Questions about direct cremation
Here are straightforward answers to the questions families most often ask us about direct cremation, costs, local care, paperwork, the optional chapel choices and what happens to the ashes.
1. What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is an unattended cremation, with no mourners or ceremony at the crematorium. Your loved one is brought into our care, the cremation is arranged and the ashes are returned in a suitable container. You can hold a separate remembrance in your own way.
2. How is direct cremation different from a traditional funeral?
A direct cremation has no ceremony or mourners at the crematorium. You can hold a separate remembrance later, at a time and place that suits your family.
3. Why should I choose direct cremation?
People may choose direct cremation for simpler arrangements, a lower cost than many attended funerals, no crematorium ceremony and the freedom to remember someone separately.
4. What is included in the direct cremation service?
Our £1,645 direct cremation includes:
- Collection within 20 miles of our Heathfield office, at any time of day or night
- A simple coffin suitable for cremation
- Transport in a traditional hearse and a recording of the hearse arriving at the crematorium
- An unattended cremation at a local crematorium, including the cremation fee
- Help with the necessary legal paperwork and cremation documentation
- Return of ashes in a suitable container; we aim to return them within 5 working days after cremation
For collection beyond 20 miles, we will explain and agree any additional charge before proceeding. A private chapel visit is optional at £100. See the full inclusions and exclusions.
5. How much does direct cremation cost?
The total cost of a direct cremation with Sussex Direct Cremation is £1,645. This price covers the collection, cremation, return of the ashes, and all necessary paperwork. For collection beyond 20 miles, please contact us. We will explain and agree any additional charge before proceeding.
6. Do I need to register the death before arranging a direct cremation?
You can contact us before the death is registered. We will explain the paperwork needed before the cremation can take place. Our guide to what to do when someone dies explains the practical next steps.
7. How long does the direct cremation process take?
Timescales vary depending on the paperwork, availability and circumstances. We will explain the likely timing once we know the details and keep you informed. We aim to return the ashes within 5 working days after the cremation.
8. Can I arrange a memorial service later?
Yes, many families choose to hold a memorial or celebration of life at a later date. This allows you time to plan a personal and meaningful tribute. The memorial service can be held at any location, such as a community hall, church, or even at home.
9. Can I see my loved one before a direct cremation?
A private chapel visit is available for an additional £100. A short private visit for immediate next of kin to see the person who has died and say goodbye, with your loved one dressed in their own clothes. It is not a formal funeral service, and the cremation remains unattended.
Visits are during office opening hours, with other times by appointment. This is an alternative to the £395 Attended Direct Cremation chapel ceremony.
10. Do you handle all the necessary paperwork?
We help with the necessary paperwork and cremation documentation. Our team will explain anything that needs to be completed by you or the registrar, and guide you through the arrangements.
11. What happens to the ashes after the cremation?
Once the cremation is complete, we will return the ashes to you in a simple, dignified container. If you would like a more personal urn, we can help you select one that fits your needs.
12. Can I arrange a direct cremation for someone with special wishes (e.g., military service)?
Please tell us about any personal, cultural, religious or service-related wishes. We will explain what can be accommodated within an unattended direct cremation and discuss other options where necessary.
13. How soon can I arrange a direct cremation after someone passes?
You can call our team as soon as you need help. We will explain what needs to happen next and guide you through the collection and cremation arrangements. Urgent telephone advice is available 24 hours a day.
14. Do you only serve the Sussex area?
We support families across East Sussex and West Kent. Collection is included within 20 miles of our Heathfield office, day or night. For collection beyond 20 miles, please contact us. We will explain and agree any additional charge before proceeding.
15. How do I get in touch with Sussex Direct Cremation?
To arrange a direct cremation, get in contact, or ask any questions, please contact us:
Phone: 01435 868844
Email: info@sussexdirectcremation.co.uk
Website: sussexdirectcremation.co.uk
16. Can family attend the direct cremation?
The £1,645 service is unattended at the crematorium. If you would like to gather beforehand, you can choose Attended Direct Cremation for an additional £395, with a ceremony in our private Heathfield chapel for up to 20 people. Family and friends do not attend the crematorium.
17. What is an Attended Direct Cremation?
For an additional £395, up to 20 people can gather for a ceremony in our private Heathfield chapel before the unattended cremation. If wanted, a celebrant can conduct this chapel ceremony for a further £250. This is an alternative to the £100 private chapel visit. See the chapel choices.
18. Can we have a celebrant?
Yes. A celebrant for the chapel ceremony costs an additional £250 and is available only with the £395 Attended Direct Cremation option. It is not a standalone addition to the base service or the private chapel visit.
19. What if we decide we want a traditional funeral?
The same family team can arrange conventional attended cremation and burial funerals through Wealden Funeral Services. View full funeral services on the Wealden Funeral Services website.