Arranging a Funeral
Funeral types
This section provides information about attended and non-attended funerals, burials and cremations, to allow you to find the right starting point for you and your loved ones.
Most standard UK Funerals are either attended or unattended, and are cremations or burials. The key differences are whether the person is cremated or buried and whether family and friends attend the committal.
There is no single right choice. You may want one service where everyone gathers, a smaller committal, an unattended funeral followed by a separate memorial, or something shaped around particular beliefs and circumstances.
Standard funeral options for adults can be found on this page, however for the death of a child, military funeral, or specialist services such as repatriation, please see our specialist funeral services.
Attended cremation
This is a cremation which includes a ceremony that family and friends can attend. It may take place in the crematorium chapel, or there may be a service at another venue before the committal at the crematorium. The minimum requirements will be:
- A chosen location, date and time for the cremation and committal.
- The opportunity for people to gather, hear music or readings, share memories and say goodbye.
- Choices about the coffin, funeral vehicle, flowers, ceremony leader and printed materials.
- Crematorium, ceremony leader and optional-choice costs shown separately where applicable.
Direct cremation
A direct cremation is unattended. The person is cared for and taken to the crematorium, but family and friends do not attend the cremation and there is no service at the crematorium.
Some families choose direct cremation because they prefer a simpler arrangement or want to hold a memorial, celebration or private gathering separately. If you would like people to attend the crematorium, an attended cremation is the appropriate option.
Attended burial
An attended burial includes a ceremony or gathering followed by the burial in a cemetery, churchyard or burial ground. The service may take place at the graveside or at another venue beforehand.
- The chosen cemetery or burial ground must confirm that a burial can take place there.
- The grave, interment and any exclusive right of burial may be charged separately by the burial authority.
- Rules about coffins, grave markers, memorials and service times vary by location.
- We will explain the local requirements and include known third-party fees in the estimate.
Direct burial
A direct burial is unattended. Family and friends do not attend the burial and there is no funeral service at the graveside. The person who has died is cared for and taken directly to the agreed cemetery or burial ground for burial
Cemetery, burial-ground, grave and interment fees are normally separate from the funeral director’s fee and can vary significantly. A direct burial can also be followed by a memorial or gathering at another time.
How to choose
It may help to consider:
- whether the person expressed a preference for burial or cremation
- whether people want to attend the committal itself
- the role of faith, culture or family tradition
- where the funeral or later remembrance should take place
- what is available locally and within the timescale
- the total budget, including third-party fees and personal choices.
We can provide an itemised estimate for the option you are considering and explain where the cost could change.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. An unattended cremation or burial can be followed by a memorial, celebration of life or private gathering at a time and place chosen by the family.
No. Direct cremation is an unattended option. If you want family or friends to be present at the crematorium, ask us about an attended cremation.
The person is cremated in the coffin. The coffin is not removed for reuse. The crematorium must accept the coffin as suitable for cremation, and we will explain the choices available.
The crematorium’s process and the arrangements selected affect when and how ashes can be collected or returned. We will confirm the expected timing and any local arrangements as part of the funeral plan.
Not necessarily, but burial commonly involves separate charges for the grave, interment and burial authority. The total depends on the location, funeral type and choices made, so the clearest comparison is an itemised estimate.
Talk to someone who can help
If someone has died or you need immediate guidance, call either of our branch numbers for 24-hour assistance.
You do not need to know what to ask. We will take you through the next steps.
For non-urgent enquiries, you can request an estimate or contact us online. We will respond during office hours 09:00-16:00.