Why Are Direct Cremations Popular? 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, everything changed. 

Lockdown restrictions had a wide-reaching impact on almost everything, and funerals were an area that was greatly affected. 

Heartbreaking socially distanced funerals became the norm, and there was also a rise in direct cremations during this time. 

However, simple cremations have remained popular ever since.  

According to SunLife’s Cost of Dying Report 2024, the choice of direct cremations has risen from just 3% pre-pandemic in 2019 to 20% in 2023.

In this article, the team here at Lilley Funeral Directors will examine why direct cremations have become so popular.

What is a direct cremation?

A direct cremation is a type of cremation that occurs without a funeral service or any ceremony. No one attends this funeral type, and simply involves cremating the deceased before their ashes are returned to loved ones. 

Usually, family members will then arrange their own private ceremony or memorial after the cremation has taken place. 

While cremations have long been the UK’s preferred funeral choice (around 80% now choose this kind of funeral), the rise in popularity of direct funerals remains relatively recent.

For more information on what a direct cremation is check out our article on “what are direct cremations”

Why are direct cremations popular? 

Direct cremations were a practical choice during the pandemic when attendance at funerals was severely restricted, but why have they remained popular since then?

There are several reasons why people choose direct cremations including:

They’re more cost-effective 

Traditional funerals can be expensive, and your loved one may not have the financial means, or be willing, to spend the money on a conventional send-off. They may prefer to opt for a cheaper alternative like a direct cremation, reducing the financial burden on their loved ones and allowing them to leave more as an inheritance. 

They’re easy to organise 

Planning a funeral can be an upsetting, overwhelming and all-consuming experience for those left behind, and your loved one may wish to spare you this burden by opting for a simple cremation. 

In comparison, direct cremations do not require much organising, with the funeral directors and crematorium handling all the arrangements. At Lilley Funeral Directors, we offer two straightforward direct cremation plans to simplify the process further: The simple direct cremation plan and the premium direct cremation plan.

They’re low fuss

Everyone’s different, and some people simply don’t like the idea of being the centre of attention and having people gather to remember them.

In times gone by, people may have opted for more minimalist funerals to mitigate this but direct cremations allow for people who feel this way to have their wishes better respected. 

They’re more sustainable

Direct cremations are considered to be more sustainable than traditional funerals, as fewer services are required and no one will be in attendance. 

This makes it a more appealing choice for those who have environmental concerns and want their funeral to be more sustainable.    

At Lilley Funeral Directors, we can tailor funeral plans specifically to you or your loved one’s wishes. With our premium direct cremation and simple direct cremation plans they can make arranging direct cremations as simple and respectful as possible. For more information or to discuss your options with our caring team, contact Lilley Funeral Directors today.