Founded in 2019, Celebration of Lifeis Great Britain’s only funeral provider offering direct cremation both as a prepaid plan or at the time of need, and nothing else.
We're a team of 20 caring people who are dedicated to provide the very best and personalcustomer service, right when you need it most.
A direct cremation simply means there is no ceremony at the crematorium. We collect the deceased from any location within mainland Great Britain and bring them into our care. The cremation takes place at our trusted partner crematorium and we let the family know the date and time of the cremation so they can do something special at home. The ashes are then hand delivered to family or they can be scattered at the crematorium's garden of remembrance.
Family are then free to gather for a more unique and personal send-off.
How does our direct cremation work?
1
Contact
We can provide urgent care 24 hours a day. If you prefer, you can call us in advance to provide some basic information, so when the time comes there is less for you to worry about.
2
Collection
We will collect the deceased from anywhere within mainland Great Britain* and take care of them at our mortuary facilities. This includes suitable transport to the crematorium for cremation. We keep you updated throughout the whole process.
3
Cremation
We take care of everything including the removal of artificial devices such as a pacemaker and handling of paperwork. The direct cremation will take place at our trusted partner crematorium and we'll let you know the date and time it will take place.
4
Ashes
We contact the family within 21 days of the cremation date to arrange the hand return of the ashes at a suitable time, anywhere in mainland Great Britain*. Alternatively, we can scatter the ashes at the crematorium's garden of remembrance.
5
Celebration
You are free to gather the people that matter, at a time that suits everyone, to celebrate the life of your loved one.
How are the ashes returned after a direct cremation?
If you choose our direct cremation with the return of ashes, our specialist team will call you to organise a suitable time to deliver the ashes within 21 days of the cremation.
The ashes are contained in a beautiful biodegradable scattering pod that you can use to scatter the ashes in a special location, or you can bury the whole pod directly into the ground.
We don't use a courier or postal service, the team at Celebration of Life will return the ashes to you directly by hand.
Here when you need us
From the moment you call to the hand delivery of ashes, our friendly in-house team are here for you every step of the way.
Call our team today to find out more information.
How much is our direct cremation for someone who has passed away?
Extras you may need or wish to add
Ashes returned by hand £100
We will contact you within 21 days of the cremation date to arrange the hand return of the ashes, in a beautiful biodegradable scatter pod that can be buried in the ground or used to scatter the ashes somewhere special.
Urgent collection £295
If the collection is from a location such as a personal residence, care home or hospice then we will need to send a team out straight away. We're available 24 hours a day.
A tree planted in memory
Celebration of Life™ donate to plant a tree with the National Trust 'Plant a Tree Fund' for every service we do. A certificate is provided in memory of your loved one.
Our business is based on the delivery of first classcustomer service
Talk to us about our
direct cremation today
To arrange a cremation for someone who has passed away
Lines are open 24 hours a day
General enquiries - opening hours:
8am - 6pm, 7 days a week
Are you planning ahead for the future?
Frequently asked questions about our direct cremation
What is the difference between a direct cremation and a standard funeral?
Unlike a standard funeral, a direct cremation means there is no hearse, pallbearers or service held with mourners at the crematorium. This gives family the time to plan something unique and personal in their own time, with or without the ashes.
Can I attend the service with a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is an unattended, so there is no service at the crematorium. However, we do let the family know the date and time of the cremation so they can do something special at home.
How much is a direct cremation?
Our direct cremation which includes collection, care at our mortuary and the cremation costs is £1,195. Extras include; £100 for the return of ashes and £295 for an urgent collection (which is needed if someone dies at home).
Can I pay in advance for a direct cremation?
Yes, we offer a fully inclusive prepaid direct cremation plan. Once you have paid for a plan, the cost is fixed and guaranteed no matter how far in the future you need us. Visit our Pre-Paid Plan Page to find out more.
What coffin is used for a direct cremation?
Celebration of Life include a simple MDF coffin that uses responsibly and sustainably sourced materials including recycled wood sources, to ensure that as little solid wood is used as possible.
How long does the whole process take?
If the death occurs at home, we collect straight away, otherwise collection from a mortuary is within 5 days of receiving the 'Green Form' from the registrar after the death has been registered. The cremation is then usually within the next 7 days and we let you know this in advance. Then within 21 days, usually much sooner, we return the ashes by hand.
Can I send items in to be placed in the coffin?
Yes families are welcome to send us items to be placed inside the coffin as long as we are made aware in advance. There are certain items that cannot be cremated, such as glass, batteries or other cremated remains. Our team will be able to help you with this.
Can the ashes be split?
Yes we can separate the ashes equally into 2 or 3 medium size scatter pods. We can also put a small amount of ashes into miniature keepsake pods.
What if I need to take the ashes abroad?
We can supply you with everything you need to be able to take ashes overseas. You should always check with the airline if they have any specific requirements. They may require a CAD sealed solid urn which we can provide, speak to our team for a price.
For information on what to do when someone dies, take a look at our step by step guide.