If you’ve never had to arrange a funeral before, you might be surprised by how much the industry has changed in recent years. Funerals are no longer one-size-fits-all and today’s families have more choice than ever before.
While traditional funerals still play an important role for many families, there’s been a noticeable shift towards simpler, more flexible options. For carers supporting an ageing parent, partner, or loved one, understanding these changes can make future conversations and decisions feel a little less daunting.
Recent findings from the SunLife Cost of Dying Report 2026* show that funerals today are becoming less about following set traditions and more about reflecting the individual. One of the clearest examples of this is the growing popularity of direct cremation. According to the report, 21% of people who arranged a funeral described it as a direct cremation. To put that into context, direct cremations accounted for just 3% of funerals in 2019, highlighting how quickly funeral preferences have evolved.
1. What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is a cremation that takes place without a service at the crematorium and without mourners present.
It focuses on the cremation itself, while giving families the freedom to arrange a separate memorial, wake, gathering or celebration of life at another time.
For some people, the appeal is financial. The SunLife report found that the average cost of a traditional attended funeral is £4,510. In comparison, the average cost of a direct cremation is £1,628, making it a popular choice for people looking for a simple funeral arrangement.
But cost is only part of the story.
Many families are finding that separating the cremation from the act of remembrance gives them more flexibility. Rather than organising everything within a matter of days, they can take time to plan a meaningful event that reflects the person who has died.
2. Moving away from tradition
Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about direct cremation is that it means “no funeral”.
In reality, most families still choose to gather together.
According to the SunLife report, 86% of people who arranged a direct cremation also held a memorial, wake, celebration of life, or a combination of these, either before or after the cremation.
They might take place in a village hall, favourite pub, community venue, garden, or somewhere that held special meaning to the person who died. And many people now choose to live stream the event to include as many friends and family members as possible!
Families are increasingly choosing personalised music, photo displays, favourite foods, storytelling, and even colourful dress codes instead of more conventional arrangements. The emphasis is often on creating a gathering that feels authentic to the person who has died and comforting to those left behind.
3 . Planning ahead for peace of mind
As funeral choices evolve, carers may want to have simple conversations with loved ones about funeral preferences ahead of time.
Having these conversations before they’re needed can help families feel more confident about future decisions and reduce stress at an already emotional time.
For those who like the idea of a simple, flexible farewell, a pre-paid direct cremation plan can provide reassurance that the essential arrangements are already taken care of.
If you’d like to learn more about Simplicity Cremations funeral plans, please visit the website at www.simplicity.co.uk/funeral-plans
All statistics included from *Sunlife Cost of Dying Report 2026
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Simplicity Cremations is a trading name of Dignity Funerals Limited. Dignity Funerals Limited is a company registered in England No. 00041598. VAT registered No. 486 6081 14.
Registered office: 4 King Edwards Court, King Edwards Square, Sutton Coldfield B73 6AP. Dignity Funerals Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under Firm Reference Number 967130.
