One of the biggest changes in the funeral industry in recent times has centred on cremation and the choices available. Many people may not be aware of the important differences between a direct cremation and a traditional cremation.
Funerals can take on many different guises. Alongside traditional, faith-based services you can choose a life celebration, a humanist ceremony and be environmentally friendly with a green or woodland burial. Cremations however, still accounted for more than half of all funerals in 2021*.
Traditional & direct cremations
Today, the word, ‘cremation’ is commonly prefixed with; ‘direct’, ‘pure’, ‘unattended’ or ‘traditional’. To confuse matters further, unattended cremations are often marketed as ‘No fuss funerals’. For someone outside the funeral industry this terminology can be confusing. In this blog, we will take a look at the types of cremation available in the UK and the potential benefits and disadvantages of each. It is particularly important to be aware of the differences between a direct cremation and a traditional cremation.
There are 3 main types of cremation service in the UK.
What is a traditional cremation?
A traditional cremation is the most popular choice of funeral in Britain. In 2021, traditional cremations made up 57% of all funerals in the UK*. A traditional cremation involves a funeral service at a place of worship such as a church or chapel (or at the crematorium itself). Family and friends are able to view the body if they wish. After the funeral service the deceased is transported to a crematorium. Following the cremation, the family is given the ashes in an urn or casket. A wake is often held immediately after the cremation.
This type of cremation appeals to those who wish to have a service attended by family and friends. Favourite hymns can be sung and anecdotes told. The flip side is that a traditional cremation service can be expensive. The cost of the coffin, transportation, flowers, catering and venue hire can quickly mount up. A great deal of planning is involved and loved one’s can be left to make a host of difficult decisions at a time of intense grief.
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is an unattended cremation service, so family members and other loved one’s are not able to attend the cremation. The cremation may take place a long way from the deceased’s home and there isn’t an opportunity for family and friends to view the body. The deceased may be cared for at a mortuary a great distance away from the family home. If any of these factors make you or your loved one’s uncomfortable, then perhaps a direct cremation isn’t for you.
However, the financial savings can be considerable. A direct cremation negates the need for an expensive coffin, transportation to the service and embalming to preserve the body. There is also far less to plan, so potentially less to worry about for those left behind.
It’s worth remembering that a direct cremation can also be referred to as a ‘Pure Cremation’, ‘Unattended Cremation’, ‘No Fuss Funeral’ or ‘Simple Funeral’. The rise in direct cremations has been prolific. In 2018 these simple services accounted for 2% of all UK funerals*. By 2021, that figure had grown to 18%*. While part of this increase can be attributed to funeral restrictions imposed during the pandemic, this number seems set to rise further. TV is awash with advertising campaigns highlighting the savings a direct cremation can offer. (Be aware that the terminology in adverts can vary.) Thousands of pre-paid plans have been bought.
According to research conducted by The Centre for Death and Society there is a growing acceptance by people to come together and commemorate a loved one’s life at a different date to the cremation. By holding a commemorative service at a later date, loved ones can plan more clearly. The gathering can take place at a poignant place and, with more notice, mourners who live further afield have a better chance of attending. There are certainly advantages and disadvantages to a direct cremation.
What is a memorial cremation?
A memorial cremation is very similar to a traditional cremation with the exception that the body is not present at the service. With a memorial cremation, the body is cremated soon after death. Family do not view the body, so the cost of embalming is saved.
The ashes are usually returned to the family prior to the memorial so that they can be put on display or scattered. The memorial service can take place weeks or months after the death.
It’s good to talk
Whichever funeral you decide is best, be sure to talk through your decisions with loved ones. According to the SunLife Cost of Dying report, the number of people who were informed of their loved one’s funeral wishes fell year-on-year to 62%. That’s a lot of extra stress and worry placed on the grieving. Imagine not knowing that your partner had opted for a direct cremation? A decision that would prevent you from attending their funeral.
The importance of a Funeral Director
A good Funeral Director will explain all the funeral options available to you and the costs involved. Some will be able to offer a direct cremation service which uses a local crematorium. Other Funeral Directors may be able to offer the best of both worlds – perhaps a mixture of a direct cremation with a service. Their expertise and advice can be invaluable.
One last important point to remember is that a crematorium is well within its rights to reject a sub-standard coffin. It does not matter if their staff are the only people who are going to see it. Please ensure that the coffin or casket that you select has been certified by the Funeral Furnishing Manufacturers’ Association (F.F.M.A.).
A coffin with the FFMA stamp has passed rigorous tests for weight, strength and environmental impact.
View our range of FFMA approved willow coffins. Willow ashes caskets also available.
*Source: SunLife Cost of Dying report
