Question 1

What is a direct cremation plan?

Accepted Answer

A direct cremation plan simply means a funeral plan for a direct cremation. That’s what a Pure Cremation funeral plan is – and more people buy one of our plans than any other plan, whether direct cremation or traditional.

Buying a plan means you know your wishes will be followed, and it also means that your family won’t have to find the money when the time comes. Buying now means you’re securing a funeral at today’s prices, which lots of people like, since funerals have become more expensive over the years, and often at a faster rate than other costs.

Question 2

Can I have a direct cremation near me?

Accepted Answer

You can – although local funeral directors typically don’t have their own crematorium, so although the cremation might be reasonably close to where you live, it won’t actually be performed by the funeral director.

Most direct cremations are carried out by a trusted, national brand like Pure Cremation. We will collect someone from anywhere in mainland Britain and bring them into our care, performing the cremation at our own crematorium.

We then return the ashes, personally and by hand to loved ones, so they never have to travel anywhere – and of course they can arrange a send-off nearby, perhaps in a place that was meaningful to the person who has died.

Question 3

What is the cheapest direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

A direct cremation may be less than half the price of a traditional funeral.

Funeral directors do not always make it easy to identify which is the cheapest, as, while Pure Cremation prides itself on having funeral plans with an ‘all-inclusive’ price, other companies will advertise one price but add on extras – hidden charges that family would have to pay.

It’s always best to look at several companies and decide who you trust to provide the funeral you want – and if you’re buying a plan so that family don’t have to pay anything or make any arrangements, choose a plan that includes everything you need.

Question 4

How do I arrange a direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

You can arrange a direct cremation with your local funeral director if you wish. However, bear in mind that that’s not ‘going direct’ as they are unlikely to have their own crematorium and will charge funeral director fees to make the arrangements.

You can also speak to a national company like Pure Cremation. If someone has died and a funeral needs to be arranged, we have a team on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can help relieve pressure and immediate stress by ensuring that the deceased has a dignified direct cremation at our highly-regarded crematorium, set in over 10 acres of beautiful parkland.

Need help arranging a funeral now? Call 0800 160 1881

Question 5

What is it meant by unattended?

Accepted Answer

9 out of 10 direct cremations are unattended at Pure Cremation, which means there are no mourners present for a funeral service at the crematorium or at the cremation itself. Our experienced cremation technicians will carry out the process with utmost respect and without anyone present – whether that is family or friends.

Question 6

Do you need a coffin for a direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the UK, cremations will include a coffin, and that includes direct cremations. At Pure Cremation, everyone in our care has their own solid wood, environmentally-friendly coffin. Some other providers only offer ‘wood veneer’ coffins, but all direct cremations do have a coffin.

Question 7

Which coffins are best for cremations?

Accepted Answer

A wide range of coffins can be used – wood (solid or veneer), wicker, bamboo or even cardboard coffins. At Pure Cremation we only ever use solid wood coffins. Ideally, a coffin will not include metal parts that would not be cremated. Environmentally-friendly coffins are also a key consideration, and at Pure we get our coffins from sustainable sources.

Question 8

How much does a direct cremation cost?

Accepted Answer

A direct cremation can be £2,000 less than a traditional funeral. The SunLife Cost of Dying report shows that direct cremations like a pure cremation are the lowest cost. A traditional funeral cost an average of £4,285, whereas a pure cremation funeral plan costs just £1,895.

Because there’s no hearse, funeral director fees or ceremony at the crematorium, having a direct cremation may mean more money for family or for the send-off.

You can get a quote for a pure cremation if you need to arrange a funeral for someone now. Or you can buy a plan (for yourself or for someone else) that means we will make all the arrangements when the times comes. Our plans can be bought in a single go, or to make them even more affordable, we also have lower monthly instalment options.

Once arranged, you do not need to pay anything else. With other providers, it is worth checking their small print, as they may have additional costs that mean you could pay more than their published prices depending on your circumstances.

Question 9

Does Pure offer a direct cremation near me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We collect someone when they have passed away – from their home or a hospital – anywhere in Britain. We then take them into our care and perform the committal at our Charlton Park crematorium in Andover. Afterwards, we return the ashes to next of kin, personally and by hand.

The family can arrange a service that’s near them, perhaps somewhere that was a favourite of the deceased.

Question 10

How long does the cremation take?

Accepted Answer

The actual cremation, typically takes around 90 minutes, but may take up to two and a half hours.

The whole service we provide, from collection of the deceased to returning the ashes by hand, typically takes around three weeks.

A local funeral director will usually take longer, because they do not have their own crematorium and so have to book in the cremation with a third party.

The exact length of time the whole service take will depend on how quickly the paperwork is provided by the medical examiner’s office, which is needed before the cremation can take place.

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