Question 1

What should I do when someone dies?

Accepted Answer

If someone has died and you are unsure what to do, contact us and we can guide you through the next steps. If the death has occurred at home or in a nursing home or hospice, an appropriate healthcare professional needs to verify the death, we can then arrange to bring your loved one into our care. Where circumstances allow, we aim to be with you within one hour of  the necessary paperwork being completed.If the death has occurred in hospital, we will liaise with the hospital directly to arrange bringing your loved one into our care.

Question 2

What is a Direct Cremation?

Accepted Answer

A direct cremation is a simple unattended cremation without a traditional funeral service or mourners present at the crematorium.Your loved one is brought into our care, cared for throughout the arrangements and taken to Teesside crematorium for the cremation. The ashes are then returned to the family.A direct cremation allows you to say goodbye and remember your loved one in your own way, at a time and place that feels right for you.

Question 3

How much does direct cremation cost in Teesside?

Accepted Answer

Our direct cremation price is designed to be simple and transparent, with the essential costs included rather than adding unnecessary extras. Our fully inclusive price is £1,195 which includes the essential funeral director's services and the cremation itself. For more information on our pricing visit our Direct Cremation Cost page.

Question 4

What is included in a direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

Our direct cremation package includes all the essential services needed arrange the cremation and care for your loved one before the cremation. This includes bringing your loved one into our care, either from home, a nursing or hospital, care of the deceased prior to the cremation, an eco-friendly coffin, all necessary administration and paperwork, dignified transportation to Teesside Crematorium, Acklam, and the cremation itself and the return of the ashes.

Question 5

Is the crematorium fee included in the price?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the crematorium fee for our unattended cremation is included in our price. This means you do not need pay Teesside Crematorium separately. We believe families should be given a clear price from the beginning rather than discovering additional charges later.

Question 6

Where does the direct cremation take place?

Accepted Answer

Our direct cremation service for families across Teesside take place at Teesside Crematorium, Acklam, or any other crematorium of your choice.

Question 7

Can family attend a direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

No. A direct cremation is an unattended cremation, meaning that family and friends do not attend the cremation. The purpose is to keep the cremation simple and separate from the funeral or memorial arrangements.

Question 8

Can I see my loved one before the direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

Direct cremations do not usually include a formal viewing or chapel visit, as the service is intended to be a simple and affordable option. We understand that some families may wish to spend a final moment with someone before the cremation. If this is important to you, please ask us about the options available.

Question 9

Can we hold a funeral service after a direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. One of the main advantages of having a direct cremation is that you can choose to hold a memorial service afterwards. Families can arrange a memorial, celebration of life, church service or private gathering after the cremation has taken place and the ashes have been returned. This often makes the occasion more personal as you are not restricted by the times or location of the crematorium.

Question 10

What happens to the ashes after the cremation?

Accepted Answer

Following the cremation, the ashes are collected from the crematorium by us. We then arrange for the ashes to be hand delivered to you. If you prefer, we can arrange for them to be scattered in the garden of remembrance at the crematorium. Some families wish to keep the ashes at home, while others choose to have them scattered or interred. If you are unsure what you would like to do with the ashes, we can talk through the options with you.

Question 11

How quickly does a direct cremation take place?

Accepted Answer

The timescale for an unattended cremation can depend on the circumstances of the death, the completion of the necessary paperwork and the availability of the chosen crematorium. We arrange the cremation as soon as the necessary legal requirements have been completed and a suitable cremation slot is available at the crematorium. Direct cremation does not mean that the cremation happens immediately, it can however be arranged more simply than a traditional funeral as there is no ceremony to organise. We explain the expected timescale when we make the arrangements.

Question 12

How soon can I get the ashes Back?

Accepted Answer

After the cremation has taken place, the ashes can usually be collected from the crematorium within two working days. We will give you an expected timescale when the arrangements are confirmed. If you have a particular date or reason for needing the ashes more urgently, let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes.

Question 13

What happens if someone dies at a Teesside Hospital?

Accepted Answer

If someone dies at Tees Valley Hospital, University Hospital of North Tees, James Cook University Hospital, or another hospital, the hospital will complete the necessary medical procedures and the deceased can then be released into our care. We will liaise with hospital directly to arrange this.If you are considering an unattended cremation, you can contact us as soon as you feel ready and we will guide you through the next steps.

Question 14

Can you arrange a direct cremation if someone dies at home?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can arrange to bring your loved one into our care from a private residence in Teesside and surrounding areas once the necessary medical and legal procedures have been completed. If the death was expected, an appropriate healthcare professional will verify the death and we can bring the deceased into our care. If the death was sudden or unexpected, the procedure may be different. If you are unsure what to do, call us or fill in our contact form and we can walk you through the process.

Question 15

What happens if the death was sudden or unexpected?

Accepted Answer

A sudden or unexpected death can require involvement from the police, Coroner or other authorities before a funeral provider can take the deceased into their care. This will not prevent a direct cremation from taking place, but the process can take longer while the necessary investigations and paperwork are completed. If you are dealing with an unexpected death we can explain the process to you and what the next steps are.

Question 16

Do I have to use a funeral director for a direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

No, in the UK, there is no legal requirement that a funeral director needs to be used to arrange a cremation. Arranging a cremation however involves a number of practical, legal and administrative requirements, and many families prefer to have an experienced funeral professional handle these on their behalf. We look after the transportation and care of the deceased, documentation, communication with the crematorium and the practical arrangements, allowing you to concentrate on family rather than organising the cremation yourself.

Question 17

Is direct cremation cheaper than a traditional funeral?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a direct cremation is usually cheaper as it removes many of the costs associated with a traditional funeral, such as a hearse, limousines, celebrant or minister, pallbearers, flowers and use of a chapel for a service. It also avoids the need to organise a service around the availability of family and friends.Direct cremation is a different approach to a standard funeral, the cremation takes place privately and a memorial service can be arranged separately.

Question 18

Is direct cremation the same as an unattended cremation or Pure cremation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the terms are often used interchangeably. An unattended cremation means that there is no funeral service or family present at the crematorium. The cremation itself still follows the normal legal procedures. "Direct cremation" is commonly used by funeral directors to describe the complete funeral arrangement, while "unattended cremation" describes the cremation itself. Whatever terminology is used, the main point is that mourners do not attend the cremation and there is no funeral ceremony at the crematorium.

Question 19

Can I arrange a direct cremation in advance?

Accepted Answer

While Teesside Direct Cremation do not currently offer pre-paid funeral plans, you can still make your wishes known in advance. We can provide free "My Funeral Wishes" forms, which you can complete and keep with your important documents so that your family knows exactly what you would like to happen when the time comes. You can record your preference for a direct cremation, along with any other wishes you may have. Contact us if you would like a free "My Funeral Wishes" form.

Question 20

Can I arrange a direct cremation for someone who lives outside Teesside?

Accepted Answer

Yes, although our service is primarily aimed at families in Teesside and the surrounding area, we can discuss arrangements in other areas across the country. The practicalities and cost may depend on where the person has passed away. If you are unsure whether we can help, please contact us.

Question 21

What type of coffin is used for a direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

At Teesside Direct Cremation we use a simple eco-friendly coffin known as a 'Jute' Coffin. This keeps the cost lower than an expensive traditional coffin whilst also having minimum environmental impact. The coffin is selected to meet the crematorium's requirements and to safely transport your loved one. Because there is no public funeral service, there is usually little benefit in paying for an elaborate coffin that will not be seen by mourners. If you have particular requirements or would prefer a different type of coffin, or to see the coffins we use, please ask us. We will explain the available options and any difference in cost before making arrangements.

Question 22

Can I put personal items in the coffin?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can place personal items in the coffin with your loved one. Many families wish to include photographs, letters, small keepsakes or other meaningful items. There are however some restrictions on certain materials and objects because the coffin and its contents will be cremated. Items, including batteries, glass, aerosols, or electronic devices may not be suitable. If you are unsure about a particular item, please check with us.

Question 23

Can my loved one be dressed in their own clothes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can dress your loved one in clothing provided by the family. This can be a favourite outfit, something they wore regularly, or simply clothing that you feel reflects their personality.We treat your loved one with the highest level of care and dignity throughout the process.

Question 24

Do I need to buy flowers for a direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

Flowers are not required for a direct cremation however if flowers are important to you, there is nothing to prevent you from arranging some to be placed on the coffin

Question 25

Can we hold a memorial service in Teesside after the cremation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a memorial service can be arranged after the cremation. Many families prefer this approach because it gives them more freedom over where and when people gather. You can choose a church, village hall, community venue, private home, garden or any other meaningful location.

Question 26

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

Accepted Answer

With traditional funerals, family and friends attend a ceremony either at the crematorium or another venue with the coffin present. There is usually a hearse, pallbearers, flowers, music, readings and a celebrant or minister leading the service.With a direct cremation, there is no attended service at the crematorium. Your loved one is cared for and taken to the crematorium for a private cremation with no mourners present. The family can then choose to hold a separate memorial or celebration of life afterwards.

Question 27

Do you provide a hearse for direct cremation?

Accepted Answer

A traditional hearse is not normally required for a direct cremation. Your loved one is transported respectfully to the crematorium using a discreet hearsette. This is one of the reasons a direct cremation can cost less than a traditional funeral. You are not paying for a ceremonial procession or a hearse waiting outside a funeral service. If you would like to see the vehicles we use then please get in touch.

Question 28

Can someone be cremated without a funeral service?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a direct cremation is where a person is cremated without an attended funeral service. The absence of a traditional funeral service does not mean that the deceased receives less care or dignity. It simply means that the family chooses not to hold a ceremony at the crematorium.

Question 29

Is direct cremation suitable for everyone?

Accepted Answer

Direct cremation can be a suitable choice for many families, but it is not right for everyone. Some people value a traditional funeral where family and friends can gather, others prefer something much simpler. There is no right or wrong way to say goodbye.

Question 30

Can I speak to someone before deciding?

Accepted Answer

Of course, you do not have to have everything decided before contacting us. If you are unsure whether a direct cremation is right for your family, we can explain how it works, what it costs and what alternatives are available. There is no obligation to proceed simply because you have made an enquiry. Call us or use our contact form and we can talk through your circumstances and answer any questions you have.

Direct Cremation FAQs

Read our Direct Cremation FAQs below

Frequently asked questions