What is a Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is a funeral without a ceremony at a crematorium, Church or Hall of Remembrance.

They are simpler and more affordable than traditional funerals. They can cost less than half the price of a traditional funeral.

What’s included?

  • Collection of deceased from a local hospital (Southend, Basildon or Broomfield Hospitals included).

  • Collection of deceased from a nursing home or private residence

    • £150 during working hours

    • £270 out of normal working hours

  • Accommodation of the deceased for up to 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the cremation.

  • A wood veneer coffin of our choosing, complete with an engraved name plate.

  • The option to view your loved one.

  • The option to attend the cremation.

  • Transportation of the deceased to an Essex based crematorium of our choosing.

  • Necessary staff for a respectful cremation.

  • An attended or unattended direct cremation.

  • The cremation fee.

  • You can collect the ashes from our office, we can scatter them for you, or we can hand-deliver the ashes anywhere in mainland UK, for £250. (Any ashes stored at our office must be collected within one calendar month of notice being given to the applicant regarding collection).

What is not included?

  • A choice of crematorium (although the cremation will always be undertaken in Essex).

  • Alternative coffin choice.

  • Alternative vehicle choice.

  • An officiant to speak at the cremation.

What are the advantages of a direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is chosen by many people with different backgrounds, beliefs, financial situations and family lives. It is a tool for people to tailor their send-off in a personal way. It has lots of benefits over a traditional funeral, such as:

  • Avoids expense since there is no need for a hearse, funeral flowers, an attended venue, a minister etc.

  • Takes pressure off family having to make difficult decisions at a stressful time.

  • A simple “no fuss” option compared to a traditional funeral.

  • Gives the freedom for families to make their own arrangements, creating a send-off that is more personal.

  • Can be less than half the price of a traditional funeral.

How to arrange a direct cremation

If someone has died and you need help arranging a direct cremation you can contact us to begin arrangements.

Here’s what to expect:

  • We collect the person who has died and bring them into our care. Our Care Centers are all Essex based.

  • Once in our care your loved one is able to be viewed.

  • You will have some forms to sign and send us.

  • We will perform a respectful cremation at an Essex based crematorium.

  • You can collect the ashes from our office, we can scatter them for you, or we can hand-deliver the ashes anywhere in mainland UK, for £250. (Any ashes stored at our office must be collected within one calendar month of notice being given to the applicant regarding collection).

Other fees or services that may apply

  • Attendance to other hospitals will incur a mileage fee of £1.50 per mile.

  • Accommodation of the deceased for up to 2 weeks (14 days) prior to the cremation

    • Accommodating a deceased for longer than 14 days will incur a fee of £25 per day (including weekends)

  • Fees correct at of November 2025

Why choose your local Funeral Director?

  • Flexibility, we will always ensure you get the goodbye you want by accommodating any requests you have.

  • Your loved one is able to be viewed.

  • Clear pricing and no hidden fees.

  • We are local, helping you avoid any unnecessary travel.

  • The peace of mind knowing your loved one is being cared for by people from your local community.

FAQs

  • A direct cremation can be less than half the price of a traditional funeral.

    It is always best to look at several companies and decide who can provide the funeral you want

  • Get in touch with us or the chosen funeral director of your choice and let them know your wishes to have a direct cremation.

    With your consent they can then make arrangements to begin the funeral process, this will include paperwork, contacting the doctors or coroners, bringing your loved one into care and arranging the cremation itself.

  • Most direct cremations are unattended, this means there are no family of friends present at the crematorium or the cremation itself.

    Our experienced funeral operatives carry out the process with respect.

  • Yes, we offer attended direct cremation

  • Yes, there may be additional fees should your loved one be far away, but we will be upfront about these and offer you a quote before you agree to the collection.

    • Collection of deceased from a local hospital (Southend, Basildon or Broomfield Hospitals included)

      • Attendance to other hospitals will incur a mileage fee of £1.50 per mile.

    • Collection of deceased from a nursing home or private residence

      • £150 during working hours

      • £270 out of normal working hours

  • Yes, we send all ashes via recorded courier to ensure the ashes arrive safely to their destination.

  • Arranging a viewing is a simple process but can only be done by the applicant for safeguarding reasons.

    If your loved one is in our care and has been signed off by the Coroner you are able to view.

    Get in touch via email, over the phone, over text, or whatsapp letting us know you would like to view on a particular day and time.

    Our dedicated Care Center team can then schedule your viewing and confirm details with you.

  • Viewing a loved one can be emotional and we aim to make the experience a peaceful one.

    We have purpose built facilities that offer a private and comfortable space for you to view. We have a quiet reception area with refreshments, and helpful staff to guide you.

    For direct cremation viewings we are unable to prepare the deceased (washing them, embalming them etc) and we are unable to change their clothing or apply makeup.

    There is no limitation to how many people can attend during your given time slot but we ask that you are respectful of other families, who may also be viewing their loved ones.

    Appointments must be made in advance and you will be given a time slot for the viewing duration.

  • We work closely with our sister company - Adam & Greenwood who offer a wide range of traditional funeral options.

    This means we can pass you over seamlessly if you decide to go with a different option. We have a number of offices across Essex, making the transfer even more convenient for you and your family.

    Having the freedom to change your mind is important and we will fully support you through the process.