There are three main choices for a funeral in the UK. A cremation with a service is the most common. A burial costs more, mainly because of the grave, and gives a permanent place to visit. A direct cremation has no service or mourners and is the cheapest option. Families who choose it often hold their own memorial afterwards. The right choice depends on the person’s wishes, your family’s faith and traditions, and what you can afford.
What are the main differences?
| Attended cremation | Burial | Direct cremation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service | Yes, at the crematorium or another venue first | Yes, at a place of worship or chapel, and at the graveside | No service and no mourners at the cremation |
| Afterwards | Ashes returned to the family or placed in a garden of remembrance | A grave to visit and, later, a headstone | Ashes returned to the family, often for a memorial later |
| Relative cost | Middle | Highest | Lowest |
| Timing | Depends on crematorium bookings | Depends on cemetery or church | Set by the provider, often within a few weeks |
SunLife’s 2026 Cost of Dying report put the average direct cremation at £1,628 and a simple attended funeral at £3,828. The guide to funeral costs has more detail.
What happens at a cremation funeral?
The service is usually held in the crematorium chapel, which is booked for a set time slot, often 30 to 60 minutes. Some families hold a longer service at a church or other venue first and then go to the crematorium for a short committal, or have only close family at the crematorium. At the end of the service, curtains may close around the coffin, or the coffin may stay in place while mourners leave.
The cremation itself takes place afterwards. The ashes are usually ready within a few days to a couple of weeks, and the funeral director can collect them for you.
What is direct cremation?
A direct cremation is a cremation without a funeral service. The provider collects the person, cares for them and carries out the cremation at a time the crematorium chooses, without mourners present. The ashes are then returned to the family, or scattered by the crematorium if you prefer.
Some people choose it because it is the cheapest option. Others choose it because they want something different from a traditional funeral. Many families then hold a memorial, celebration of life or scattering of ashes at a time and place that suits them, which can be more personal and less rushed. Direct cremation is now offered by most funeral directors as well as national specialist providers, and it is shown separately on every funeral director’s standardised price list. You can find direct cremation providers near you.
If the person had a funeral plan, check whether it is a direct cremation plan or a full funeral plan.
What are the options for burial?
- Churchyards. A parish churchyard may have space for people who lived in the parish or have a family connection. Many are now full. The vicar or parish office can tell you.
- Council cemeteries. Most burials take place in council cemeteries. Councils charge for the grave and the burial, and fees are usually higher for people who lived outside the area.
- Natural or woodland burial grounds. These are run by councils, charities or private owners. Graves are usually marked with a tree or wildflowers rather than a headstone, and coffins must be biodegradable. You can find funeral directors offering green and woodland burial.
- Private land. Burial on private land, such as a garden, is possible in some cases but has legal and practical conditions. Speak to the council and get advice first.
When you buy a new grave, you usually buy the exclusive right of burial for a fixed number of years. This gives the holder the right to decide who else is buried in the grave and to put up a headstone. Keep the paperwork safe. It is needed for any later burial or memorial. The guide to choosing a headstone explains what happens next.
What can you do with ashes?
There is no time limit. Many families keep the ashes for a while before deciding. Common choices are:
- scattering them in the crematorium’s garden of remembrance, often on a day you can attend
- burying them in a family grave, a churchyard or a cemetery plot for ashes
- scattering them in a place that meant something to the person
- keeping them at home, or dividing them between family members
To scatter ashes on private land you need the landowner’s permission. Some public places, such as National Trust land or sports grounds, have their own rules, so ask first. You do not need permission to scatter ashes in a river or the sea. The Environment Agency asks people to do it close to the surface, away from buildings, people and anywhere water is taken for drinking, and not to leave wreaths or other items that will not break down.
What about faith and cultural requirements?
Many faiths have their own customs. Islam and Judaism traditionally require burial, ideally very soon after death. Hindus and Sikhs traditionally choose cremation, and families may wish to witness it or scatter the ashes in flowing water. Many Christians choose either, although some traditions prefer burial. Funeral directors who regularly serve your community will know what is needed and how to arrange it quickly. You can search for funeral directors offering religious and faith funerals in your area.
How do you decide?
Start with what the person wanted, if you know. Then think about what will help the people left behind: whether they will want a grave to visit, how many people will want to attend, and what the estate can afford. There is no wrong answer. For help with the rest of the arrangements, read the guide on how to arrange a funeral.
Frequently asked questions
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is a cremation without a funeral service or mourners. The provider collects the person, cares for them and carries out the cremation, then returns the ashes to the family. It is the lowest-cost option, and many families hold their own memorial or celebration of life later at a time and place that suits them.
Is burial more expensive than cremation?
Usually, yes. A burial includes the cost of buying the grave, or the exclusive right of burial, and the cost of digging it, which are normally higher than crematorium fees. A headstone later adds to the total. Prices vary widely between councils and churchyards, so ask for the fees before you decide.
Do I need permission to scatter ashes?
You need the landowner's permission to scatter ashes on private land, and some public places have their own rules. You do not need permission to scatter ashes in a river or the sea, but the Environment Agency asks people to keep away from buildings, people and places where drinking water is taken.
How long does it take to get ashes back after a cremation?
Ashes are usually ready within a few days to a couple of weeks after the cremation. Your funeral director can collect them for you, or you may be able to collect them from the crematorium. There is no time limit for deciding what to do with them.