Transparency about funeral costs is essential, which is why we provide clear, straightforward pricing with no hidden fees.
Our direct cremation service costs from £1,195, which includes everything needed for a dignified, respectful cremation. This covers the collection of your loved one, their care until the cremation, a simple coffin, all legal paperwork and cremation certificates, the cremation itself at a local crematorium, and the return of ashes in a basic container or scattering at the crematorium.
To put this in perspective, the average traditional funeral in the UK costs between £4,000 and £5,500, while direct cremation services typically range from £1,400 to £2,000. Our pricing represents genuine value, offering savings of up to 75% compared to conventional funeral services.
Some providers advertise even lower prices, but it’s important to understand exactly what’s included. Our all-inclusive price means no surprises, no additional fees appearing later, and no pressure to upgrade services you don’t want or need.
Optional extras are available if you’d like them – upgraded urns, memorial jewellery to hold a small portion of ashes, ash scattering at specific meaningful locations, or additional copies of death certificates. But these remain entirely optional, never pushed on families during a vulnerable time.
Direct Cremation vs Traditional Funeral: Understanding the Differences
Choosing between direct cremation and a traditional funeral is an important decision, and understanding the differences helps ensure you make the right choice for your family.
A traditional cremation typically includes a formal funeral service, either at a crematorium, church, or other venue. Family and friends attend to pay their respects, there’s usually a funeral procession with a hearse and following cars, and the service includes elements like music, readings, and a eulogy. Many traditional funerals also include a viewing or visitation period beforehand. Following the service, there’s often a wake or reception with catering for attendees.
Direct cremation removes all these formal elements. There’s no service at the crematorium, no attendees present during the cremation, no procession, viewing, or wake. The cremation happens at a time arranged between us and the crematorium, typically within 5-10 working days of death.
This doesn’t mean you can’t mark your loved one’s passing or celebrate their life. The key difference is that with direct cremation, you have complete control over if, when, and how you choose to do this. You might hold a memorial service weeks later once you’ve had time to plan something personal, or you might prefer to remember your loved one privately without any formal gathering.
Traditional funerals work well for families who want the structure and ritual of a conventional service, who value having everyone gather together shortly after the death, or who find comfort in following established customs. Direct cremation suits families who prefer simplicity, want to avoid the stress of immediate funeral planning, need to keep costs down, or whose loved one expressed a preference for no formal service.
What’s Included in Our Direct Cremation Service
When you choose Newrest Funerals for direct cremation, you receive comprehensive support from beginning to end.
We provide a 24/7 collection service, meaning whenever you need us – day or night, weekday or weekend – we’re available to collect your loved one. They’re brought to our premises where they’re cared for with dignity and respect until the cremation takes place.
A simple, appropriate coffin is included in our service. This is a respectful, dignified coffin suitable for cremation, typically made from wood or environmentally-friendly materials. While it’s simple, it’s never cheaply made or disrespectful. Some families prefer to upgrade to a different style, which we can arrange, but most find the included coffin entirely appropriate.
All legal documentation and paperwork is handled by our experienced team. This includes liaising with doctors for medical certificates, registering the death, obtaining cremation certificates, and ensuring all necessary permissions are in place. These administrative tasks can feel overwhelming when you’re grieving, so having someone guide you through each step makes the process significantly easier.
The cremation fees at a local crematorium are included in our pricing. We work with reputable crematoriums throughout our service area, always selecting facilities that maintain the highest standards of care and respect.
After the cremation, we return the ashes to you personally, deliver them via our secure courier service, or arrange for scattering at the crematorium’s garden of remembrance. The choice is entirely yours, and we’re happy to discuss the options to help you decide what feels right.
Throughout the entire process, you have access to support and guidance from our experienced funeral directors. We understand this is likely an unfamiliar and emotional time, and we’re here to answer questions, provide reassurance, and ensure you feel supported.
