Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (2024)

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Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (2)

There are many people out there who don't want a lot of fuss when they die and don't even want a funeral at all. So that begs the question, by law, in the UK, do you have to have a funeral? We'll explore more in this article.

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (3)

There are many people out there who don't want a lot of fuss when they die and don't even want a funeral at all. So that begs the question, by law, in the UK, do you have to have a funeral? We'll explore more in this article.

By law, do you have to have a funeral in the UK?

The short answer is: no. By law in the UK, there is no legal obligation to have a funeral. However, when somebody dies, the body must be disposed of either by being buried, cremated or donated to medical science.

By definition a funeral is "a ceremony or service held shortly after a person's death, usually including the person's burial or cremation." Therefore this means if you or a loved one don't want to have a funeral, you can have something called a direct cremation instead.

A direct cremation by many is still considered a type of simple funeral, but ultimately it is a cremation without a service. With a direct cremation, the deceased is collected, taken to a crematorium and the ashes are then personally delivered to the family or scattered at the crematorium. Though it's a pared-back service compared to a traditional funeral, the deceased is still treated with the same compassion and care you would expect any funeral provider to supply.

A direct cremation is the cheapest way to be cremated or buried and prices start with Distinct Cremations from just £1,199. A celebration of life or a memorial service can still take place, but this takes place separately away from the cremation at a time and date of the family's choosing.

On this page

    • Legal requirements
    • Reasons why you would have a funeral
    • Alternatives to a traditional funeral
    • Other helpful resources

Legal requirements for when someone dies

When someone dies, there are a number of legal requirements or processes that must be adhered to in the UK, even if you don't want to have a funeral.

Here is a handy checklist which details exactly what you need to do when someone dies.

A checklist for when someone dies

We have created a free checklist for you to download which lets you know exactly what you need to do when someone dies.

Download our checklist below or speak to our expert team on 01543 211997 today

Download free checklist

Reasons why you would have a funeral and reasons why you wouldn't

The decision to have a funeral may depend on a number of factors. This could be a cultural or religious consideration, personal preference, practical reasons or financial reasons.

Here are some reasons why you might have a funeral and reasons why you might choose not to

Reasons for

Common reasons to have a funeral:

  • Cultural and religious traditions: Many cultures and religions have specific rituals and traditions associated with death and funerals. These traditions may require a funeral service to honour the deceased.
  • Closure and processing grief: Funerals can help the grieving process by allowing family and friends to come together to mourn, share memories, and find emotional support from each another.
  • Honouring the deceased: A funeral provides an opportunity to celebrate the life, achievements, and contributions of the person who has passed away. It allows for the sharing of stories and memories that highlight their impact on others.
  • Preservation of family traditions: Funerals can preserve cultural and familial traditions related to death and burial, ensuring that these customs are passed down through generations.

Reasons against

Common reasons not to have a funeral:

  • Personal preference: Some individuals may have expressed a desire for no formal funeral or memorial service in their will or in conversations with loved ones for no reason other than personal preference.
  • Financial considerations: Funerals can be expensive, and some families may not have the financial means to organise a funeral service when there is an alternative to go without.
  • Environmental concerns: Some people opt for a green funeral, a water cremation or a natural burial to minimise their environmental impact. These alternatives may not involve traditional funeral services.
  • Geographic constraints: In cases where the deceased's family and friends are scattered across the globe, it may be challenging to organise a traditional funeral that accommodates everyone's needs and schedules.

Alternative options to a traditional funeral

These days, there are many alternatives to a traditional funeral. This can be something like an unattended, direct cremation which is a cremation without a funeral. A private cremation, which has a small funeral service. Or a natural burial which is an environmentally friendly alternative.

Here are a few alternatives you may like to consider if you or your loved one aren't interested in having a traditional funeral.

Unattended cremation

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (4)

An unattended cremation or direct cremation, now favoured by 20% of the UK population*, has quickly become the most popular alternative. They take place without mourners or a funeral service. After the cremation the family has the option to host a memorial service.

Many like the idea of an unattended cremation because it allows the family to have a memorial service which is separate from the cremation itself.

* SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024,sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs

More about unattended cremation

Attended cremations

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (5)

A small or private attended cremation, sometimes referred to as a family-led funeral, is a funeral with a small attended service designed and guided by the family of the deceased, without a celebrant or religious minister. The choice of how the service looks is entirely with the family.

A small, attended cremation or family-led funeral is an intimate affair usually favoured by those looking to say farewell in a straightforward way. There is no procession and the service can be as traditional or non-traditional as the family want.

More about attended cremations

Natural burial

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (6)

Natural burials are a type of green funeral which are fast becoming a popular choice to an alternative funeral as people become more environmentally aware. A natural burial, occasionally referred to as a woodland burial or green burial, is where the deceased is buried at a green burial site in a natural coffin or shroud.

A green burial site is often in a forest, meadow or wooded area. Currently in the UK, these aren’t especially common, however they are increasing in availability as demand increases.

More about green funerals

How is a funeral with Distinct Cremations different?

Choosing a simple, no fuss funeral instead of a traditional cremation lets you celebrate a loved one’s life however you wish, with less stress and no fuss.

You can see the key differences between a simple, no fuss funeral and a traditional funeral in more detail below.

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (7)

A simple funeral with Distinct Cremations

The contemporary, simple, fuss-free farewell, free of tradition

  • A choice of two options: an unattended cremation with no mourners present or an attended cremation
  • A compassionate, attentive team there 24/7 for your questions and support with paperwork
  • A service free of pomp and ceremony
  • You can organise a separate memorial service that's personal and unique to your loved one
  • On average 71% cheaper** than a traditional funeral, with prices starting from just £1,199


** 71% saving is based on the cost of a basic funeral at £4,141 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024,sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs) vs the cost of a Distinct Cremations direct cremation at £1,199

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (8)

Traditional funeral

A fixed format funeral, with a set service

  • A set format 20-50 minute service held in a traditional setting like a church or chapel with mourners present
  • Traditionally less personal and flexible
  • Option to have a procession with a hearse and limousines
  • Funeral and service coordination from a funeral director
  • Costs on average £4,141# for a basic funeral

    # The average cost of a basic funeral in 2023 (SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2024,sunlife.co.uk/funeral-costs)

Get in touch with us today

Whether you're wanting to arrange a funeral today, interested in funeral plans, or looking for something else, our customer service specialists are here for you 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.

Call on 01543 211997

Other helpful articles

Below are a few more resources that you may be interested in.

Do you have to use a funeral director?

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (9)

It is possible to organise a funeral yourself without a funeral director. If you choose to arrange a funeral without a funeral director, there are a number of key elements that you’ll need to take into consideration.

Do you have to use a funeral director?

Arrange a funeral with Distinct

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (10)

At Distinct Cremations, we provide no fuss funerals which are simple to arrange, affordable and delivered with care, dignity and respect. Prices start from just £1,199 if you need to arrange a funeral today.

Arrange a funeral

We offer the highest level of support, but don't take our word for it

Below are a selection of reviews from those who followed their instinct with Distinct and chose to buy a funeral with us.

5/5

Based on 724 reviews Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (11)

Read all our reviews

Linda 24 Jul 2024

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (13)

Excellent service throughout.

Werner 12 Jul 2024

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (14)

Friendly, pulite and simply SUPER

Nikki 10 Jul 2024

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (15)

There was nothing too difficult or no question too silly. Every care was taken with all the arrangements and I was kept up to date at all times. I sent through items which were quickly handled and was notified of their receipt and the actions made with them.Even changing things was never too much of a problem.

John 27 Jun 2024

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (16)

It was polite, patient and thorough. i was given as much time as I needed to reach a decision.Completely

Anon 27 Jun 2024

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (17)

The service was first class. Signing up was easy to complete and the follow up call to ensure every thing was as we had expected was a nice personal touch.

Anon 30 May 2024

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (18)

first class

Mark 21 May 2024

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (19)

Excellent communication, very helpful and we got just what we wanted in a service.Highly recommended and we will use again.Mark Oliver

Anon 2 May 2024

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (20)

Service very efficient, and comprehensive. Understandably, you "chased me up" when there was a delay in my response to place an order, but this delay was whilst I contacted all those relatives who might have had a view to express.

5/5

Based on 724 reviews

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (21)

Read all our reviews

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The UK's largest direct cremation provider

Westerleigh Group including Distinct Cremations performed over 27,000 direct cremations in 2023.

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Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations (2024)

FAQs

Do You Have to Have a Funeral? | Distinct Cremations? ›

This may make you think a direct cremation is too callous or overly aloof, but that's far from it. You can still have a funeral, memorial service, celebration of life ceremony, or any other event you wish to organize to honor your loved one.

What are the rules for cremation in New Jersey? ›

Cremation can only occur after at least 24 hours have elapsed from the time of death as recorded on the death certificate. The body may or may not be embalmed before cremation. Opting for cremation does not preclude you from participating in a viewing, funeral, gathering or memorial service.

What's the cost of cremation in New Jersey? ›

Although significant costs may be saved on cemetery expenses, a cremation with full service can still work out at several thousand dollars. A full-service cremation in New Jersey is likely to cost between $3,000 – $10,000.

Does the state of New Jersey help with funeral expenses? ›

Public assistance funeral funds are available through the Department of Human Services (DHS) and are administered by the board of social services (county welfare authority) in the county in which the individual lived at the time of their death.

What happens if you don't want to be buried or cremated? ›

Human composting

The body is first covered with natural materials (such as straw and wood chips) and the resulting microbial activity breaks it down into clean, odorless soil that's free of pollutants and toxins.

Who can authorize cremation in NJ? ›

By law, you cannot authorize your own funeral and disposition (burial, cremation, etc.), so what can you do? In New Jersey, you have the right to appoint a funeral agent. Once named, an agent has the absolute right to arrange for a decedent's burial or cremation and make final funeral arrangements.

Where can you legally scatter ashes in NJ? ›

New Jersey laws do not regulate the scattering of ashes in public places, so there should be no issue with a scattering in a park or lake. If you're interested in a scattering at a private location, Find us on the web to discuss possible arrangements.

What is the least expensive way to be cremated? ›

The cheapest cremation is a direct cremation. When you choose direct cremation, your loved ones won't have a funeral, memorial, or viewing beforehand. The crematory will cremate your remains and give them your ashes.

Is cremation cheaper than a funeral? ›

The average cremation cost in California falls anywhere from $1,300 to $2,300 depending on provider and services offered. The cost of arranging a full funeral and burial service in California is often much steeper, with a range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.

Which is more expensive being buried or cremated? ›

The typical costs for cremation compared to burial is statistically less expensive. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a cremation is around $6,900, while the average cost of a traditional funeral with burial is more than $7,800.

How much will social security pay for funeral expenses? ›

Social Security doesn't pay for funeral or cremation costs in full, but the extra assistance can be a big help for direct cremation. Cremation service providers like Cremation Specialists are able to minimize their costs and the savings are passed on to families.

Does Medicare pay for cremation in NJ? ›

Though Medicare does not cover the cost of direct cremation, there are other options available to help you cover these expenses. With some research and planning, it's possible to find financial assistance that will help you honor your loved one with a dignified funeral service.

What happens when someone dies and can't afford a funeral? ›

You don't necessarily need to worry about what happens to your body if you can't afford a funeral. Signing a form at the county coroner can authorize the release of your body to the state or county for burial or cremation. It may be possible to pay a fee to recover your ashes if your family would like them.

Can I go to heaven if I get cremated? ›

No matter what a person's preference is, from the Christian perspective, cremation does not prevent one from going to Heaven. So there's no need to worry, if God can create life from dust, surely he can restore life from ashes.

What's the alternative to cremation? ›

The leading eco-friendly cremation alternative is Terramation (also known as human composting and natural organic reduction). terramation uses plant matter to help natural decomposition turn the body into soil. During the process, heavy metals are removed from the soil.

What is better than cremation? ›

Non-traditional burial alternatives to cremation might include; natural burial which aims to minimize the environmental impact by using biodegradable materials and avoiding embalming, burial at sea which allows for a peaceful and symbolic return to nature, donating the body to science contributes to medical or ...

What can and can't be cremated? ›

Most metals, glass, and rubber cannot be cremated due to safety and health issues. The average temperature for cremation is 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (98.2 degrees Celsius). Cremation can cause materials with batteries to explode. Pacemakers are removed after death to avoid a dangerous explosion or fire.

How to dispose of human ashes in NJ? ›

In New Jersey, there are no state laws controlling where you may keep or scatter ashes. Ashes may be stored in a crypt, niche, grave, or container at home. If you wish to scatter ashes, you have many options. Generally, use common sense and refrain from scattering ashes in places where they would be obvious to others.

What are the rules for cremation clothing? ›

Traditional funeral and cremation attire will consist of items that are dark-colored or black, and here are a few suggestions to follow:
  • Shirts and blouses should come up to the neck.
  • Skirts and dresses should cover the knees.
  • Choose dark-colored clothing.
  • Avoid wearing flip flops.

Can I bury a family member on my property in NJ? ›

The only place that burial can take place in New Jersey is on land that is dedicated for cemetery purposes. For your property to be used for burial, you would have to apply to the New Jersey Cemetery Board for a Certificate of Authority to operate as a "cemetery company."

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