An unattended cremation is sometimes referred to as a direct cremation.
Unattended Cremation
An unattended cremation is the term used in the funeral industry for the simplest cremation available. It is sometimes referred to as a basic cremation, simple cremation or direct cremation.
It is a cremation with no funeral service or ceremony beforehand. After death, the deceased is conveyed to the crematorium for cremation with the cremated remains returned to the family to be kept or scattered according to instruction.
Arranging an unattended cremation
If you wish to have an unattended cremation for your loved one, please appoint a funeral director to make this arrangement.
No mourners in attendance
The presence of a celebrant or mourners is strictly not allowed into a booked unattended cremation.
What happens at an unattended cremation
The 'service' takes no longer than 15 minutes. The coffin is carried into the Chapel, placed on the catafalque, and lowered, to be received by the crematory team for cremation.
Soft music is played for the committal of the deceased at the discretion of the crematorium.
Take a look at our fees and prices to compare the costs.
A celebration of life or wake
If your loved one has chosen an unattended cremation, but you personally wanted them to have a funeral service to be able to say your own final goodbye, you may wish to consider holding a celebration of life event (a wake) at a local venue.