Choosing the right type of funeral

Every funeral is personal. Some families prefer a traditional service with family and friends present. Others choose something quieter and simpler. The decision to have a burial or cremation may be influenced by the wishes of the person who has died, family traditions or religious beliefs. Whichever type of funeral you prefer, we’ll be there to guide you.

What is direct cremation?

Direct cremation is sometimes referred to as an unattended cremation or ‘pure cremation’. It is a simple form of cremation where there is no funeral service, ceremony, wake or attendance at the crematorium.

How does it work?

Your loved one is brought into our care and remains with us until the cremation takes place. We arrange for your loved one to be transported from our funeral home to our crematorium.

Although direct cremation is less involved than a traditional funeral, it does not happen immediately after someone has died. The death still needs to be registered and the required paperwork completed. In most cases, the cremation takes place around one to two weeks after the death.

Following the cremation, the ashes can either be returned to you or scattered within the grounds of our crematorium.

The Co-op difference

When considering direct cremation, you may notice a range of providers offering similar options. While the approach may appear the same, there can be important differences in how care is provided.

With us, your loved one remains in our care locally, looked after by our own team of experienced and caring professionals. From the moment they are brought into our care, we take responsibility for each step. Your loved one will be cared for within Lincolnshire and cremated at our crematorium in Lincolnshire.

As a local organisation, we understand the importance of personal support and clear guidance. We are proud to serve our local communities and to offer more choice, including direct cremation options that allow families to spend time saying goodbye if they wish.

For many families, knowing their loved one is being cared for locally, by a team they can speak to and trust, brings reassurance and peace of mind.

Things to consider

Deciding whether direct cremation is the right choice can be difficult. There are practical and emotional considerations, and what feels right will be different for everyone.

Some people find it helpful to ask themselves a few simple questions before making a decision:

• How might the people closest to me feel about this choice?
• Would I want the opportunity to attend a service or say goodbye if the situation were reversed?

There is no right or wrong choice. The most important thing is finding an approach that feels right for you and your family, and we are here to help and support.

An opportunity to say goodbye

Some families want the simplicity of an unattended funeral, while still having the opportunity to say goodbye. We offer different direct cremation options, including those that allow for a private farewell or a small gathering before the cremation takes place.

Direct Farewell

Our Direct Farewell offers a direction cremation with the opportunity to say goodbye in our Chapel of Rest

Direct Group Farewell

In addition to saying goodbye in our chapel, our funeral homes can be used for private gatherings for friends and family to come together to remember your loved one. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits.

What is an attended funeral?

An attended funeral includes a service or gathering where family and friends are present to say goodbye, whether the final committal is a burial or a cremation.

Your loved one is brought into our care and looked after by our dedicated team until the service takes place at a time and location you choose. For many, having a service offers a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate a life.

We offer a range of attended funeral options, both burial and cremation, from simple services to more personalised arrangements. This allows you to choose an approach that feels right for you and your friends and family.

Things to consider

An attended funeral can take many forms, from a quiet and simple service to something more personalised. You may wish to think about the type of setting, who you would like to be present, and whether there are any personal touches that would feel meaningful. This could include music, readings, or elements that reflect the life and personality of your loved one.

It can also be helpful to understand what is included within each option, and how much flexibility you would like in shaping the service.

Taking time to talk through your wishes with family and friends can help.

You can compare our packages and our teams are always available to talk through your options.

Find your nearest funeral home

If you need anything, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest Lincolnshire Co-op funeral home.