Initial arrangements
We bring the person into our care, complete the necessary arrangements and discuss the farewell you would like.
A private farewell before cremation
Attended direct cremation for families who want a simple, personal goodbye
Our attended direct cremation gives a small group of family and friends time together in our private chapel before the person is taken for an unattended cremation.
It offers more intimacy than a conventional crematorium service while remaining simpler than a traditional funeral.
- Private chapel farewell
- For up to 15 people
- Unattended cremation afterwards
A quiet, private place to say goodbye
Replace with an authentic photograph of the Wealden chapel.
Private
Your family has the chapel to itself
Personal
Music, words and memories can be included
Simple
No formal crematorium funeral service
Local family care
Arranged and conducted by our own team
Understanding the service
What is an attended direct cremation?
A direct cremation normally takes place without family or friends attending. Our attended direct cremation adds a private farewell beforehand, allowing up to 15 people to gather in our chapel in Heathfield.
The time in the chapel may include music, readings, prayers, memories or simply quiet reflection. It does not need to follow a formal order of service, and there is no requirement to appoint a minister or celebrant unless you would like one.
After the farewell, the person remains in our care and is later taken for an unattended cremation. The ashes are returned afterwards in accordance with the arrangements agreed with the family.
This makes the service particularly suitable for families who want something more personal than an unattended cremation but do not need the scale, procession or formality of a conventional funeral.
The funeral journey
How an attended direct cremation works
We guide the family through each stage and remain responsible for the arrangements throughout.
Preparing the chapel
We prepare our private chapel and can arrange music, flowers, photographs or other simple personal details.
Your private farewell
Up to 15 people gather privately. The time may be structured or informal, depending on what feels right.
Unattended cremation
The person is taken for cremation without mourners attending the crematorium.
Return of the ashes
We contact the family when the ashes are ready and explain the available collection or onward arrangements.
A farewell shaped around your family
Use authentic chapel details without identifiable personal information.
Your time in the chapel
Simple does not have to mean impersonal
The farewell can be as quiet or as structured as your family prefers. Some families choose a few pieces of music and time for reflection. Others include a reading, prayer, tribute or shared memories.
You may wish to include:
- Favourite music or hymns
- A family reading, poem or prayer
- A short tribute or shared memories
- Flowers or a photograph
- A minister or celebrant, if required
- Private time in silence
There is no expectation that the family should organise a formal ceremony. We will help you create only what feels useful and meaningful.
Understanding the difference
Not the same as a funeral service at a crematorium
With a conventional cremation funeral, mourners attend a booked service at the crematorium and the cremation follows directly afterwards.
With attended direct cremation, the family farewell takes place privately in our chapel. The cremation itself is unattended and happens separately.
This separation gives families a quieter setting, more privacy and a simpler arrangement while still providing the opportunity to see the coffin and gather together.
Attended direct cremation
Private chapel farewell followed by an unattended cremation.
Crematorium funeral
Attended ceremony at the crematorium immediately before cremation.
Unattended direct cremation
No family ceremony or mourners present before cremation.
Who may choose this service?
A helpful middle ground for many families
Attended direct cremation may be suitable when a family wants to gather and say goodbye but does not want a full funeral procession or formal crematorium ceremony.
A small family group
The chapel is intended for an intimate gathering of up to 15 people.
A quieter setting
Some families feel more comfortable in a private room than in a larger crematorium chapel.
A simpler arrangement
The service removes many of the elements associated with a conventional funeral while retaining a farewell.
A memorial later
A larger celebration of life or memorial gathering can be held separately at another time.
Clear funeral costs
A simpler service with clearly explained inclusions
We provide a written estimate showing what is included in the attended direct cremation and identifying any optional additions or third-party charges.
The precise price displayed on the website should come from the central pricing configuration so that it remains consistent across every page.
Current service price
from £1,995
View funeral cost guidance
Personally arranged by our family team
Replace with an authentic photograph taken at the Heathfield premises.
Why choose Wealden?
A distinctive local service, arranged by people you can speak to directly
Our attended direct cremation is provided from our own Heathfield premises and is personally managed by the Wealden Funeral Services family team.
Our private chapel
Your farewell takes place in a quiet local setting rather than a busy crematorium timetable.
Continuity of care
The same local team remains involved from the first call through to the return of the ashes.
No call centre
You speak directly with people who understand the arrangements and can answer practical questions.
Honest comparison
We explain when this service is suitable and when another funeral option may serve the family better.
You are welcome to speak with us before making any decision. We can compare this service with a traditional funeral, crematorium funeral or unattended direct cremation.
Common questions
Questions about attended direct cremation
The private chapel farewell is designed for up to 15 people. A traditional or simple funeral may be more appropriate when a larger group needs to attend.
Yes. The farewell may include music, readings, prayers, a tribute or quiet reflection. We will help you plan a simple structure when useful.
Yes, subject to availability and the agreed timing. A family member may also lead the farewell, or the time can remain informal without an officiant.
No. The family attends the private chapel farewell at our premises. The cremation itself takes place separately without mourners.
Please discuss this with us when making the arrangements. We will explain what is possible and any preparation or timing considerations that may apply.
The timing depends on the crematorium and the arrangements selected. We will contact you when the ashes are ready and explain the collection or onward options.
Speak with our family team
Find out whether an attended direct cremation is right for your family
We will explain the service, compare the alternatives and answer your questions without pressure or obligation.
Call 01435 868844
Available 24 hours a day