Unattended funerals

Arrange a cremation without a ceremony, sometimes called a direct cremation. We'll guide you through every decision, while caring for the person who has died with dignity and respect. 

A yellow rose in full bloom with unopened buds, lit by sunlight in a garden.

Why choose Dignity

Leaders in care

Guiding families with compassion for over 200 years

Local service

Serving communities from 558 branches, UK-wide

From plans to probate

Expert support with funeral services, memorials and more

Trustpilot

All the essentials covered

Our Unattended funerals include:

  • caring for the person who has died, in our first-class facilities
  • your funeral director's support throughout
  • our Unattended Funeral coffin
  • a cremation without a ceremony or mourners present

Talk to your local funeral director to find out the costs in your area.

Close-up of two people's hands held together on a lap, one older hand wearing a ring.

Add a personal touch

A light wooden coffin with brass handles inside a hearse, topped with a pink and purple floral spray.

Coffins and caskets

Choose from a range of materials and designs – simple and understated through to ornate and colourful.

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A wooden heart keepsake engraved Danielle on a brass stand, between a patterned jug and blue pot.

Urns and keepsakes

Keep them close with an urn, scatter tube, garden memorial or piece of memorial jewellery.

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A black granite open-book memorial on a stone-edged grave with red and white carnations.

Memorials

Create a lasting place of remembrance. Somewhere to return to, reflect and remember.

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Talk to us in person

Contact your local Dignity branch to talk to a funeral director.

Find a local branch

All the care, without the ceremony

An Unattended cremation includes the same high standard of care as a traditional funeral. We can make the arrangements with you in person, or over the phone.

  1. We make all the arrangements

    We'll bring the person who has died into our care and look after them with respect. We're here to answer your questions, take care of the paperwork, and get all the details sorted.

  2. We hold a cremation that you do not attend

    We choose the date and location for a cremation without a ceremony. You're free to plan your own farewell separately, if you'd like to.

  3. We support you every step of the way

    Our support doesn't stop there. We can guide you through the next steps – from applying for probate, to funeral plans, and finding bereavement support.

Is an unattended funeral the right choice?

There are lots of ways to say goodbye. These are some of the reasons why people choose an unattended funeral.

Simpler and more affordable

Without a ceremony at the crematorium, there are fewer things to plan and pay for, like an organist or a procession of funeral cars.

The freedom to plan your own service

You're free to plan a goodbye that feels right, whether that's a scattering of the ashes, a celebration of life party, a religious service or a quiet day reflecting.

Say goodbye in your own time

When family and friends aren't local, an unattended funeral gives you the time and space you need to get everyone together.

No fuss or difficult decisions

Your funeral director will choose the date, time and location of the cremation, and will work with you to choose a final resting place.

“I value the opportunity to support families during one of the most difficult times in their lives, ensuring they receive compassionate, professional care.”

Craig Stephenson

Cluster Manager

Trusted by families across the UK

Trustpilot

Unattended funeral FAQs

We're here to answer all your questions. If anything isn't clear, please ask us.

Find your local funeral director

Our funeral directors are at the heart of their communities, in over 558 locations across the UK. Wherever you live, you'll have an experienced professional by your side throughout, caring for you and the person who has died.