Direct Cremations: The Good, The Bad, and The Downright Dodgy

Once upon a time, funerals were fairly straightforward. Someone died, you wore something black, stood in a crematorium trying not to cry too loudly, and then shuffled off for weak tea and a sausage roll. Now? Now we’ve got options. You can have your ceremony anywhere, any place. You don't even have to have....a ceremony.

Enter direct cremation—the no-fuss, no-mourners, no-ceremony option that’s becoming increasingly popular. Cheap, simple, and entirely free from the stress of funeral planning. Sounds great, right? Well… yes and no.

Let’s take a look at the good, the bad, and the downright dodgy when it comes to direct cremation—and crucially, how you can still say a proper goodbye.

The Good: Why Direct Cremation Works for Some

It’s No Fuss

Not everyone wants a big send-off. Direct cremation skips all that. No ceremony, no mourners, no awkward conversations about whether it's appropriate to wear jeans to a funeral.

It’s Affordable

Let’s not ignore the fact that funerals can be eye-wateringly expensive and direct cremation is definitely a cheaper option. It frees up funds for something more personal, should you want it.

It Gives You Time to Do Things Your Way

No time pressure, no scheduling the service around the crematorium’s next slot. If you want to organise a memorial or raise a glass down the pub, you can do it on your terms, in your own time.

The Bad: What Gets Overlooked

No Moment of Collective Grief

Funerals aren’t just about the person who’s died—they’re for the people left behind. Getting together, sharing stories, crying—it’s all part of the grieving process. Without that, some people feel a bit… lost.

It Can Feel a Bit ‘Transactional’

The process is simple: the person dies, they’re taken away, cremated, and their ashes are returned (if you’ve opted for that). There’s no ceremony, no moment of pause. And for some, that can feel a little clinical.

Families Can Regret It Later

Sometimes, people choose a direct cremation in the moment because it’s the quickest, easiest option. But weeks or months down the line, they realise they wish they’d done something—even a small gathering—to mark the loss.

The Downright Dodgy: Big Funeral Companies & Emotional Blackmail

If you’ve spent any time watching daytime TV, you’ll have seen those adverts. You know the ones. Soft piano music, sorrowful gazes, a gentle voiceover whispering about how if you really loved your family, you’d sort out your funeral right now—or risk leaving them financially ruined and emotionally devastated forever.

It’s a load of manipulative nonsense.

These big corporate funeral providers are businesses first. Their adverts don’t come from a place of care—they come from a place of sales targets. And while they promise low-cost, dignified cremations, what they often deliver is:

Hidden Costs Galore – That ‘low-cost’ price? It doesn’t always include things like out-of-hours collection, returning the ashes, or even basic choices like where the cremation happens.

A One-Size-Fits-All Approach – These companies run on volume. Your loved one isn’t a person to them—they’re a number in the system. There’s no flexibility, no meaningful support, just a process that ticks boxes.

No Real Guidance for the Family – Once the cremation’s done, that’s it. No one checks in, no one helps you figure out what happens next. It can feel like you’ve been left dangling.

So, What’s the Alternative?

If you like the simplicity of a direct cremation but don’t want to get caught up in a corporate machine, an independent funeral director is your best bet. Here’s why:

They Offer the Same Affordable Option—Without the Sales Pitch Local funeral directors can arrange a direct cremation at a fair price, without trying to upsell you a diamond-encrusted urn or a memorial package you don’t need.

You Still Get Human Support Even if you don’t want a formal service, a good funeral director will still guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you figure out the next steps.

You’re Supporting a Local Business, Not a Faceless Corporation Choosing a local, independent funeral director keeps money in your community and ensures that the people looking after your loved one see them as, well… a person, rather than just a transaction.

So, How Can You Still Say Goodbye?

A direct cremation doesn’t mean skipping a farewell—it just means you can do it your way. Here are some ideas:

Hold a memorial service later. This could be a quiet gathering, a full-blown celebration of life, or just a ‘raise a glass and tell stories’ kind of evening.

Scatter the ashes somewhere meaningful. Or keep them, or share them, or turn them into something creative. No rules—do what feels right.

Create a personal ritual. Light a candle, plant a tree, play their favourite music—whatever feels like a fitting tribute.

Write them a letter. If there are things you didn’t get to say, putting them on paper can be surprisingly cathartic.

Toast them in style. Sometimes, the best goodbyes involve laughter, stories, and a drink in hand.

Final Thoughts

Direct cremation isn’t for everyone. For some, it’s the perfect option—simple, private, and fuss-free. For others, it can feel a little too detached. The key is making sure that, whatever you choose, you still find a way to say goodbye.

And if you’re considering a direct cremation but don’t fancy being emotionally strong-armed by a big corporate firm, there are better options. A good, independent funeral director can offer a simple, dignified farewell—without the emotional blackmail or the hidden fees.

Because saying goodbye shouldn’t be about sales tactics. It should be about love, remembrance, and doing things in a way that actually feels right.

If you’re wondering how to create a meaningful farewell—whether that’s with or without a traditional funeral—let’s chat. There’s always a way to make it personal.