4 reasons to consider a direct cremation

According to SunLife’s 2022 Cost of Dying report, the number of people opting for a direct cremation over a traditional funeral in the UK has risen from 3% in 2019 to 18% in 2021 – that’s a 500% increase! When restrictions on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic came into place, many people were advised to have unattended funerals, but since these restrictions have been lifted, direct cremations have continued to rise in popularity in the UK. 

Mark Screeton, SunLife’s CEO, says:

"It is clear from our report that the pandemic has triggered a fundamental shift in people’s attitudes. Most notably, the option of a direct cremation is becoming far more widely understood and accepted. "

However, the pandemic is not the only driving force behind the increase in people’s preference for direct cremations. In this article, we are going to explore four reasons direct cremations are on the rise and why you may want to consider a direct cremation over a traditional burial funeral for yourself or a loved one.

What is a Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is a standalone cremation with no funeral service, memorial, ceremony, or attendees. Essentially, it is a simplified, fuss-free alternative that allows friends and family to hold their own celebration of life for their loved one on their own timeline.

Why Should You Choose Direct Cremation?

Whether you are considering funeral options for yourself or a loved one, making an informed decision that is best for everyone involved can be a difficult task. While some see a traditional attended funeral as the best way to say goodbye to someone who has passed, others prefer to celebrate a person’s life in a more personal way.

Choosing a direct cremation takes the stress of worrying about the complicated logistics of a full-blown ceremony away and allows time and flexibility for a more personal goodbye. Here are four other reasons a direct cremation could be the right choice for you or your loved one:

Affordability

On average, a traditional funeral costs £4,927 in the UK, a large lump sum to be paid if you or your loved one passes away without a pre-paid funeral plan in place. Whereas the average price of a direct cremation in the UK is £1,647, an almost 70% decrease in comparison. This is largely due to the need to spend money on flowers, limousines, embalming, or any other extras being removed. A direct cremation still allows a dignified send off without having to spend a lot of money.

Simplicity

Arranging a funeral can become a stressful responsibility, leaving little to no time for grieving. Direct cremations take away all of the fuss of traditional funeral arrangements, such as sorting out flowers, catering, and wakes. Direct cremation providers instead sort out all of the logistics for you, from collecting the deceased right through to returning the ashes to you or loved ones when ready.

A more personal send off

Direct cremations allow family and friends to celebrate in a more personal, private, and befitting way that is in line with the wishes and beliefs of the deceased. Instead of having the pressure of attending a funeral, loved ones can have a celebration of life in a more casual and personal setting and at their own time. Read our earlier blog to find out everything you need to know about planning a celebration of life. 

Future planning

Like most things in life, planning ahead is a sensible move – and your funeral should be no different. Ensuring everything’s in place when the inevitable happens not only reduces hassle down the line but protects your loved ones from any financial stress in their time of grief. Pre-paid direct cremation plans let you arrange and pay for your cremation in advance. Choosing to prepay this way means you can arrange the direct cremation services you want and pay for them at today’s prices without being subject to change.

Direct Cremation: Need further advice?

If you need any further advice on this topic or are looking to arrange a direct cremation, get in touch with our expert team today.

At Celebration of Life, we offer one of the UK’s lowest-price FCA-approved simple and fully inclusive direct cremations, both pre-paid and at-need. We’re available 24/7, whenever you need us, and more than happy to help. So, if you’re looking for an affordable and fuss-free direct cremation service, contact us at Celebration of Life today – we’re always happy to help.