Direct Cremation

Home > Funeral Services > Direct Cremation

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 £175 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.
Enquire Now
Brunel Cremation Services
Cremation Services - Brunel

Read Our Reviews

Kelly Richards
Kelly Richards
2023-11-21
From the day my family stepped into your office, you showed them full support and made them feel at ease. I would like to thank Craig and Louise & all the other staff for the support and comfort you gave myself and my family. Every bit of detailed we asked for whilst our mother was in your care you done for us all above and beyond. We cannot thank you all enough. X
Rhys Reed
Rhys Reed
2023-11-21
From the moment myself and my sister stepped through the doors here Craig,Louise and Chris made sure we was all at ease. From any questions no matter when it was Craig was there to answer or was there to support us on any steps we made. I cannot thank them enough. From my family to you guys thank you so much.
Chelsea Reed
Chelsea Reed
2023-11-21
I couldn't appreciate Craig,Louise and Chris for all the support they've given my family over the tough time loosing my mother. I really wouldn't go anywhere else they made sure everything was just as perfect as we wanted things. From the bottom of my heart thank you so so much for looking after my mum while she was in your care and making things as perfect as you did. Such lovely people.
Abigail Lynden
Abigail Lynden
2023-11-10
Sympathetic, sensitive and compassionate service from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for more.
Teresa B-W
Teresa B-W
2023-10-16
We were recommended Brunel, by family friends, when my mother-in-law passed away. From the very start Louise and Chris led my husband and I with kindness, understanding and professionalism. Nothing was too much trouble and what is a difficult period, was made far less stressful with their help. We can highly recommend Brunel and are thankful they were recommended to us!
Elaine Brown
Elaine Brown
2023-10-11
From the moment we entered Brunel we felt at ease. Craig was kind, considerate and very professional. He assured us there was no rush and gave us the time we needed over the next few weeks to arrange my mum's funeral how I wanted it. On the day, Chris and his colleagues arrived in plenty of time and were very helpful and patient and helped us fit a car seat. I cannot recommend them highly enough, they made a very hard day easier.
craig hardy
craig hardy
2023-08-19
Brunel Independent Funereal directors looked after us in a caring, compassionate and highly professional manner throughout this difficult process. Chris and the team supported us through each step with clear communication, empathy and understanding. Highly recommended.
Andrew Dodd
Andrew Dodd
2023-08-16
I would highly recommend Brunel Independent as Louise made it feel very personal and was excellent at explaining each stage of this daunting process, without being intrusive in any way. The team can arrange practically anything you would like, which helped to make it feel as comfortable as it could do on the day, where Chris and the team were amazing. Thank you.
Jordan Long
Jordan Long
2023-08-04
I would like to say a massive thank you to Louise, Chris and Craig for helping our family get through such a difficult time. Nothing was too much trouble and the attention to detail was outstanding.
Alison Long
Alison Long
2023-08-04
I’m so glad I chose this company following the death of my grandson . They helped us deal with his death with such empathy and kindness. Nothing was too much trouble and they made us feel comfortable and at ease . Each and every member of the team acted at all times with the utmost professionalism and were never surprised at the requests that we made no matter how strange ! We chose a non religious ceremony and had a celebrant Joss who was amazing . I would not hesitate to use them again if I ever have the misfortune to have to arrange another funeral a big thank you to Louise Chris and Craig xxx
Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 44 reviews

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.

    Call Now