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 £2445.  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.

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Hannah Leverton

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Immediate Assistance

In the case of someone dying at home, or if you need to contact us for immediate assistance out of our office hours, please do call us. We can arrange collection at any time of day or night:

I found them very helpful very understanding they made a very difficult time easier by understanding our needs they was very respectful from start to finah thank you so much would highly recommend them to deal with your love ones

Review by Lowe left on 04 Feb 2025

Google

Could not recommend enough very professional and friendly.

Review by N doyle left on 23 Jan 2025

TRUSTist

The funeral, including the arrangements, were conducted in the most professional and efficient manner. The staff were most helpful in addressing my questions and queries which ensured that the day of the funeral went as smoothly as possible. An excellent service was provided by Leverton & Sons Ltd.

Review by Jack R left on 22 Jan 2025

TRUSTist

Review by Gary P left on 22 Jan 2025

TRUSTist

From the moment we contacted Leverton & Sons Funeral Directors, we were met with the most professional and compassionate service we could have hoped for. Their care and attention to detail were impeccable from start to finish. The removal of our mum’s body was handled with such kindness and respect, which gave us great comfort during such a difficult time. They guided us every step of the way, offering invaluable advice and assistance with obtaining the death certificate and making all the funeral arrangements. Even when it came to smaller details, like recommending a florist, their support was outstanding. On the day of the funeral, everything went seamlessly, a testament to their professionalism and dedication. The team at Leverton were not just professional but also incredibly caring throughout the process. We cannot fault their service and would highly recommend them to anyone in need of compassionate funeral care.

Review by Jon T left on 22 Jan 2025

Google

Levertons were very good at arranging the funeral of my husband. Kathryn, the funeral director, hand held us through everything that needed to be done in a gentle, warm way and made sure that our wished for a non-religious occasion were respected

Review by Margaret M left on 22 Jan 2025

Google

I wish there was many more stars to give my family and myself can not thank Julie & team enough for everything from start to finish making what was a totally unexpected death that little bit more bare able they all showed such professionalism towards us and the attendee’s, we are sure John (JC) would have been delighted with how his day went. So thank you to each and everyone at levertons especially Julie a truly wonderful lady an absolute asset to the company to be able to be yourself with no hard selling just do you and if she can make it happen she will above and beyond and further if possible. Honestly 5 * is no where near enough we will be forever grateful ❤️

Review by Jo H left on 21 Jan 2025

Google

I cannot thank Levertons enough for planning my mother’s funeral. Every detail was handled with such care and respect and nothing was too much trouble. Deborah went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect allowing us to focus on honouring her memory.

Review by Gina F left on 21 Jan 2025

Google

Excellent service. Respectful & extremely helpful. Recommend

Review by Alan P left on 21 Jan 2025

Google

We booked Levertons for our mum’s funeral and couldn’t have asked for more help to organise everything as we wished. Everything was completed with an empathy and care from the original phone call to the sorting out of the account. I would have no hesitation in recommending Levertons.

Review by Margery W left on 21 Jan 2025

TRUSTist

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