Direct Cremation

Name: Brunel Independent Funeral Directors
Address: 3 Concorde Dr, Bristol, BS10 6PZ, UK
Telephone: 0117 374 2002
Price range: ££

For families that choose to have no fuss, a direct cremation is the perfect solution.

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Cremation Bristol

Direct Cremation Service (Unattended)

Some families are looking for a very basic and realistically priced unattended funeral. We have put together a basic funeral which allows you to have all the elements at a very affordable price. Many who choose this option often arrange a memorial service at a later date to celebrate their loved one, or even on a special birthday or anniversary.

What is a Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is a cremation with no funeral service or ceremony, and no mourners. It provides a simple yet dignified service that is attended by the funeral staff only.

Direct cremations are the least expensive option as they avoid any unnecessary expenses such as embalming, viewing of the deceased, funeral service and transportation for the family and loved ones.

What’s included in a Direct Cremation Service?

Our cremations in Bristol are not just an affordable alternative to a full funeral service, they allow you to bid a respectful farewell in a simple, fuss-free way.

We will arrange the following:

Collection of the deceased within office hours of 09.00 and 17.00, (a surcharge of £190 will apply outside of these hours)
Completion of all necessary paperwork
A simple coffin
Pay the fee (date and time arranged at the funeral home’s discretion)
Transportation to the crematorium in a private ambulance
Arrangement for ashes to be scattered in the Garden of Rest or collected from the funeral home

An expensive coffin is not required for a direct cremation, however, please be mindful that additional charges apply for oversized coffins.

Although these cremations in Bristol remove the need for elements that aren’t necessarily required when saying goodbye, no corners are cut, and we make sure that you loved one receives a service that is carried out with utmost professionalism and dignity.

What is extra with Direct Cremation Plus?

This service is for those looking for something a little more traditional. You will know the date and time of the service which is held in the local area so that you and your family can have your own thoughts and perhaps light a candle on the day; your loved one can be dressed in their own clothes and you can visit them in our Chapel of Rest or have a service with a small gathering before the cremation, if desired.

Some families like to hold a separate service to celebrate their loved one’s life once they’ve had time to grieve and whilst this could be in a church or place of worship, many choose somewhere that was significant to the deceased, for instance, the house they’ve always lived in, a garden, restaurant, golf club, beach, etc.

For more information about our no-fuss cremations in Bristol, take a look at the FAQs below. To arrange a direct cremation, please contact Brunel Funeral Directors today and we can guide you through every step of the process.

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Our Reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Warren 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to all the team, Mum's funeral went brilliantly, they supported us through out the process at this difficult time.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicola Mills 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We recently entrusted Brunel Funeral Directors with our dear dad’s funeral, and from the very first phone call we felt supported, calm and listened to. Louise guided us through the arrangements with such gentleness and clarity, and she matched us with a celebrant who truly understood our family and what mattered to us.

On the day itself, Chris was considerate, organised and quietly reassuring — helping make an incredibly difficult and emotional day feel a little more bearable. Every detail was handled with care, respect and professionalism.

At a time when you need kindness and steady guidance, Brunel provided exactly that. We would definitely recommend them. Thank you from all Teds family x
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   James 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We used Brunel Funeral Directors after loosing my father and couldn’t have asked for a more caring and attentive service. We opted for a cremation only service and after making an enquiry with the national company that comes up everywhere was glad to find Brunel Funeral Directors local to us, a huge difference in even the first phone call. At no point were we left without a full understanding of what was happening next and the team went at the pace our family needed. Would highly recommend them to take care of your loved one when the time arrives.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Brunton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. To the team at Brunel Funeral Directors, Thank you, Thanks for the support over the past few weeks and making my dad's funeral as smooth as an occasion possibly be. Thank you for the support you have shown myself and especially towards my mum, we greatly appreciate it.

We came to Brunel with the unknown, We didn't know what to do or how to do it, The advise Louise gave to us helped us progress stuff in an already difficult time, All the team we met are incredibly friendly, Kind and caring ensuring that our loved one was looked after every step of the way.  They picked the perfect celebrant for us and catered to our needs every step of the way, Many thanks Brunel & all the best for the future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Wooky 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Staff at Brunel Funeral Directors are Kind, Compassionate, Friendly and is a team where your loved one will be looked after every step of the way & this includes the family too! The passing of my dad was very tough & is still extremely raw, But the team here helped every step of the way, The advise they provided, The kind words, The openness are all something we really appreciated. No question is a silly question and they will help every step of the way! Please use this Funeral Directors and as they are the best in Bristol!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lisa Grant 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Honestly I'm not sure how I would of coped without the care and compassion this amazing team have given me after losing my husband. As a family we felt we weren't just a number. We were a family grieving! And this was portrayed in the way they spoke to us & how they listened to us! I felt like I've known them all my life. They were fantastic and I can't thank them enough. They made the most painful time of my life bearable in the best way they could. So thank you everyone for not just being there for me but Simon too.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kerrystadds Kerry 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing send off for our MUM on 29th July 2026, From start to finish everything was perfect. We as a family would highly recommend Brunel funeral. Louise, Chris  & their team were very attentive,  professional, warm, understanding & we all felt really relaxed & at ease, the whole process was so smooth & thoughtful, we even got to choose the colour of Chris and Craig's ties and hankies. I could go on & on. Absolutely genuinely compassionate people doing what they love ❤️ x x x
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jessica King 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My mum, myself and our family want to say a massive thank you to  EVERYONE at brunel funeral directors. From start to finish you all have made my gramps day/last journey so special. From first meeting Louise, she was brilliant, down to earth, she listened, talked us through everything. Highly recommend!  Thank you again From the King family
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Katy Vincent 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the very first phone call the team at Brunel were so helpful. Everything was arranged with ease, efficiency, care and dignity. Louise matched us with a great celebrant for the service and this was beautiful.
A special mention to Chris who was calm and personable when he collected Mum and very professional during the service  despite melting in his uniform in the 30 degree heat.
I would highly recommend Brunel Independent Funeral Directors.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   pat prior 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We cannot fault the care and attention we received from everyone at Brunel Funeral Directors. Our situation was unusual in that it was mainly friends  involved with the organisation, as family live at a distance and abroad. Also that it involved a burial almost an hour away. Add to that an amber weather alert. However, at every stage Chris and his team were wonderful, cool, calm and efficient, from the office to the idyllic burial spot.

We will help you through the process
every step of the way.

Leave your number below for a call to discuss your situation

You can leave us an email at or call 0117 374 2002

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a direct cremation work?

Typically, a direct cremation involves no formal funeral service, no attendees and no minister – but is inclusive of all disbursements. It’s ideal if the deceased wanted a low-key ceremony and to keep things simple for their family when they passed, or if your budget won’t stretch to a traditional funeral service.

Here at Brunel Funeral Directors, we do everything we can to lessen the burden. Every aspect will be organised and your loved one will receive a simple, dignified send-off. We collect your loved one from the place of death and care for them until the day of the cremation, arrange the transport to the crematorium and make sure that the paperwork is completed by a doctor.

The cremation will be held at a crematorium and time that is most suitable for the funeral director and, though the family will not be able to attend or view the deceased, the ashes will be returned to them so they can do what they wish with them.

How much does a direct cremation cost?

Over recent years, there has been a real shift in what people want from a funeral. Many families are looking for more meaningful and affordable ways to say goodbye, as opposed to a mournful traditional funeral service – held at church and led by a priest or vicar – which typically costs thousands of pounds.

Brunel Funeral Directors offer two options for a Direct Cremation.

Option 1. If the location of the cremation is not of great concern to you we offer a fully inclusive direct service for £999. The cremation will take place outside of Bristol.

Option 2. If you prefer the cremation to be kept local and in Bristol, then we can again provide a non,attended service for £1495.

However, we must point out that, an oversized coffin will impact on the cost of a cremation in Bristol. That’s why we recommend getting in touch so we can discuss your requirements in detail and assist you in giving your loved one the send-off they would have wanted – for a price you can afford.

Could a direct cremation be the right option for you?

Direct cremations are an extremely popular option – and not least because celebrities, like David Bowie and John Lennon chose it as a no-fuss farewell. Direct cremations in Bristol are an excellent choice for lots of different circumstances.

For example:

– A respectful cremation where no relatives or friends are left to attend

– Reduce the trauma of death by celebrating the life of the deceased once everyone is emotionally ready

– Give families time to grieve properly

– Allow busy families to gather together

– The bereaved can say farewell in their own way – without being tied to tradition

– Avoid the rising costs of funerals and save money

– Prefer to leave money to the family, not to be spent on funeral costs

Is a direct cremation the right option for you or your loved one? If you would like to discuss your needs with the team, please call 0117 374 2002.

What is the difference between a direct cremation and a traditional cremation?

First things first, a direct cremation is not the same as a traditional service. A direct cremation is a valid and legal alternative that, due to the pandemic, has become an increasingly popular option.

Put simply, it is where the deceased is collected from their place of death and taken to the crematorium to be cremated.

Unlike a traditional cremation, there is usually no attendees or ceremony, as such, and the ashes are returned to the family so they can do what they wish with them. It allows you to create a truly personal send-off for your loved one – and say goodbye on your own terms, wherever and whenever you want.

Although the funeral director will take care of the paperwork for both types of cremation, a direct cremation often works out to be the cheapest option of the two as there is less to arrange. However, that isn’t to say that the deceased doesn’t get any less cared for, and they will always be treated with respect.

How do I arrange a direct cremation?

Arranging a direct cremation couldn’t be simpler with Brunel Funeral Directors.

Most of the arrangements can be made over the phone, however, you may wish to come and visit us at our welcoming funeral home in Westbury on Trym. Our team is here to support you through the process, one step at a time, and will gladly discuss your requirements over a cup of tea.

Whilst the burial takes place privately at the crematorium (at a time and date that suits our funeral directors), you can arrange a memorial service at a time that’s right for you. This option is ideal for widespread families – giving everyone the chance to travel and grieve properly.

If you would like to arrange a direct cremation for your loved one, get in touch today. You can either call 0117 374 2002, email admin@brunelfd.co.uk or send us an online message. Alternatively, fill out the form above with your name, email address and contact number and request a callback.

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Get in touch with us when you’re in need of help and support in a difficult time.

Our funeral home is now fully monitored for added security, ensuring peace of mind for families and visitors.

0117 374 2002 admin@brunelfd.co.uk

3 Concorde Drive, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS10 6PZ

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