Direct cremations are becoming more popular in the UK. In 2023, according to SunLife’s Cost of Dying Report 2024, 20% of all funerals were direct cremations. That is a huge increase from just 3% in 2019.
Wider awareness of the availability of direct cremations has played a part in their rising popularity. However, the lower cost of direct cremation is probably the biggest factor in the continued trend toward direct cremation.
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is a simple, unattended cremation. There is no funeral service, with the body taken directly to a crematorium chosen by the funeral director. The date and time are also set by the funeral director, usually at a time that is convenient for busy crematoriums.
Just as with a standard cremation, the ashes are returned to the family following a direct cremation.
Besides the lower cost, people choose direct cremation because:
• They see it as being less stressful for their loved ones
• They see it as a simple, no-fuss option
• It puts the emphasis on their life, not their death
• The wake can be arranged at a time to suit everyone
Growing awareness
The rise in the popularity of direct cremations is in part due to growing awareness of their availability. Public interest first increased when several celebrities - including David Bowie - had direct cremations rather than the elaborate funerals normally associated with people in the public eye.
Public health and social distancing rules during the Coronavirus pandemic made a huge number of people aware of direct cremations for the first time. With strict restrictions in place, direct cremation was the only option for some families.
The cost of living crisis has sustained increased interest in direct cremation. Without a funeral service and the associated costs of cars, flowers or even a celebrant, it is the most affordable funeral option.
Affordability
With an average price of about £1,500 in 2023, the cost of a direct cremation in the UK is almost £2,300 less than a cremation with a funeral service, which has an average price of £3,795. The savings are even greater when compared with the cost of a burial with a service, which averages over £5,000.
The cost of direct cremations is also relatively steady when compared with standard cremations and burials. Where standard cremation costs increased by more than 3% between 2022 and 2023, and standard burial costs went up by almost 6%, the cost of direct cremations came down by almost 1%.
Flexibility
The significant cost difference between direct cremation and standard cremation services is likely a key factor in the substantial rise in the number of direct cremations in the UK. However, the flexibility to arrange a wake or a celebration-of-life memorial event at a time that suits friends and family is also seen as a positive reason to opt for a direct cremation.
Golden Charter’s Basic Plan provides a dignified direct cremation without the ceremony or expense associated with a traditional funeral. Like all Golden Charter funeral plans, it includes care of the deceased before cremation, arrangements for the cremation, a simple coffin and a £500 allowance towards cremation fees.
