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Written by Betty Gardiner.
12 minute read
When someone close to you dies, or you’re thinking ahead about your own wishes, knowing how to arrange a cremation can remove stress and uncertainty. This guide explains how cremation works in the UK, with a focus on direct cremation, which is often the most affordable, straightforward choice.
Whether you’re organising a cremation for a loved one or preparing your own plan, this article answers the most common questions and offers practical advice.
Direct cremation is the simplest form of cremation available. It involves cremating the person without a service at the crematorium. There’s no hearse, procession, and is generally an unattended cremation. Instead, family and friends say goodbye in their own way, often holding a memorial or celebration of life at a later date.
It’s private, flexible, and often much more affordable than a traditional funeral in the UK. Some families choose it because they want to avoid the stress of planning a formal event during a difficult time, while others feel more comfortable creating their own memorial on their terms.
With Aura, there’s also the option to attend a direct cremation ceremony with either an intimate funeral service or a fully attended cremation service. This can be a meaningful way for close family to be present, without the pressure of a formal event.
Planning a cremation can feel overwhelming at first, but direct cremation can make the process simpler. Here’s how to arrange one in the UK.
Start by finding a trusted provider. Look for clear pricing, caring staff, and real reviews on reputable websites like Trustpilot. We understand that comparing direct cremation providers could be difficult at an emotional time, so we hope this will help you come to a clear understanding of what to prioritise for you and your family.
Some funeral companies sell pre-packaged services that include optional extras you might not want or need. Others, like Aura, only charge for what’s essential, keeping things more affordable. Look for transparency, especially about collection fees, cremation times, and whether ashes are delivered or need to be collected.
Things to check:
Before cremation can go ahead, you’ll need to legally register the death and submit the correct documents.
Here’s what’s normally needed:
If the death is referred to the coroner or a post-mortem is required, the process may be slightly different, but your funeral provider or local hospital’s Bereavement Office can help.
Once the documents are approved, the person who has died will be transported from their resting place to a funeral care centre in a private vehicle. Once they have been cared for and placed into their coffin, they will be cremated.
In a direct cremation, the actual cremation process is usually unattended, meaning no family or guests are present. However, some providers offer the option to witness, with a few people present, if that feels right for you.
You may also be offered the chance to:
After cremation, the ashes can either be:
Some families take time before deciding how or if to collect the ashes. Others already have a plan in mind, from scattering ashes at a favourite spot, to keeping them in an urn or even more creative ash ideas, like creating ashes jewellery or putting ashes into tattoos.
We understand that funeral expenses can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to balance affordability with honouring a loved one’s memory. While the SunLife Cost of Dying Report currently places the average cost of a funeral in the UK at approximately £4,285, direct cremation costs can be less than half this amount. Although the exact cost can vary by provider, region, and the additional services you choose, most families find it to be an affordable and respectful option.
Aura’s direct cremation service starts at £1,195 , which includes:
*Terms and conditions apply. You will receive a funeral plan summary before purchase to help you understand the features, costs, and limitations.*
With no formal events to organise, no venues to book, and no pressure to make emotional decisions under time constraints, direct cremation keeps things calm and private and gives you space to grieve.
It’s one of the most cost-effective funeral options. You only pay for the essentials, with options for additional extras if you’d like. You’re free to use any money saved on a memorial service later, a family gathering, or a donation to charity.
Direct cremation is very unique as it offers the family of the person who has died freedom to create a personal memorial in their own way. Maybe it’s a gathering in your own backyard, an ash scattering ceremony at a favourite beach, or a simple toast with close friends. You’re not tied to a specific date or location, so you can take your time to plan something that feels right. This flexibility can allow for more thoughtful planning, even if it happens weeks or months after the cremation.
Yes, and many people do.
With a prepaid direct cremation plan, you choose and pay for your cremation in advance, locking in today’s price. It means your loved ones won’t need to guess your wishes or worry about the cost later on.
Aura’s prepaid funeral plans start from £1,695, and include:
It’s a practical way to remove anxiety for your family while keeping control over your final wishes.
*Terms and conditions apply. You will receive a funeral plan summary before purchase to help you understand the features, costs, and limitations.*
You can mark someone’s life in a way that reflects who they were without following tradition.
Ideas include:
Our team is always here to help. Whether it’s helping you decide on the details or providing guidance on how to talk with your loved ones about your wishes. Take some time to look through our articles and FAQs. You are also always welcome to get in touch when you are ready.
If you’d like to know more about how to plan a cremation with Aura, our brochure is a helpful place to begin.
Our funeral plans are a helpful way to put everything in place for you or someone else.
When the time comes, our experienced team will be here to guide you through each step, offering support and advice whenever you need it.
To find out more about how our plans work, what’s included, and our story, you can request a brochure by clicking the link below. We will then send you a copy by email or First Class post—whichever you prefer.
The process is simpler than most people expect. First, you’ll need to choose a trusted cremation provider and notify them of the death. Next, you must register the death with the local Register Office and complete the required cremation forms. Once the paperwork is in order, the provider will arrange the cremation itself, and afterwards you can decide whether you’d like the ashes returned to you, hand-delivered, collected, or scattered in the crematorium’s grounds.
Yes. This is exactly what a direct cremation offers: a cremation without a traditional service, hearse, procession, or ceremony at the crematorium. Families are free to organise their own memorial or celebration of life afterwards, if and when they feel ready.
The key documents are:
With Aura, the Aura Angels provide guidance with all of this paperwork, ensuring nothing is overlooked or confusing.
Most direct cremations are unattended. However, some providers, including Aura, offer the option of an attended cremation, which gives you the chance to be present and say your goodbyes in person.
No. You don’t have to use a funeral home in your area. National providers like Aura often offer lower, clearer pricing and provide support by phone or online, making it easier for families who don’t want to visit a funeral home in person.
You’ll be able to decide how you’d like the ashes handled. Options include having them hand-delivered to an address in mainland Britain, collecting them from the crematorium, or asking for them to be scattered in the crematorium’s Garden of Remembrance. Many families choose to create a personal tribute later, such as a memorial gathering, planting a tree, or keeping ashes in an urn or jewellery.
For many people, yes. A prepaid plan allows you to lock in today’s price and make clear arrangements in advance, sparing your family from unexpected costs and difficult decisions. With Aura, funds are kept safely in trust, and plans can be cancelled at any time if you change your mind. For those planning ahead, it offers both financial protection and peace of mind.