Direct Cremations have risen in popularity since 2018. They now account for 18% of funerals as Brits try to avoid funeral poverty. Yes, they cost less, but do people really know what direct cremation entails?
A new funeral arranging platform, Legacy of Lives, believes there is some confusion. There are more ways to save without sacrificing on the ceremony or the ritual.
Legacy of Lives, is a free online service dedicated to making funeral arranging simpler, transparent, affordable and highly personal. It is urging Brits arranging a funeral, to consider all options for saving money. It’s not about just choosing a direct cremation. Despite a dramatic surge in popularity in the past few years, it is often not fully understood.
Big Savings
The average cost of a direct cremation is just £1,500, compared to nearly £4,000 for other types of funerals, leaving many opting for this as a way to save money, but some people arranging their funeral are still unsure as to what a direct cremation actually entails.
So, what are direct cremations ? This means your loved one’s body goes directly from home, the hospital, or care home to a crematorium. For those who do not want a fuss or want to celebrate or mourn their loved one in their own way, without a traditional ceremony, this can be the way to go, but that is not true of everyone.
For the majority of individuals and families, direct cremations may not always be the right option, so it is important that loved ones and families understand exactly what it entails.
The key elements of direct cremation to be aware of are:
- You do not have the support of a highly trained funeral director along the way
- You may not be able to view or visit the deceased after the passing
- The traditional ceremony pre cremation with your loved one is not an option, nor included
- No choice of crematorium – this is decided by the provider
- Ashes are delivered directly to your home
- The cost of a direct cremation is far cheaper than the traditional methods
There are, however, multiple ways for families to save money on a funeral without sacrificing the ceremony and chance to grieve, that many families may desire.
Top Ways To Save, While Keeping The Ceremony
Burial vs Cremation
If you or your loved one had no preference as to whether they want to be buried or cremated after their death, it is worth remembering that there is a considerable difference in price between a burial and a cremation. Burials can be several times more expensive than a cremation. The cost can also be reduced by holding the funeral on a weekday rather than a weekend.
Shop around
The most important thing you can do when planning a funeral is to shop around. 82% of people get only one quote for the funeral they are planning, which can massively increase the costs. Legacy of Lives allows you to compare multiple quotes for free, unlocking significant savings. Our research shows that there can be a 250% increase in price for the same funeral across two different providers.
Oak or Cardboard?
If you have opted for a cremation, consider a cardboard or veneered coffin rather than solid wood, they will be significantly cheaper and can be just as good in this situation. Veneered coffins have the appearance of solid wood but at a lower cost.
Keep it Simple
If you aren’t one for fancy floral arrangement you can keep floral tribute costs down by asking friends and family to come with one bloom to place upon the coffin. This also allows friends and family members to offer their own tribute and feel a part of the ceremony.
We also suggest donating to a local charity to leave a lasting legacy. For every funeral booked via Legacy of Lives, we donate £30 to either Marie Curie or Hospice UK.
Rebecca Peach, CEO of Legacy of Lives, comments:
“While for some, direct cremations may be the right choice, it’s always good to understand all the options and price to ensure it’s right for you and your loved ones. Direct cremation is not the only way to make financially efficient choices when arranging a funeral. It does lack many aspects of what we imagine a traditional funeral to be, and while funerals are no one’s favourite event, they are important in providing closure and a proper place to mourn and grieve for families and friends. That is why over 80% of funerals are still attended.
Direct cremation can be a cost-effective way to plan a funeral, but it is important that consumers know exactly what this entails, no ceremony, no frills and potentially a lack of time to mourn with loved ones. This is why it is so important to discuss your preferences with family before they are needed. It is also one of the reasons I set up Legacy of Lives, to help people arrange funerals in difficult times, ensuring they have the send-off they deserve.”
