingly and choose the option that feels most meaningful to you.
Optional extras like memorial services or scattering ashes ceremonies can also be considered.
When comparing providers, consider both the price and the included services to ensure you’re getting the best value.
| Starting Price | £1,995 | £1,700 | £1,799 |
| Trustpilot | 4.8/5 stars | 4.6/5 stars | 4.7/5 stars |
Aura offers three types of direct cremations. Our unattended direct cremations provide a straightforward, no-fuss funeral option without a ceremony at the crematorium, giving families the freedom to plan a separate memorial or celebration of life at a time and place that suits them.
For those seeking a more personal goodbye, our Intimate Farewell service allows up to 15 close family members and friends to say their goodbyes in a relaxed, private setting without the pressure of formalities, lasting up to 10 minutes.
If a larger gathering is needed, our fully attended direct cremations offer a more traditional option, accommodating more guests (subject to the crematorium’s capacity) with a 45-minute service. Families also have the option to personalise the ceremony by involving a celebrant or religious leader, ensuring the farewell reflects their loved one’s life and beliefs.
When choosing a direct cremation provider, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure clarity and peace of mind. Here are some key questions to consider:
Prepaid funeral plans for direct cremation are highly regulated and an increasingly popular way to manage costs in advance. They are agreements between you and a funeral plan provider, where you pay a fee, and in return, they commit to arranging your funeral according to your specific wishes when the time comes. By comparing funeral plans, you’ll be able to find the option that best fits your budget, preferences, and needs. These pre-paid plans allow individuals to:
Aura is a trusted provider of prepaid direct cremation funeral plans in the UK, offering the only two prepaid plans to receive five-star ratings from independent experts at Fairer Finance. With an excellent 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot, regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), you can have complete confidence that your money is safe when you choose Aura.
Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring your concerns are heard and your needs are met. When it comes time to put your plan into action, your family will know exactly who to call. They will get in touch with a member of our team and we’ll begin the process of bringing you into our care. Your loved ones will be supported through the initial paperwork with patience and compassion, and we’ll let your loved ones know the date and time of your cremation.
With straightforward and transparent pricing, your family won’t face unexpected costs in the future. As a family-run business, we are committed to treating every family with the same care and respect we’d want for our own loved ones. That’s why we offer the flexibility to amend or cancel your plan at any time, at no extra cost, unless upgrading to a new plan.
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.
The Code of Cremations Practice is a set of ethical and professional guidelines designed to make sure that cremation services are carried out with respect and transparency. Providers who adhere to such a code demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high standards in handling the person who has died, serving grieving families, and conducting their operations ethically. Here’s an overview of its key principles and benefits:
Dignity and respect:
Crematorium staff are expected to treat the person who has died with the utmost care throughout the entire process, from collection to cremation and the return or scattering of ashes.
Transparency:
Providers must clearly outline all costs, terms, and conditions associated with their services. Hidden fees or ambiguous pricing should not be part of their practice.
Ethical handling of ashes:
Ashes must be treated respectfully and returned or scattered as per the wishes of the family or the instructions of the person who has died.
Compliance with laws:
Providers are required to comply fully with local regulations and legal requirements regarding cremation.
Environmental responsibility:
Many codes include guidelines to minimise the environmental impact of cremation, such as responsible use of energy and proper filtration of emissions.
Professional Conduct:
Staff must behave professionally and sensitively, helping families feel supported during what is often a difficult time.
Families are encouraged to choose providers who operate under a recognised Code of Cremations Practice, such as those issued by industry organisations like the Federation of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA) or the Cremation Society of Great Britain. This affiliation reflects a provider’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards.
By choosing a provider who follows such a code, families can feel confident that their loved one’s cremation will be conducted ethically and with the utmost care.
The most ideal provider for you will depend on your personal, cultural, or financial priorities. You might consider the following:
You might consider making a funeral checklist, and as you move through it, take down some notes before making your final decisions.
When making notes regarding how to choose a direct cremation provider, it will be helpful to write down:
By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a direct cremation provider that meets your needs, respects your loved one, and provides peace of mind during a difficult time.
Choosing a direct cremation provider is an important decision, as it sets the foundation for a respectful and straightforward service. As a trusted provider of direct cremations and prepaid funeral plans, we understand the importance of simplicity, affordability, and care during what can be difficult and often confusing times.
Whether you’re planning for yourself or a loved one, knowing what to look for in a provider means that you will make a choice that aligns with your values and needs. We are here to help answer any questions you may have about our services. Please feel free to call us anytime and speak to one of our funeral professionals.
