Direct Cremation

Understanding Direct Cremation & Unattended Funerals

We strongly believe… As your local family funeral directors, we have a responsibility to stand up and provide a better understanding of the concept of direct cremation and unattended funerals, to make clear the facts and dispel the myths.

Our role as a Funeral Director

We are here to care for and support families at every step, providing both practical assistance and compassionate guidance during difficult times. Our service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is delivered in accordance with the professional code of practice set by SAIF. We offer expert advice and help families plan a funeral that reflects their wishes, values, and beliefs, with options to suit all religions, preferences, and budgets. Throughout the process, we ensure your loved one remains in trusted local care, giving families reassurance and peace of mind.

Change is Ever Present BUT Values Should Remain

Change is a natural part of life and society. However, when it comes to funeral care, high standards, respect, and personal choice should always prevail. Families deserve transparency, local care, and clear, honest information — especially at a time of loss. Concerns around the minimalisation of death and the unknown emotional impact of simplified funeral options make it more important than ever to understand what is truly being offered.

The Importance of a Funeral Ceremony

The funeral ceremony plays a vital role in the grieving process. It provides an opportunity for family, friends, and the wider community to come together, share memories, and support one another. This collective acknowledgement of loss helps individuals process grief in a healthy and meaningful way.


We are not opposed to direct cremation. If a family chooses this option, it does not affect the care, dignity, or respect they receive from us. Every family is treated with the same compassion and professionalism, regardless of the service selected.

No Hidden Extras

We provide comprehensive information about all aspects of our funeral services, including funeral arrangements, so there are no hidden surprises.


NAFD and SAIF Certified,

 A Guarantee of Quality

As members of the NAFD - The National Association of Funeral Directors - and SAIF - The National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors  we adhere to the very highest standards of professionalism in our industry. If a Funeral Director is NAFD certified, and SAIF you are guaranteed these exceptional standards of service.

CMA Order

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) intervened in the UK funeral market sector following a two and a half year investigation. From 16 June 2021, the CMA published a set of requirements, in the form of a legally binding Order under the Enterprise Act 2002, that ALL UK funeral businesses must abide by. 

What is a direct unattended cremation from Barthram Funeral Services?

  • No funeral service or ceremony


  • Unable to attend the crematorium


  • We will tell you the date or time


  • You will have the option to view your loved one


  • The deceased will be transported in one of our hearses


  • Ashes will be returned to you as soon as is possible


  • You can visit us any time of day.


  • Arrangements are offered in person, over the phone or via email


  • Your loved one will be looked after and cared for locally.


  • The cremation will take place locally.

How do Internet Companies conduct their Direct Cremation practices? 

What service you will receive in relation to the cost, take Pure Cremations for example;


£1,495 

  • Online form & payment
  • Kept in hospital for an average of 16 working days
  • No advertised date of cremation
  • Impersonal  

Additional costs

  • Speedy removal 
  • Another crematorium 
  • To be able to witness 

Cost of a Pure Pre Payment Direct Cremation plan:

  • Cost £1,995 
  • After 28 days there is a cancellation fee of £350 
  • Which is almost 20% of total cost


After 30 days there is no change permitted to the plan. 

Cremation with a local trusted Funeral Director costs on average £*****

Services Your Local Funeral Company / your company Online Providers
Will the cremation take place locally? YES NO
Will you be able to upgrade to a funeral if a funeral plan is in place? YES NO
Will the deceased be cared for at a local funeral home or mortuary?
Will the ashes be available for you soon after the cremation, and urn options available? YES NO
Will you know the date and time of the cremation? YES NO
Will you have local personal contact with the company looking after your loved one? YES NO
Will you be able to place items in the coffin? YES NO
Will the cremation take place in a timely fashion? YES CAN NOT TELL YOU
Will you be able to attend the crematorium to see the coffin taken into the chapel? YES NO
If you pre pay your funeral plan, can you easily make changes to it when the time comes, without cancelling? YES NO

STANDARDISED PRICE LIST

COMING SOON