When it comes to arranging a funeral, most people start by looking for local funeral directors. But actually, you could create a far more personal memorial for a fraction of the cost with a simple, direct cremation.
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Cremation has been a funeral option in the UK for over 150 years, but it still remains a mystery to many people. Here, we look at exactly what happens at a cremation so you and your family know what to expect.
As the cost of living continues to rise, our research shows costly funerals are placing an unnecessary financial burden on many, with some mourners being pushed into debt. Direct cremations offer a more personal, affordable alternative.
It’s an alternative to burial and cremation that people are slowly adopting around the world. Its biggest benefit is that it’s very environmentally friendly. It requires no land space, and creates very few carbon emissions.
The main difference is that churchyards are attached to Christian churches. Cemeteries and graveyards might not be attached to a church.
A lot of people choose to put something special in their loved one’s coffin, but not everything’s allowed. So what can you include and what should you leave out?
Generally, funerals are public events and there isn’t a way to legally ban someone. But as the organiser, you do have the right to ask a difficult relative not to come.
A funeral in the UK can cost up to £10,000 depending on the type of service you want. At an average of £5,000, a traditional burial is the most expensive option, while a direct cremation is the cheapest.
You can arrange an unattended cremation over the phone in just a few minutes. Your loved one will then be collected from their place of death and cremated without a ceremony at a crematorium.
If you can’t afford to pay for a funeral, you may be able to claim a Funeral Expenses Payment from the government. Other options include using the bank account of the person who died and arranging a Public Health Funeral.
Funeral etiquette means things like what to wear, whether to send flowers and where to sit. Every funeral is different depending on the family’s wishes, but generally the more traditional it is, the more specific the etiquette.
After the service, close friends or family will usually take any flowers home straight away or collect them a day or two later. The average flower arrangement will last up to two weeks before being thrown away or composted by the person who took it home.
