When someone dies, there are many decisions to make, often in a short space of time. One of the most common questions we’re asked is: What’s the difference between a direct cremation and a traditional funeral?
It’s an important question, and the answer can help you choose the right path for you and your family, whether you’re planning ahead or arranging a goodbye for someone you’ve lost.
Understanding your options
For a long time, funerals in the UK have followed a familiar pattern. But things are changing. Today, more people are choosing simpler, more personal options, like a direct cremation, because they offer more flexibility and often feel more fitting.
Before making a decision, it’s helpful to understand what each type of funeral involves.
What is a traditional funeral?
A traditional funeral, sometimes called a full-service funeral, usually includes:
- Collection and care: The funeral director brings the person into their care after the death has been verified.
- Arrangements: The family visits the funeral home to discuss the details, such as the service venue, the coffin, music, flowers, and who will lead the ceremony.
- Viewing: The body may be prepared for viewing at a chapel of rest.
- The service: The coffin is taken to the service, often by hearse, followed by family and friends. The ceremony might take place in a church, crematorium, or at the graveside.
- The committal: The burial or cremation usually happens straight after the service.
- The wake: Many families choose to gather afterwards to share memories and support each other.
- Ashes: If the person is cremated, the ashes are returned to the funeral director and made available to the family.
Traditional funerals follow a set structure, which can be comforting for some. But for others, the time pressure, cost, and formality may not feel quite right.
What is a direct cremation?
A direct, or pure, cremation is a simple, respectful cremation that takes place without a funeral service or ceremony at the crematorium.
There’s no procession, no hearse, and no mourners present at the cremation itself. This option allows families to say goodbye in their own way, where, when, and how they choose.
Here’s how it works with us:
- Collection and care: Once the death is verified, your loved one is brought into our care. We look after them gently and with dignity.
- Arrangements: There’s no need to visit a funeral home. Everything is organised over the phone or online. We guide you through the paperwork and make sure the cremation is booked and carried out with care.
- The cremation: On the agreed day, we take your loved one to the crematorium.
- A personal farewell: With a direct cremation, you’re free to hold a farewell that feels right for your family. This could be a gathering before the cremation, or a memorial once the ashes are returned. There are no rules.
- Ashes: After the cremation, the ashes are hand-delivered to you or can be scattered on your behalf on our beautiful grounds.
Why choose a direct cremation?
There are many reasons why people are choosing a direct cremation:
- Lower cost: Without a service, hearse, or flowers, direct cremation is usually much more affordable and can save you up to £2,000 compared to a traditional funeral.
- More choice: You’re not limited by time slots at a crematorium. You can plan a celebration of life in your own time, wherever feels right, whether that’s a garden, a pub, or your own living room.
- Less pressure: Without the need to organise a formal service in just a few days, families can take a breath, gather their thoughts, and plan something more meaningful later.
Two parts to one farewell
With a direct cremation, the cremation and the goodbye don’t have to happen at the same time or place.
You might choose to gather with family and friends once the ashes are home, using photos, music, or memories to celebrate the life that was lived. There’s no rush and no fixed format.
More and more people are choosing to focus on celebrating life, rather than mourning death.
A celebration of life can be anything you want it to be. It doesn’t have to follow religious traditions or include a coffin. It can be relaxed or formal, large or intimate, indoors or outdoors. You decide what feels right.
If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, take a look at our free guide on creating the perfect send-off.
What other cremation options are there?
There are a few different ways to combine cremation with a personal goodbye:
- Traditional cremation funeral: A formal service with the coffin present, followed by cremation. This is the most expensive option.
- Cremation followed by a memorial service: A ceremony is held after the cremation, often with the ashes present.
- Body donation to science: Some people choose to donate their bodies to medical research. After studies are completed, the body is cremated and the ashes returned to the family.
Direct cremation is the simplest and often the most affordable of these options. It’s quiet, respectful, and still carried out in a professional crematorium.
Are more people choosing direct cremation?
Yes. The 2025 SunLife Cost of Dying Report shows that last year, 1 in 5 cremations in the UK were direct cremations, three times more than in 2019. Rising funeral costs and the desire for more personal farewells are key reasons behind this shift.
Which is right for you?
Only you can decide what kind of farewell feels right. For some, a traditional service provides comfort and structure. For others, the freedom of a pure cremation allows for a more personal and meaningful goodbye.
At Pure Cremation, we believe everyone should be free to choose how they’ll be remembered.
It might be a quiet ceremony somewhere beautiful with close friends and shared memories. Or a church full of flowers and music. Or something else entirely. There is no right or wrong.
If you’d like to know more, we’re here to help. You can call our friendly team for free on 0800 470 23 93.
