What Does a Direct Cremation Include?

Many people have heard about direct cremations, but not everyone understands what it includes. On its surface, the emphasis on simplicity and minimalism can lead some to assume it involves fewer steps or legal requirements, even though it still includes essential services and respects legal procedures. Some might feel that they are settling for the “cheap option”, and worry that, if they don’t have a traditional funeral, they are not doing right by their loved one. But this article is here to reassure you that direct cremation is in fact the opposite, and is simply an alternative for those who feel a traditional funeral isn’t right for them.

This article will go through everything a direct cremation includes, and aims to set your mind at rest.

Understanding direct cremation

Direct cremation is a simple and affordable option that differs from traditional funerals by focusing on the essentials of cremation without the ceremonial services. With a direct cremation, the cremation takes place privately with no formal service or mourners in attendance. Afterwards, the ashes are returned to the family, who may then wish to arrange a separate celebration of life or memorial at a later date.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to have a funeral when someone dies, and direct cremation is becoming an increasingly popular route. This option is often chosen by individuals or families looking for a straightforward, no-frills way to commemorate their loved one without the additional arrangements and costs associated with a full funeral.  It is also favoured by those who have end-of-life celebration ideas they want to put into practice.

Why would someone choose direct cremation?

Simplicity

The simplicity of direct cremations is one of their most appealing benefits, especially for those seeking a less complicated method for saying goodbye. Unlike traditional funerals, which often involve extensive arrangements, direct cremation focuses on the core elements. This simplicity is ideal for individuals or families who prefer minimal intervention or wish to avoid the added stress and cost that can come with a full-service funeral.

Simple cremations require fewer decisions, allowing families to take a breath, take care of the things they need to organise in the immediate weeks following a death, and then arrange a more personal and meaningful celebration of life when the time feels right.

Cost-effectiveness

Funeral costs can be prohibitive for many. Direct cremations usually cost significantly less than traditional funerals, because there is no requirement for additional services included in a traditional funeral, such as embalming, hearses or limousines. In fact, one of the most popular funeral myths that people believe is that embalming is required  by law; this is not true, and isn’t necessary with a direct cremation.  

By forgoing these traditional extras, families can allocate funds towards other meaningful commemorations, such as a personal memorial, a family gathering, or special cremation ashes ideas, like keepsakes or mausoleum space. These gatherings can be a space where they can celebrate their loved one’s life in a setting that feels right for them. Alternatively, families can honour a person’s wishes to divert funds to charities or organisations close to their loved one’s heart.

Personal preference

Many people feel that direct cremation better aligns with their personal or cultural values by providing a private, less elaborate form of farewell. People are increasingly foregoing more conventional ceremonies in favour of modern alternatives in the UK, partly due to a decline of religion in the UK. As a result, more people are opting instead for personalised commemorations after the cremation, held in locations that hold special meaning for their loved one.

It should also be stated that when talking about direct cremations, it’s oftentimes thought of as the quicker or more short-notice option, and can often even be mistaken for a ‘Pauper’s Funeral’. Even though a direct cremation can certainly be planned in less time than a traditional funeral, that doesn’t mean it is a last-minute decision, nor that it is in any way like a pauper’s (or ‘Public Health’) funeral.

In fact, direct cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those who are considering an alternative to a more traditional funeral. To support those who are thinking about taking control of their own funeral plans, Aura offers prepaid direct cremation plans, empowering families who wish to take control of their own funeral arrangements.

Basic services included in a direct cremation

In a direct cremation, generally, only the necessary services are provided to ensure that the cremation process is carried out respectfully and smoothly. These services typically include:

Collection and transportation 

When someone dies, Aura will collect them from anywhere in mainland Great Britain, and bring them into our care at one of our local, state-of-the-art care centres. They will rest there until it’s time to bring them to the crematorium for their cremation, which we will do in a private ambulance. Depending on the circumstances and if there is no funeral plan in place, there may be an extra fee where urgent collection is needed, i.e., when the death has occurred in a setting where there are no mortuary facilities.

Our trained professionals handle this entire process with care, and will ensure that the family or person arranging the cremation is kept informed of all timelines and procedures along the way.

Necessary paperwork and permits

Completing the required paperwork and securing necessary permits is essential for the cremation process. As a trusted funeral service provider, Aura Funerals supports the family with all of the legal paperwork, from the Medical Certificate of Death (MCCD), to the Death Certificate. This also includes coordinating with local authorities to ensure all procedures are in line with regulatory requirements, giving the family space to breathe with as little administration as possible.

What sets Aura apart from other providers

Even with a more simplified process, making sure all of the boxes have been ticked can sometimes seem a little daunting and intimidating, especially for those grieving.

At Aura, we pride ourselves on our unique and industry-leading team of Aura Angels, who arrange all legal and regulatory matters with care and compassion. They are experts in their field, navigating the ins and outs of planning direct cremations with a human touch that is second to none. Their diligence and empathy is made evident through our Trustpilot reviews, highlighting the importance of a compassionate service, even for the most uncomplicated of cremation options.

Not only do we offer both unattended and attended direct cremations, but also prepaid funeral plans, meaning that you’re able to sort the details of your funeral ahead of time. What’s more is that our funeral services for those in need now are available from £1,095, and from £1,595, for those seeking a funeral plan; both of these prices are below the average UK cost for a traditional funeral plan, of £4,141, according to SunLife.

Cremation process and protocols

For a direct cremation, the preparation of the person’s body is always focused on dignity. Unlike traditional funerals, there is no embalming, as there are typically no public viewings or services before the cremation. The person who has died is placed into a simple coffin, and transported in a private ambulance to the crematorium for their cremation. This simple coffin further helps to reduce expenses, though options are available for alternative coffin choices, which can be discussed with your Aura Angel.

Identification procedures are carefully adhered to, and each step of the process is documented to ensure that the ashes are correctly handled and returned to the family. 

Returning of the ashes 

After the cremation, the ashes are carefully prepared and can be hand-delivered to the family, if desired. They can also be scattered in the crematorium’s Garden of Remembrance with or without the family present. With Aura, the ashes are transferred into a scatter tube, making them easy to disperse at a special location.

Families may choose to place the ashes at home in a place of significance or hold a wake or memorial after receiving them. Due to the affordability of direct cremations, families can spend money on other meaningful tributes, such as gatherings to celebrate their loved one’s life. 

Many choose a special location for scattering the ashes, in line with the wishes of the person who has died or their family. For an additional fee, funeral service providers can sometimes assist in planning these events and can help take on the administrative duties associated with planning them. Alternatively, crematoria often provide dedicated spaces for families who wish to have a place to visit and remember their loved one.

Additional services sometimes offered with direct cremation

While direct cremation is primarily a no-frills service, Aura also offers the chance to add an attended direct cremation service in honour of the person who has died at a local crematorium.

Personal elements

Though a mostly unembellished affair, direct cremations can still include elements such as flowers and music. Flowers can be sent by family or friends directly to be laid on top of the coffin. A musical choice can also be requested, to be played upon the coffin’s arrival in the crematorium. In addition, families can provide special items such as photographs or notes to be placed into the coffin and even request that their loved one be dressed in their own clothing. 

Direct cremations with Aura

If you’re considering a direct cremation for a loved one who has recently passed away, or are looking to make future plans for yourself, Aura is here to support you. With our dedicated team of funeral planning experts, we are committed to providing a kind and compassionate service, whatever your funeral planning needs.

Our story started with Paul Jameson, who founded Aura after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Faced with his own mortality, Paul did not want to rely on traditional elements for his funeral, and wanted to provide an alternative for others in the same position. He envisioned a service that truly supports families through their toughest times, and today, Aura remains a deeply family-focused organisation, led by Paul, his son Dave, their friend Ben, and a compassionate team.

Prepaid direct cremation plans

A prepaid funeral plan empowers you to plan your funeral exactly as you wish, guaranteeing that your preferences are carried out. This not only gives you the peace of mind that it has been arranged ahead of time, but it also helps to relieve the more daunting aspects of funeral planning from your family in their time of grief. 

We know that planning a funeral isn’t easy, so we’re here to offer reassurance at every step of the way. Families can trust Aura to provide a meaningful service with heartfelt care.

As a family-run company, we are committed to providing you with the kind of attention and respect we would offer our own families. Our Trustpilot reviews reflect the quality of our services, and, with our rating of 4.9/5 stars, we are proud to be the UK’s highest-rated ‘Cremation Services’ provider on the platform.

When the time comes, our team of expert funeral arrangers, the Aura Angels, will support your family at every stage. Whether it’s handling paperwork or offering emotional support, we’re here to provide as much or as little input as your loved ones need.