The difference between a standard and direct cremation

A standard cremation is often seen as the more traditional route, where friends and family attend a 20 to 30-minute service at the crematorium.

On the day a hearse or van usually transports your loved one to the crematorium. The funeral service will usually include:

• Music 

• Readings 

• Photos 

• Memories of your loved one

After the service, your loved one’s ashes are delivered back to you, or you can collect them from the crematorium at a later date. 

A direct cremation does not include viewing your loved one, so they will not be embalmed, where an embalmer preserves the body by using certain chemicals, or dressed. Their body is cremated in a simple coffin at a date and time set by the crematorium. Many families choose to mark this day in their own way, as they’re not present at the crematorium.

Once you receive your loved one’s ashes, you have the freedom to arrange a personal memorial and scatter or bury their ashes at a time that suits you and your family.

In the UK, a standard cremation costs roughly £3,795 whereas direct cremation is around £1,500. 

Your loved one is treated with the same care and respect no matter which you choose. Direct cremations are cheaper because the funeral director has less to organise, and the crematorium can carry out the cremation at off-peak times.

There are lots of reasons why you might choose a direct cremation, including:

• Your loved one wanted a simple send-off 

• You’re looking for something more affordable 

• You’re using the government’s funeral expenses payment 

• You’d like more time to arrange a personalised memorial 

Grieving and saying goodbye is complicated, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. So it’s worth considering what’s most important to you and your family.

 There are lots of different factors that will affect your decisions on the kind of funeral to arrange for a loved one or request for yourself. We’ve put some example scenarios below to help you decide what matters most to you. 

“We would like to have our own, low-key celebration of their life when the time is right” 

In this case, a direct cremation may work best for you. Having the ashes with you means that there are no time constraints, so whenever you feel ready, you can organise a personal farewell in an independent venue with your nearest and dearest (and those coming from further away).

“I’m concerned that a standard cremation might create more debt for me”

If you feel daunted by the cost of a standard approach, a direct cremation is much less costly, and you can still organise a personal farewell ceremony for you and your family. You may find that you can apply for government support – you can find out more about this, and other bits of advice in our article, what to do if you cannot afford a funeral.

“We would prefer to celebrate their life with a traditional funeral, including a family viewing at the crematorium”

If this is the case, a standard cremation is perhaps the best option for you. A traditional cremation can include a hearse for the coffin, a formal ceremony, and lots of songs, prayers, and readings. The cremation usually happens about half an hour after the service has finished.  

“We would like to choose an outfit for them to wear on the day” 

A standard cremation allows you to choose items for the funeral director to dress them in for the day. This can be their favourite dress or football t-shirt – but any sentimental jewellery should be removed before the cremation, along with any watches. A standard cremation also gives you the opportunity to include any photos, cards or letters in the coffin. You can read more about what you can put in a coffin for cremation in our guide.