Not all direct cremations are the same. A Simplicity Cremation is a complete and straightforward service that is arranged directly over the phone, generally without the need to visit a funeral director and does not involve any formal ceremony or service. The deceased is transported to the crematorium where the cremation takes place and then the ashes are scattered within the remembrance garden at the crematorium or are returned upon request. Find out if a direct cremation is right for you here.
Dealing with grief and loss
People react in different ways to loss, and the way in which grief may affect you depends on many things, such as what kind of loss you have suffered, your upbringing, your beliefs or religion, your age, your relationships, and your physical and mental health.
We provide all our clients with access to a professional 24 hour telephone bereavement and advice counselling service. We also provide information and advice on how to deal with grief and some useful contacts in our Guide to dealing with Grief and Loss that you may find helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve tried to detail some of the more commonly asked questions here for you – but if you can’t find the answer you want, we’re here to help you and you can call us any time on 0800 484 0260.
Click the red arrow to reveal each answer
Is the deceased given any less care, to help save money?
With us, absolutely not. A Simplicity Cremation does not mean substandard care. From the moment the deceased is collected to when the ashes are returned or scattered, every step of the process is carried out with dedication, expertise and compassion.
Can I attend the cremation service?
No, a direct cremation service does not allow for mourners to attend or be present at the time.
Can I choose when or where the cremation takes place?
No, because of the nature of this service we can only use certain crematoria and use less busy time slots.
How much does it cost?
The price of £1,095 covers all of the essential services you need although you can choose to add any extras if required or take a more inclusive package. You will be required to make a full payment over the phone when you arrange a Simplicity Cremation.
Additional charges that you may incur are:
- for collecting the deceased outside the hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday or on UK Bank Holidays; and /or
- the cost to remove pacemakers or other medical implants prior to cremation where a charge is made.
You will be advised if these costs are to be applied before the cremation takes place.
The Government's website, The Money Advice Service has some useful information and advice about paying for a funeral.
Are there any extra charges not included in the price?
No, there are no other mandatory charges to pay. The only exception may be the cost to remove pacemakers or other medical implants prior to cremation where a charge is made. You will be advised if these costs apply before the cremation takes place.
We also understand that our clients may want to add more elements to their chosen package so we have a range of services on offer if required. These services are all optional extras.
Out of hours collection - £150
Return of ashes - £75
Transport to the crematorium in a hearse - £300
Bring the deceased into our care - £250
Provision of a Simplicity urn - £50
Is it possible to view the deceased?
No, once we have taken someone into our care, the direct nature of the service means that there is no opportunity for viewing.
Will there be a funeral procession?
No, because the service is managed directly there won’t be a traditional funeral procession and the deceased will arrive at the crematorium at a time chosen by us.
Can I choose the time and date of the cremation?
No, we are only able to provide this service by using certain days and time slots with the crematorium, when they are less busy.
Can I use the Government's Social Fund Funeral Payment to cover the cost of the funeral?
We require full payment over the phone for the service at the time of booking. However, if you qualify for the Government's Social Fund Funeral Payment you may be able to successfully claim the cost back. We will provide you with a full receipted invoice which you will need to make a claim within 3 months of the funeral. Find out more about the Government's Social Fund Funeral Payment here.
The Government's website, The Money Advice Service also has some useful information and advice about paying for a funeral.
What happens after the cremation?
The ashes will be respectfully scattered on your behalf in our garden of remembrance or we can arrange to have them returned to you in a simple container or Simplicity urn upon request.
Will the cremation be on its own or with others?
We will only ever cremate one person in the cremator at a time and the ashes will only be of that individual.
How can I pay?
We accept payment by debit or credit card over the phone. The full payment must be made prior to us undertaking the service.
Does a Simplicity Cremation have religious aspects?
Our cremation service is suitable for all religions. We provide the cremation service without any religious aspects, allowing you to arrange your own religious service with your faith leader once the ashes are returned if you so wish.
How to register a death
When someone dies, the death needs to be registered before the funeral arrangements can proceed. You can find more information about registering a death in England and Wales, and Scotland here or read our guide on what to do when someone dies.
Dealing with grief and loss
People react in different ways to loss, and the way in which grief may affect you depends on many things, such as what kind of loss you have suffered, your upbringing, your beliefs or religion, your age, your relationships, and your physical and mental health. See our Guide to Dealing with Grief and Loss for some helpful advice.
In which areas is a Simplicity Cremation available?
A Simplicity Cremation is available everywhere in mainland Great Britain, (this excludes Northern Ireland, Scottish Isles, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands) through our nationwide network of offices and crematoriums.
Can I hold a service of my own?
Yes. The ashes can be returned to you upon request after the cremation, giving you the flexibility to arrange a personal and fitting tribute to the deceased just how you want it to be, at a time and place of your choosing.
Is Simplicity Cremations a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors?
Yes. Simplicity Cremations, (as a trading style of Dignity Funerals Limited) is a member of the National Association of Funeral Directors, the industry body that sets the highest standards of customer care in funerals through a robust Code of Practice, Code of Professional Standards and independent arbitration service.
Can I pre-pay for a Simplicity Cremation Plan for myself or a loved one?
Many of our customers are keen to plan ahead with a pre-paid direct cremation plan. This allows you to be in control of your own funeral and protects your loved ones from unexpected costs, price rises and the stress of making arrangements at a difficult time.
We don’t offer a Simplicity Pre-paid Plan just now, but you can register your details by phone on 0800 484 0260 or email us and we'll notify you if this changes in the future.