But what is an unattended cremation, and why are the numbers increasing so rapidly?

An unattended cremation – also known as a direct cremation – is the cremation of a body without an accompanying funeral service. Or, put another way, a straightforward cremation of a body with no frills attached. So there are no mourners, no words, and no rituals involved. After the cremation the ashes will be returned to the family if desired. There can then be a separate celebration of life event and/or scattering of ashes at a later stage if this is what the family wants to do. 

But why are unattended cremations becoming more popular in the UK? And are there any potential difficulties or constraints if you want to choose an unattended cremation for your loved one?

Why are unattended cremations becoming more popular in the UK?

There are a number of possible reasons why unattended cremations are becoming more popular in the UK, and particularly in the last five years. Let’s take a look at a few of these:

• The Bowie effect

When pop icon David Bowie died from liver cancer in January 2016, he opted for an unattended funeral. He was secretly cremated with no family or friends present, and his ashes later scattered in Bali. These arrangements were one of the many aspects of his death that hit the headlines. 

For many people, this was their first introduction to the concept of an unattended funeral. The impact of such a renowned figure opting for what was then an unconventional funeral cannot be underestimated.

• The Covid-19 pandemic

By 2020, the concept of an unattended cremation was already in the public consciousness, but it became a necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic. During the initial lockdown in March 2020, Public Health England advised funeral directors and faith leaders to limit the number of mourners allowed at funerals. Despite government guidelines permitting close family members to attend funerals whilst observing social distancing, funeral services were banned in many churches and crematoriums. In many cases, only direct cremations or graveside burials were offered. 

Whilst many people did not make an active choice to use unattended cremation, a side effect of the circumstances was that unattended cremation was from that point firmly on the list of viable funeral options.

• The shift in emphasis to celebrating life

In recent years there has also been a gradual shift in emphasis from burying the dead to celebrating life. An unattended cremation is completely independent of any other kind of event that is being held to remember the deceased. Indeed, some people feel uncomfortable about the concept of celebrating someone’s life at the same time as the grief and mourning involved in witnessing the disposal of their flesh. 

An unattended cremation separates these two elements of someone’s passing, and also gives family and friends the time and emotional distance to arrange a fitting memorial option to celebrate their loved one’s life at a later date. 

• The rising cost of living

Not only does the cost of living continue to rise but, sadly, so does the cost of dying. An average attended funeral in the UK now costs over £4,000, whereas an unattended cremation can cost under £1500.

So, on purely economic grounds alone, an unattended cremation can be an affordable funeral option well worth considering.

How easy is it to arrange an unattended cremation?

An unattended cremation is now a familiar option with all funeral planners, so is just as straightforward to arrange as any other type of funeral. There is nothing different that you need to do, nor any kind of special permission needed.

 In fact, an unattended cremation can make everything a lot easier, as you don’t need to think about all the extra costs that come with a traditional funeral, such as eulogies, cars, flowers, catering arrangements or accommodation for visiting family and friends. In that respect an unattended cremation can come as something of a relief, and give everyone a bit of breathing space to cope with the aftermath of death without having to hastily plan a fitting celebration of life.

To arrange an unattended cremation, look for a funeral planner with a good reputation and they will be able to organise everything for you. For example, if you were to use Funerals with Grace, one of our friendly and caring team will talk you through everything that will happen and ensure that you are happy with how things will be done. We will then bring your loved one into our care and arrange the unattended cremation. After it has taken place we will either return the ashes to you or arrange for them to be scattered in the crematorium’s Gardens of Remembrance on your behalf.

So if you are sadly in the position where you need to arrange a cremation for your loved one, remember that Funerals with Grace are here to help.