The most affordable funeral option in London is commonly known as ‘Direct Cremation’.
A direct cremation has no traditional funeral service or formal ceremony performed beforehand and is unattended by mourners. It is a type of funeral that is increasing in popularity, though it will not be everyone’s preference. Here, we go into detail about what a direct cremation entails.
WHAT MAKES A DIRECT CREMATION THE MOST AFFORDABLE FUNERAL IN LONDON?
Direct cremation eliminates costs you would usually find in the more traditional funeral types, such as a funeral procession; a chapel service; ceremonial vehicles; a funeral conductor, and similar. This keeps the implementation costs down and these savings are reflected in the price. For example, Harrison Funeral Home can deliver our Direct Cremation for you for £975, including VAT. There may be an additional £82 needed to pay the doctor fees for signing the Certificate of Cremation*, but this is determined on a case-by-case basis. Please scroll to the bottom of this blog for a more detailed explanation about doctor fees.
Aside from being the most affordable funeral in London, a direct cremation is sometimes preferred because of its simplicity. One example of this is the late musician and actor David Bowie, who reportedly chose direct cremation for his funeral before he died because he wanted a fuss-free and simple send off. We only mention Mr Bowie here because he was a wealthy celebrity and there is perhaps a societal assumption that people with greater means would not choose a direct cremation – this is not the case. Direct cremation is often chosen because it best suits the needs of the deceased and the family, regardless of cost.
Arranging a direct cremation
For a direct cremation, we (the funeral home) collect your loved one from their current location and bring them into our care, on-premises, until the day of the funeral. When you choose Harrison’s, we arrange everything needed for the direct cremation on your behalf. This can all be discussed with you remotely, over the phone or via internet conference software (Zoom, etc), or you are welcome to come and arrange with us in person at your preferred branch.
Direct cremations take place at specific times at every crematorium – usually in the morning before 10am, weekdays.
On the day of the cremation, we transport your loved one to the crematorium, escorting them inside to the care of the crematorium staff. At this point, we can read or say something on your behalf (or not – it is per your instructions). We remain by your loved one’s side as they are placed onto the cremation platform, where we customarily bow our heads as a mark of respect before exiting. Shortly after, we contact the family to inform them that the cremation has taken place.
A DIRECT CREMATION WON'T SUIT EVERYONE
A non-attended funeral will not be right for everyone. As such, Harrison Funeral Home offers a still affordable attended cremation option. With the Simple Cremation there is provision for a set time, 30-minute chapel service at the chosen crematorium where mourners can attend to say goodbye to the deceased. Depending on your choice of venue, the price for this starts at £1,500.
Similarly, where cremation is not possible due to cultural or religious beliefs – or any reason – Harrison’s can conduct the most affordable burial option for families. Our Direct Burial starts at £3,350 and includes the cost of the burial plot, making it a preferable choice for families not wanting a cremation.
After the Direct Cremation
After the Direct Cremation, or indeed any cremation, has taken place and the ashes are home with the family, some choose to have a Celebration of Life Service. This may happen as an informal wake, perhaps at home or down the pub, or it may be more ceremonial in nature at a formal scattering ceremony. There are a great many options today, from traditional to modern alternatives, for ashes and we can discuss with you if this is something you would like our help with.
If you have any questions regarding organising an affordable funeral in London, please call Harrison Funeral Home on 020 8819 3465 and we will help.
DIRECT CREMATION CASE STUDY
“My dad died very suddenly. He hadn’t left a will, but there was no mistaking that he was very much a ‘no fuss’ chap. Without a shadow of a doubt, he would’ve hated a formal service. Fortunately, he had mentioned years ago in passing that his wishes were for a cremation, when the time came. Given our particular circumstances (which I won’t go into here) and knowing him so well, a direct cremation felt like the right choice.
On the morning, at the exact time of his cremation, even though we didn’t attend, we all sat together as a family on the sofa, lit some candles, played his favourite songs and toasted him with our cuppas. I know he would’ve approved.
Then, when the ashes were home, we were able to be with him for what we considered his actual final goodbye. The extended family came together for an informal scattering service at Enfield Crematorium before we headed to his favourite local pub for a little wake together. For us, this was perfect for the man we loved and still miss.”
EB, on AB’s direct cremation in 2019 (published with permission)
*About Doctor’s Fees and the Certificate of Cremation
It is a legal requirement for a doctor to sign the Certificate of Cremation.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, two certificates were required: one by the deceased’s GP, and one by a second independent doctor.
Due to the impact of COVID-19, only one doctor is currently legally required to sign the paperwork and charges a fee of £82 for this service. This is subject to change at any time, reverting to the legal requirement of 2 doctors, with two individual payments of £82. Funeral Directors have no control over doctor fees and how much they are, but when our services are hired, we are the one’s responsible for ensuring this paperwork is completed and providing it to the crematorium for inspection.
If Her Majesty’s Coroner is involved, doctor’s fees are not required, since the Coroner signs all paperwork after their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Harrison Funeral Home
Harrison Funeral Home is here to make a difficult time a little easier. Our experts are specialists in helping bereaved families in Enfield, Winchmore Hill, Highgate and nationally with funeral arrangements.