Let’s talk about direct cremations

Whether it’s because of cost or circumstance, a formal ceremony may not be for everyone. There has been a noticeable movement away from the traditional funeral in recent years with many opting for a Direct Cremation. It may be due to the cost-of-living crisis or indeed the aftermath of Covid when people weren’t able to attend a funeral and non-attended committal packages became more widely available.

Direct Cremation explained

A direct cremation funeral service takes place without a ceremony, or any mourners in attendance at the crematorium. There is minimal cost as there is no hearse, bearers or chapel time, and a basic coffin is used.

Put simply, a direct cremation involves no funeral service and no viewing of the deceased prior to cremation. There are no mourners present, and no attendance at the committal either. The cremation itself will take place at a crematorium which is convenient to the funeral provider, which may not end up being local to the family of the deceased. While you won’t be able to choose the time, location or date of the cremation, we will always try to avoid any dates like birthdays or anniversaries if we are made aware. The family will be informed of the date of when the cremation take place.

Direct Cremation costs

A direct cremation with Levertons costs £1395 which is our cheapest cremation package available and is therefore a viable option for those with restricted funds. There is still our high level of care and service with a direct cremation but with fewer options.

Why choose Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is a very personal choice as are all types of funerals, and there are lots of different reasons for wanting a direct cremation over a traditional service. Here are some of the most common reasons:

  • Families are able to focus on a separate service at a later date to celebrate the life of the deceased rather than a funeral.
  • It gives families more time to arrange to come together to remember at a later date (particularly if they live in different geographical areas).
  • It is a low-cost alternative when budgets are tight.
  • It allows finances to be allocated to a relative or a good cause instead of the service itself if that is what is preferred.

Simple Cremation

As well as a direct cremation, here at Levertons we also offer a simple cremation for those who want to attend the cremation itself. The main differences for the simple cremation are:

  1. A hearse & bearers convey the coffin to the crematorium chapel
  2. A funeral director attends the committal
  3. Attendance of mourners is allowed at the committal (with music if preferred).
  4. You can also choose the Chapel time (9.00am, 9.30am or 10am), Monday to Friday

Our simple cremation price is £2545.  The provision of someone to lead a short ceremony would be at an additional cost.

Choosing the right cremation service provider

Once you have decided that a direct cremation is the right choice for the deceased, you need to be confident that the cremation will be undertaken in a professional, caring manner. Here at Levertons, we have been an independent, family-run funeral directors since 1789 so you can rest assured your loved one will be treated with utmost respect and dignity, just like a member of our family would be. 

A growing number of companies are offering direct cremation as a service, but it is worth researching exactly what this entails. Some perform all aspects of care themselves, while others outsource the transport and care for the deceased. Some providers are national rather than local companies and the deceased may be transported further away. Whilst costs are a priority, it is important that your loved one is in the right hands so check the company’s credentials and reviews from other people too.

How to arrange a Direct or Simple Cremation

Arranging a direct or simple cremation is a fairly straightforward process, you simply need to get in touch with your chosen funeral director as soon as someone dies. All of the arrangements can be made over the phone, and here at Levertons, we will be there to guide you through every step during this difficult time. 

A direct cremation with Levertons includes the following:

  • In office hours removal of deceased from any place of death within the M25
  • Care of the body prior to the funeral
  • A simple coffin (Brook)
  • Transportation of the coffin to the crematorium
  • Assistance in completing all the necessary paperwork
  • No attendance at the committal
  • The crematorium fee

You will still need to register the death via the Registrar located in the area where the death occurred.

If you would like help with the funeral arrangements of a loved one, do not hesitate to get in touch with the team at Levertons. We believe that everyone is entitled to dignity in life and in death, and take care of the deceased with the utmost respect.

Hannah Leverton

Contact Hannah

For any Media & Press enquiries please get in touch with me.

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Very good service. Respectful, attentive and responsive, the team at Levertons helped make sure Mum's send off was everything she would have wanted

Review by Jon M left on 06 Oct 2025

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Deborah was unstintingly thoughtful and compassionate throughout what was a very difficult time, taking care to explain everything clearly and sensitively, and all the other members of her team I spoke to were just as considerate. I really, really cannot recommend Leverton and Sons highly enough.

Review by Richard H left on 06 Oct 2025

Google

I genuinely can't put into words how amazing Lorna and the rest of the team have been in my recent experience of arranging my father's funeral. It's the first time in my life that I've really had to engage and deal with death, let alone having to arrange a funeral after the death of a parent. Needless to say, it's been a difficult time. Lorna at the Kentish Town branch has been supportive, compassionate, sensitive, endlessly knowledgeable and, above all, patient with me during this entire time. The result has been an amazing send off for my father - one that he deserved. Funeral directors are one of those services that we hope we won't have to use again, but if the time comes, I won't hesitate to return back to Levertons. Thank you all so much.

Review by Ellis C left on 05 Oct 2025

Google

Dear lorna, as a family we have been using Levertons for around 30 years. as a family we could not have asked for a better service from you. Politeness, explaining step by step what will happen. Answering all your questions, emails and genuinely always willing to help. I personally wouldn't want to use any other funeral director... Levertons give you everything you need. Thank you Levertons

Review by T Elliott left on 03 Oct 2025

TRUSTist

This is the second time we have entrusted Leverton & Sons service, and we are so grateful for their professionalism, guidance, and kindness throughout the process. They made a very difficult time much easier for us.”

Review by Antonia D left on 03 Oct 2025

TRUSTist

This was the first time I have had to arrange a funeral for an immediate family member and I found Lorna from the Kentish Town branch both incredibly compassionate and extremely helpful in the circumstances. Lorna and Libby’s (our celebrant) guidance helped us pull together a well-received service for my late Dad. Would not hesitate to recommend or use again.

Review by Justin H left on 20 Sep 2025

Google

When my mother sadly passed away last month there was only one company that we would trust with her funeral arrangements and that was Leverton &sons. We left everything to them and they did not disappoint. A friendly, approachable and professional service from start to finish, thank you for making a sad time that bit easier.

Review by Keith O left on 18 Sep 2025

Google

We recently had a funeral with Levertons and as a family we were astonished by the impeccable service they provided. Their professionalism, support, dignity and overall knowledge was fantastic. Our family member Janet had pre paid her own funeral and this was a seamless service with no hidden fees. Deborah was so professional and polite and approachable that it made their service Ben better. Deborah's knowledge was second to none and made the whole process easier. Out family have been using Levertons for many years - over 25 years and this is why our family continues to to use their service..

Review by Siobhan C left on 03 Sep 2025

TRUSTist

I went with Leverton as I really had no idea where to start with planning a funeral, and a family member had used their services previously. Michael was enormously helpful at a very stressful time, making everything super easy for me when I had no idea how things worked. He was always at the end of an email with a quick reply whatever the question or request. On the day, the funeral service was really lovely and well run. All their arrangements went super smoothly and they accommodated whatever request we had. If you’re anything like I was (doing this for the first time, at a bit of a loss, and just wanting some kind help planning a good funeral) I highly highly recommend Leverton.

Review by Phoebe R left on 03 Sep 2025

Google

I cannot praise Leverton and Sons highly enough. The professionalism, organisation and empathy they showed in organising my mother's funeral was of the highest standard. There was incredible attention to detail and the service was flawless. A huge thank you to all involved.

Review by Christian A left on 02 Sep 2025

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