Funerals in the UK have traditionally followed a familiar format – a hearse, a funeral service and a gathering afterwards to celebrate the life of a loved one. While many still choose this type of funeral, others are looking for something simpler.
In recent years we’ve seen the rise of ‘low fuss’ funerals, providing a more affordable way to say goodbye to a loved one without compromising on care and quality. So what is a low fuss funeral and what does it include?
In this guide, we explain the different types of low fuss funerals, what they include, and how families can still create a meaningful farewell in a way that feels right for them.
Types of low fuss funeral
A low fuss funeral is a funeral that just includes the essentials. Anything considered an ‘extra’ is avoided and the funeral only includes what is necessary. For that some that may include a service, for others there will be no funeral service at all. At Dillamore we offer three types of low fuss funeral:
Simple service funeral
This option includes a funeral service but follows a simple format that only includes the essentials. It will still feel like a traditional funeral but choices are made to ensure costs are kept at a minimum.
Unattended direct funeral
This is a funeral without a service, with no family present. On a chosen day and time, the deceased is taken from the funeral home to the crematorium or burial site for the funeral to take place. The deceased is then cremated or buried in a respectful way.
Attended direct cremation
Like an unattended funeral, this is a funeral without a service. However, many crematoriums allow for a small number of mourners (up to 8) to spend ten minutes with the deceased in the crematorium chapel prior to cremation. This only applies to cremations; burials are always unattended.
Why choose a low fuss funeral?
For some people, the choice to have a simple, low fuss funeral is down to preference, particularly if the deceased has very few loved ones to attend a funeral. For most people, the decision comes down to cost.
Direct funerals are the most affordable type of funeral, and can work out significantly cheaper than funerals with a service. This is because the need for many third party costs (such as flowers, cars, venue fees and celebrants) is removed entirely, reducing the cost of a funeral by thousands. Even where a family opts for a simple service funeral, the cost reduction is usually significant when compared with more bespoke funerals.
How to make a direct funeral feel more personal
Choosing a direct funeral doesn’t have to remove all sense of meaning, and there are still some ways you can say goodbye to your loved one and feel a sense of closure. Some families opt to hold a small memorial in their funeral director’s Chapel of Rest prior to the funeral. Whilst this isn’t a funeral service, it can provide an opportunity for immediate family to share stories or readings, and collectively say goodbye to the deceased.
Other families opt to host a larger memorial service on a separate date. This could become a ‘celebration of life’ service and take any format you wish, and may help to spread out some of the funeral costs.
Does choosing a low cost funeral compromise the quality of service?
No. For anyone choosing Dillamore, it doesn’t matter if you choose an unattended direct cremation or a fully bespoke funeral, there is no difference in the quality of service you will receive. We believe that everyone deserves a dignified and meaningful goodbye, and our team provides the same level of care to the deceased and their families, regardless of the cost of the funeral.
That’s one reason why we allow every family the opportunity to visit their loved one in our Chapel of Rest. Some funeral directors don’t allow chapel visits for families choosing direct funerals, which we believe is wrong. Every family should have the chance to say a final goodbye.
Why choose Dillamore for a direct cremation?
With so many companies providing direct cremations in the UK, you may not know whether to opt for an independent funeral director or a nationwide provider.
Nationwide direct cremation providers work on a much larger scale, with centralised mortuary hubs that cater to a wide region. This can remove their ability to provide a personalised approach, and can leave some families without a sense of closure.
Dillamore focuses on providing quality, compassionate care to every family. Here are some of the things we are known for:
Cost
You may presume independent funeral directors are more expensive than direct cremation providers, but that isn’t the case. Dillamore offers very competitive pricing, without compromising on the quality of service you and your loved one will receive.
Personalised service
You’ll be allocated your own dedicated funeral arranger, who will oversee the arrangements on your behalf, providing you with advice and guidance should you need it, and supporting you for as long after the funeral as you need.
Local care for the deceased
Your loved one will stay with us in our mortuary (located at our Old Road premises) for the entirety of their stay with us, giving you the peace of mind that you know where they are. We only work with one embalmer, and your loved one will come in to contact with very few people.
Compassionate, quality care
Our team are known for their professionalism, providing compassionate care to families in their time of need. Nothing is too much trouble – our team are here to support you throughout.
Visiting your loved one
We have a Chapel of Rest on our premises, allowing families to visit their loved one prior to the funeral. There are no restrictions on the number of times you can visit (although a small fee may apply), and you can usually visit at short notice.
What next?
If you are recently bereaved and would like to find out more about Dillamore Funeral Service, contact our team on 01525 372210. Alternatively, you can email us via our contact form, or even book an appointment using our booking tool. We are here to answer any questions you have.
