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Written by Adam McIlroy.
21 minute read
When it comes to funerals, more of us than ever are looking for the simple option. From financial, to personal, and cultural reasons, there could be any number of triggers for this new interest, but, regardless of the reason, one thing is clear: simple cremations are on the rise. In this article, we are going to take a look at simple, no-fuss funerals— what they are, how to arrange one, and the differences between a simple cremation and a more traditional option.
We’d like to start by recognising that, if you’ve found us here, you could be looking to organise a funeral for a loved one who has recently died, or you could be beginning to think about your own future funeral needs. We’d just like to say that we understand the potential stress of your situation, and that we are here to help. Aura is the top-rated national ‘Cremation Services’ provider in the UK, with a Trustpilot score of 4.9/5 stars. We proudly offer our funeral services to those seeking a direct cremation in the here and now, and to those considering a prepaid funeral plan.
We should also note that this article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Funeral arrangements, estate matters, and related decisions can involve complex legal issues. You should speak with a qualified professional or solicitor if you have questions about your personal situation.
Key Takeaways
A cremation only funeral is a simple and practical choice where a person is cremated without a traditional funeral service or ceremony beforehand. Often called direct cremation, unattended cremation, or cremation without ceremony, these terms all refer to the same idea: a straightforward cremation carried out with no mourners present and no formal gathering at the crematorium. But is direct cremation a good idea?
This approach is a practical, no-frills alternative to a traditional funeral, removing the costs of a hearse, floral displays, a minister or celebrant, and other ceremonial elements. Families who choose to arrange a low-cost cremation often do so because they want a dignified and respectful farewell without the pressure or expense of arranging a large event. Afterward, there is still every opportunity to remember or celebrate the person’s life in a personal way, at a time that feels right.
A cremation only funeral usually covers all the essential steps needed for a respectful and lawful farewell. Here’s what is commonly included:
Collection of the person who has died
Professional care and preparation
A simple, dignified coffin
Cremation paperwork and necessary legal fees
Private transportation to the crematorium
Return of the ashes to the family, or scattering them in a garden of remembrance
It’s worth knowing that exactly what is included can vary depending on the funeral provider you choose. Always ask for a clear breakdown of costs and inclusions — for example, “What does a direct cremation include?” — so there are no surprises later on. As a straightforward direct cremation, it’s considered a funeral alternative for families who wish to avoid a formal ceremony.
With Aura, a simple cremation is a type of funeral which focuses on the cremation process. We bring the person who has died, within their coffin, from the local care centre where they are resting to the crematorium, inside a private ambulance. After a few short, respectful words from a crematorium attendant, the cremation is carried out as soon as possible.
Next, the cremation ashes are either hand-delivered to the family or scattered on their behalf at the crematorium’s Garden of Remembrance, enhancing the experience of a simple funeral. Many families also want to understand how long cremation takes, as the timing can vary depending on the type of cremation and the facilities used.
Simple cremations, also known as basic cremations, are becoming a more preferred choice for British people due to three main reasons:
There are three main steps to arranging a simple cremation:
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| Solvency | 128% | 124.8% | Unknown | 138% | Unknown |
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Unlike a direct cremation, a traditional cremation follows the format of the typical funeral that we all tend to imagine when we think of one. Besides the practical matter of the cremation itself, there will likely be:
A direct cremation, other than a very minimal ceremony before the committal, may not include any of these elements, and likely won’t.
A simple cremation allows those who don’t want to make a fuss to go out on their terms, while also giving people the chance to put their own stamp on things. If you are uncomfortable, or feel stifled by the formality of a traditional service, a simple cremation presents you with an opportunity to get creative and to bring elements of your life more authentically into proceedings. Ultimately, there are many different beliefs on death and funerals, whether religious or cultural, out there.
The content of your direct cremation ceremony is up to you. But, more than that, you also get the chance to pause and reflect; the official and necessary parts can be dealt with at first, when they need to be, and then a proper end-of-life celebration can be held for the person who has died when they are in a better frame of mind. By talking about death and dying as early as possible with your loved ones, you could even outline what you’d like as an end-of-life celebration, and how you’d like to be remembered by your friends and family.
What happens in a cremation in the UK? At a simple cremation, the person who has died is taken privately to the crematorium and cremated without a formal service, or any mourners in attendance. The funeral director will choose the crematorium in which this occurs based on availability; as no guests will be present, it doesn’t necessarily need to take place close to where the deceased was from or where they lived.
This incredibly private process is overseen with all the dignity of a normal funeral, with the staff of the crematorium speaking a few words about the person who has died as a mark of respect.
Following an Aura cremation, within 21 days of the ceremony, the ashes of the person who has died will either be hand-delivered back to their family, or scattered at the crematorium’s own garden of remembrance, based on their preference. Getting this right every single time is something that we see as our solemn duty, and we want you to have peace of mind knowing that you will be cared for. Please note, whilst hand-delivery is included in the price of our funeral plans, there is a nominal fee for the service when arranging a cremation at short notice.
In general, it takes 1–3 hours to fully cremate a body, with each cremation time depending on a few things. For instance, the temperature of the cremator will influence how quickly things can be done, as will the size of the person being cremated, and the material out of which the coffin is made. The body will normally be cremated very shortly after the cremation service. There are types of alternative funerals and cremations available where things could take quite a bit longer, for environmental reasons.
With an Aura direct cremation, you certainly can. However, different providers may have a different view on this, so, as ever, it’s always good to check. Aura offers three prepaid direct cremation plans which allow you to organise a simple cremation:
Each of these options is also available for those who are arranging a funeral for someone who has passed away, so whatever your needs, we’ve got something that could work for you. You can see the range of our funeral plans in the table below.
When exploring cremation-only options, some families come across terms like soft cremation, also known as water cremation, resomation, or alkaline hydrolysis. This method uses water, heat, and alkaline chemicals to gently break down the body, instead of using flames.
Soft cremation is often seen as more environmentally friendly, as it produces fewer emissions and uses less energy. However, it’s not yet widely available in the UK, and most providers, including Aura, currently offer only traditional flame-based cremation.
As interest in green funerals continues to grow, this may change. For now, direct cremation remains the most practical and affordable choice for a simple, dignified farewell without ceremony.
| Unattended | Intimate | Fully Attended | |
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| Rating from independent experts at Fairer Finance | |||
| Cremation fees included | |||
| Collection fees included. 24/7 within mainland Britain | |||
| Oversized/bariatric coffin | |||
| Return of ashes or scattered in the garden of remembrance | |||
| Removal of standard medical items (e.g. pacemaker) | |||
| Choice of crematorium | |||
| Attended Service | 10-minute attended service for 15 people | 40-minute service for unlimited people (up to the maximum capacity of the crematorium). |
The main benefits of a simple cremation are that it’s much cheaper than a traditional cremation, and that the ceremony format is a lot more flexible. Those who would rather not be the centre of attention can take care of things their way, while those who are more interested in making an impact on the ceremony with their own personality or life story are free to do so.
Ultimately, a simple cremation can liberate you and your family from high prices, and the obligation to do something traditional if that’s not what you would like, leading to the creation of memories that are authentic and true to you.
One of the things we are most passionate about at Aura is the level of empathy in our service. Whether you are looking for a prepaid funeral plan or you are in need of a funeral now, you will be guided through the process by our wonderful Aura Angels. They bring an industry-leading level of compassion and expertise to their work, which each family in their care benefits from. They can provide administrative support, such as with cremation forms and other paperwork, as well as logistics like booking venues and organising transportation. They can even lend a listening ear if you’d like to share a little bit about how you are feeling at what could be a difficult time.
There are still a number of cremation myths that lead people to believe simple cremations are cold or impersonal. In truth, many families find comfort in being able to personalise the farewell on their own terms, without the pressure of a traditional funeral.
Simple cremations can be deeply personal. Families often appreciate the freedom to say goodbye in their own way, whether that’s through chosen music, receiving the ashes, or holding a private tribute at home or elsewhere.
A coffin is always included. Despite common myths, every direct cremation through Aura includes a fully fitted coffin as part of the service.
Care and dignity are never compromised. Even though the ceremony is unattended, trained crematorium staff are present throughout, treating each person with respect and professionalism.
While cremation only is a simple and affordable choice, there are a few things to think about before deciding:
Some families may feel that not having a formal funeral service feels too impersonal or lacks the comfort of a shared goodbye.
Holding a separate memorial or celebration of life later on can help bring family and friends together, providing a sense of closure and remembrance.
It’s always worth having an open conversation with those close to you to make sure this option suits everyone’s wishes and needs.
By taking time to talk things through, you can feel confident that cremation only is the right choice for your family.
There’s a lot of variation in price out there for those thinking about a simple cremation. Different providers have got different rates, and you will get more or less for your money from one funeral plan to the next. You should also bear in mind the fact that the price charged for a funeral at the point of need will be different from the price of a prepaid direct cremation plan for the future.
There’s no getting away from the fact that funeral costs in general are getting more expensive. According to SunLife, last year’s average UK funeral price was £4,285. Whereas our simple prepaid funeral plans start at £1,695, and our funerals for those in need now start at £1,195; both less than half of the cost of this SunLife average.
We are proud to say that our prepaid cremation without ceremony prepaid plans are all-inclusive; unlike many providers, we don’t charge an extra fee for things like oversized or ‘bariatric’ coffins, or urgent collections. Everything is included in the final price you pay for your plan.
They are also fully flexible, meaning that you won’t be penalised should you wish to cancel or amend things for any reason. We’ll simply issue you with a full refund for any cancellation, and you’ll only need to pay the difference if you are upgrading from a smaller to a bigger plan. Always ask your funeral provider for a transparent price list, as recommended by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), to be sure you understand exactly what you are paying for and whether there are any potential extra charges.
If you’re thinking about arranging a simple cremation, it’s wise to ask a few key questions before making any decisions. Here are some to consider:
What exactly is included in the price?
(For example: collection, coffin, paperwork, return or scattering of ashes.)
Are there any extra charges?
(Such as for larger coffins, out-of-hours collection, or priority bookings.)
Can I see a full price list in writing?
(The Competition and Markets Authority requires funeral providers to be clear about their fees.)
Where will the cremation take place?
(Ask about the crematorium location and whether you can visit if you wish.)
How long does it take to receive the ashes?
(Find out if ashes will be returned to you, and how soon.)
Can family or friends attend the cremation?
(Some direct cremations allow for a short farewell service if you wish.)
What happens if I need to cancel or change plans?
(Check their cancellation and refund policy, especially with prepaid plans.)
Who will be looking after the person who has died?
(It’s reassuring to know whether the provider uses their own staff or contracts others.)
We hope this article about simple cremations has been useful for you. There are a variety of reasons as to why you might be interested in the subject, from the savings you can make, to the personal or cultural.
Aura is a family-run company, founded by Paul Jameson in 2019, following his 2017 diagnosis with motor neurone disease. He established the company in order to help families up and down Britain with their end-of-life planning needs, following what he’d learned by grappling with his own mortality. Today, we strive to embody that family-focused approach to service, never knowingly offering care that is below the level Paul would expect for his own family.
If you think Aura could help you with your own funeral-planning needs, why not give our friendly team a call today? They will most definitely be able to answer all of your questions, and set your mind at ease. And, don’t worry, they will never bombard you with calls once you have gotten in contact.
If you have any questions, would like a brochure or simply would like a chat through our services, our award-winning team is here to help.
Unlike other providers, we won’t hassle you with constant calls. We’ll simply ensure you have the information you need and leave you to come to a decision in your own time. When you’re ready for us, our team will be ready to help.
With cremation-only funerals — often called direct cremations — there is no funeral service. Your loved one is collected, cared for with respect, and cremated without a ceremony. You can then remember them in your own way, at a time that feels right.
Direct cremation is the most affordable option, as it removes many of the costs of a traditional funeral. Aura’s direct cremation plans are competitively priced to make dignified care more accessible for everyone.
Absolutely. With direct cremation, there is no formal funeral service. Your loved one is cared for with respect and then cremated, and the ashes returned to you. Many families prefer this simple, private arrangement.
Aura’s direct cremations start from less than half the price of a traditional funeral. The exact cost depends on personal choices, but direct cremation offers one of the most affordable ways to say goodbye with respect.
No funeral, just cremation — known as direct cremation — means your loved one is collected from their place of rest, looked after with care, and cremated without a funeral service or family attendance. The ashes are then returned to you, giving you freedom to hold a personal remembrance later if you wish.
If you’re worried about the cost, speak to Aura or your local council. There may be help available through government funeral payments or charity support. Aura’s direct cremation is one of the most affordable options, keeping costs lower without cutting back on dignity or respect.
People often choose direct cremation because it is simpler and less expensive than a traditional funeral. It also gives families the chance to plan a personal gathering or celebration of life in their own way, without feeling rushed or tied to a formal service.
Choosing direct cremation offers several benefits, including significant cost savings. Traditional funeral services can be expensive, often incorporating costs for a coffin, funeral director fees, and other services. In contrast, direct cremation eliminates many of these expenses, making it a low-cost option. Additionally, it allows families to skip the emotional burden of planning a formal service immediately following a death, giving them more time to grieve and plan a celebration of life or memorial service at their own pace.
Yes, many families opt to have a memorial service or celebration of life after direct cremation. This allows them to honour their loved one in a personalised way without the constraints of a traditional funeral. The ashes can be present during the service, or if preferred, the family can choose to scatter them in a meaningful location.
To arrange a direct cremation, you typically need to contact a direct cremation provider or a cremation service specialising in this option. They will guide you through the necessary paperwork and help you understand the associated cremation fees. Most providers allow you to arrange a prepaid cremation without ceremony to complete the process in advance, ensuring a seamless experience during a difficult time.
Yes. A memorial or celebration of life can be held whenever it feels right for you and your family. There’s no time limit — some choose to wait a few days, others a few months. A simple cremation gives you the space to plan a farewell that truly reflects the person and their wishes.