Bringing the person into our care
Collection within the area and circumstances covered by the quoted service.
Direct cremation
A simple unattended cremation, arranged with dignity and care
Direct cremation is a straightforward option without a funeral ceremony at the crematorium. It allows families to hold a memorial, celebration of life or private gathering separately, at a time and place that feels right.
- Unattended cremation
- Simple, dignified arrangements
- Clear costs with no unnecessary extras
Simple arrangements, personal support
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Independent care
Arranged by our local family team
Unattended service
No mourners present at the crematorium
Clear price
Essential arrangements explained in advance
Flexible remembrance
Hold a memorial separately if you wish
Understanding the service
What is direct cremation?
Direct cremation is an unattended cremation without a ceremony at the crematorium. The person is brought into our care, the required paperwork is completed and the cremation takes place at a date and time chosen by the crematorium.
There is no procession of mourners, no chapel service and usually no choice of cremation time. This helps keep the arrangements simple and the cost lower than an attended funeral.
The absence of a ceremony at the crematorium does not mean the farewell has to be impersonal. Many families choose to hold a memorial service, celebration of life, church service or private gathering separately.
We remain available to explain every step, coordinate the statutory requirements and return the ashes in accordance with your instructions.
What is included
The essential arrangements handled for you
We explain exactly what is included and identify any circumstances that may create an additional charge.
Professional arrangements
Guidance, administration, liaison and completion of the funeral director's requirements.
A simple coffin
A suitable coffin for the cremation is included within the direct cremation service.
Crematorium arrangements
Booking and coordination of the unattended cremation at the selected crematorium.
Transport to the crematorium
Respectful transport in a suitable funeral vehicle rather than a formal procession.
Care of the ashes
Collection or return of the ashes according to the arrangements agreed with the family.
Quietly handled with dignity
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How it works
The direct cremation process
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01
Contact our family team
We explain whether direct cremation is suitable and answer your immediate questions.
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02
We bring the person into our care
We arrange collection and provide respectful care until the cremation takes place.
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03
The paperwork is completed
We guide you through the required forms and coordinate the necessary documentation.
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04
The cremation takes place
The unattended cremation is carried out at the time allocated by the crematorium.
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05
The ashes are returned
We contact you when the ashes are available and follow the arrangements agreed.
Choosing carefully
Is direct cremation the right choice?
Direct cremation can suit families who do not want a ceremony at the crematorium, prefer to arrange a separate memorial or need a simpler funeral option.
Before deciding, consider whether your family would value:
- Being present when the coffin arrives at the crematorium
- A formal committal ceremony
- Choosing the date and time of the cremation
- Seeing the coffin before the funeral
- A hearse, procession, bearers or family limousines
- A service led by a minister or celebrant
Where any of these elements are important, an attended cremation funeral or our attended direct cremation service may be more suitable.
Direct cremation is not simply a cheaper traditional funeral
It is a different type of arrangement, without mourners attending the crematorium and without a ceremony there.
We will explain the differences clearly so you can make an informed choice without pressure.
Remembering afterwards
A separate memorial can take place in your own time
Some families find that separating the cremation from the gathering gives them more flexibility. There is no need to arrange everything within the traditional funeral timescale.
A memorial or celebration of life could be held:
- At home or in a family garden
- In a village hall, hotel or community venue
- At a church or place of worship
- At a favourite pub, club or restaurant
- Outdoors at a meaningful location, where permitted
- When distant family members are able to attend
A separate gathering can still include music, readings, photographs, tributes and the scattering or interment of ashes.
Direct cremation cost
A clear price for a defined service
Our direct cremation price covers the standard arrangements described on this page. We will tell you before proceeding if distance, collection circumstances, statutory fees or any requested addition changes the cost.
You will receive written confirmation of the arrangements and the price.
From
fixed £1,645
View funeral cost guidance
A dedicated direct cremation service
You may also wish to visit Sussex Direct Cremation
Wealden Funeral Services provides information and guidance about direct cremation as part of our wider funeral service. Families seeking a dedicated simple-cremation service may prefer to explore Sussex Direct Cremation.
It offers a focused direct cremation service while retaining the reassurance of experienced, independent funeral professionals.
Simple does not mean uncaring
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Why choose Wealden?
Personal guidance from a local independent family
Direct cremation removes many ceremonial elements, but families still deserve clear explanations, respectful care and someone dependable to contact.
Local people
Your arrangements are handled by our family team in Heathfield.
Respectful care
The person is cared for with the same dignity as with any other funeral.
Plain explanations
We explain what is included, what is not included and what alternatives exist.
No pressure
We help you decide whether direct cremation genuinely suits your family.
Wealden Funeral Services is an independent, family-owned funeral director based in Heathfield and accredited by the National Association of Funeral Directors.
Common questions
Questions about direct cremation
No. A direct cremation is unattended, so mourners do not attend the crematorium. Families wanting a private farewell may wish to consider attended direct cremation instead.
Usually not. The crematorium allocates a suitable date and time as part of the simplified service. We let you know when the cremation has taken place or when the ashes become available.
Yes. A simple coffin suitable for the cremation is included in the standard direct cremation arrangements.
Yes. Families can arrange a memorial, celebration of life, church service or informal gathering before or after the cremation.
We contact you when the ashes are available and follow the collection or return arrangements agreed when the funeral was arranged.
Attended direct cremation offers a small private farewell before the cremation. Our service allows up to 15 people to gather in our private chapel, after which the cremation takes place unattended.
Talk through the options
We will help you decide whether direct cremation is right for your family
Call our family team for clear information about the service, the current price and the alternatives available.
Call 01435 868844
Available 24 hours a day