Cost-Saving Direct Cremations & Burials
Cremation, and especially burial costs vary significantly across different areas in the UK. Cremation fees fluctuate from borough to borough, yet direct cremation remains the cheapest cremation option available. Statistics from YouGov indicate that around 58% of people prefer cremation, a figure widely cited as “around 60%” in broader discussions.
The often‑high cost of burial grounds in cemeteries is a key reason cremations continue to rise in popularity. Meanwhile, natural burials, which are increasingly embraced in rural areas, often offer a more affordable eco‑friendly alternative.
- How do regional variations affect cremation and burial costs? – Discover how fees differ by area and why direct cremation stays consistently low.
- Why do most people choose cremation? – Understand public preference (around 60% choose cremation) versus burial and how cost plays a role.
- What are natural burials, and why are they popular? – Learn about woodland and green burial grounds that often cost less and offer environmental benefits.
- How can you compare direct cremation with traditional burials? – See how simple cremation can reduce the burden on families and offer flexibility in memorial planning.
Understanding these options allows you to make cost‑aware choices about end‑of‑life arrangements while balancing emotional and environmental priorities.
Table of contents
Choosing a crematorium
If you are working within a tight budget and your chosen undertaker has listed the cremation fee as a disbursement, you could inquire if a cremation would be less at another nearby crematorium, providing dates were still suitable.
However, if the same undertaker has an all-in cost (a package), you would be limited in choice, as most packages have a set crematorium. Many cremations are cheaper in the morning and on weekdays, afternoons and weekends are normally more expensive. Cremation fees can be quite heavily reduced in the early morning.
Direct cremation
Why choose direct cremation?
It is the cheapest cremation in the UK. Direct cremation does not involve a funeral service beforehand. Instead, this cremation service happens immediately, at the date/time agreed by the crematorium, without mourners. Over more recent years these have become far more popular, one of the reasons is that they are often the cheapest cremation.
After completing this process, the cremated ashes are returned to the family or dispersed at the crematorium garden. Having the ashes delivered to the family often incur extra charges.
Many people choose a simple funeral via a direct cremation funeral plan because they don’t want to have the relatives left with the responsibility of sorting a funeral and reception. For others this cremation option is often for financial, as direct cremations are cheaper and emotional reasons as this type of funeral is far easier to arrange.
Direct cremation is also a more environmentally-friendly option than traditional burials. Burials can have a negative impact on the environment due to the use of embalming chemicals, coffins and the space needed for burial plots and headstones. Cremation, on the other hand, uses far fewer resources and takes up much less space. Additionally, some crematoriums offer eco-friendly options, such as using biodegradable urns or planting trees in memory of the deceased.
As there are no mourners present at a direct cremation there are additionally no:
- Limousines to take family and mourners to the service
- Flowers
- Spokesperson required to read the service
- Order of service sheets for the service
- Organisation or stress to arrange the funeral
- Wake to organise
- Having to wear or hire suitable clothing such as a suit
Many families decide to conduct a celebration of life or memorial service for the beloved one after receiving the ashes. Due to the money saved with a direct cremation more money can often be put aside for a memorial service.
Council vs privately-run crematorium
For a full list of crematoriums visit UK crematoriums
Council-run crematoriums are often significantly less expensive to use than privately-run crematoriums as they are operated on a not-for-profit basis. Additionally, council-run crematoriums may offer lower fees for local residents. I
The main difference between council-run and privately-run crematoriums is the ownership and management of the facility. Council-run crematoriums are owned and operated by local government authorities, whereas privately-run crematoriums are owned and operated by private companies.
Another difference is the level of flexibility offered to families. Council-run crematoriums may have stricter policies and procedures in place, as they are governed by local government regulations. In contrast, privately-run crematoriums may have more flexibility when it comes to scheduling and personalising memorial services, as they are not bound by the same regulations.
Radiotherapy and cremation
Some articles suggest deceased people who have previously had radiotherapy treatment can pose a health risk when cremated as the cremation process can send radioactive particles into the air. However, at present deceased people who have undergone radiotherapy which is primarily used to treat cancer can be cremated.
To read more on finding affordable cremation services please visit Cheaper Cremation and Burial Services in 2023.
Burial ground
For a full list of cemeteries visit UK cemeteries.
Visit low-cost undertakers to find an undertaker for burial.
The cheapest possible burial ground can often be found by shopping around between different boroughs. The cost of burial plots can vary enormously from area to area. You can save a considerable amount of money by asking the undertaker how much a cemetery plot costs compared to others. Alternatively, you could look online at the cemeteries in different councils. Discounts for burials within the same borough where the deceased lived are often available.
Burial location
Although a local burial ground may cost more, many people choose a nearby cemetery or crematorium as that may have been the wish of the deceased or a place that is easy to visit. The location of the final resting place can be significant for many people, as it provides a place for them to visit and pay their respects. It can also bring comfort and closure to the bereaved to have their loved one buried in a familiar place close to home.
Ultimately, the decision on the burial ground is a personal one and should be made based on the wishes and needs of the deceased and their family.
For further helpful information covering different aspects of funerals from poems, flowers, bereavement gift ideas, what to wear at a funeral, low-cost headstones and much more, visit the Save Funeral Costs™ blog.
