18/02/2026
We’ve noticed more families asking about direct cremation lately, so we wanted to share a few thoughts from us.
Direct cremation is often seen as the simplest option, and sometimes people worry that it means giving up the chance to say a proper goodbye. But that isn’t really the case. It simply means the cremation itself takes place without a formal service. Everything meaningful around it can still be shaped in a way that feels right for you.
Across the UK, cremation is now chosen for the majority of funerals, and direct cremation has become more common over recent years. For many families, it’s about flexibility, personal preference, or managing costs, and every reason is valid.
What we often talk through with families is what else can be done around that choice. Some people spend time with their loved one beforehand for a quiet farewell. Others arrange a memorial or celebration of life later, when everyone can gather without time pressure. That might be in a chapel, a function room, a garden, or somewhere that meant something special to the person who has died.
There are lots of personal touches too, music, readings, photos, choosing how ashes are returned, or marking the day privately with close family. There’s no 'one' way to do things, and no expectations, just what feels right.
Whether it’s a simple cremation with added personal touches or a memorial gathering afterwards, we believe families shouldn’t have to sacrifice care for cost, or feel bewildered by a lack of a “proper goodbye”. Our trusted local experience means we can guide, support, and adapt, offering a level of personal understanding that larger national providers simply can’t replicate.
www.ianjohnstonfuneraldirectors.co.uk
