In this 3 minute blog we are going to be completely transparent about the service we offer for a Direct Cremation. This is a non-attended service without ceremony.
When a loved one has chosen a Direct Cremation, it can be a very distressing and confusing time for their family but it can also offer some much needed comfort if conducted correctly by a professional Funeral Director.
If you are thinking of opting for a Direct Cremation for yourself or your loved one then please make sure that it is the right choice. If your decision is heavily based on a cost factor then please speak with us to find out how else we can facilitate the farewell that you or they wish for.
After reading this blog we hope you feel comfortable to approach us to discuss your wishes regarding a Direct Cremation so that we can help and guide you as well as explain the many options still available to you.
‘No Fuss does not have to mean no Frills’
You may have noticed a surge in daytime advertisements, telephone calls and postal campaigns from certain internet companies. These companies claim to be low-cost however are not always completely upfront and transparent. These companies do not have the appropriate facilities to offer the care and dignity that Hartys of Chester can, and these internet companies are certainly not low-cost.
Not all Direct Cremations are the same. Below we are going to be answering some questions, so please do read on to find out how Hartys of Chester offer a unique and gentle approach to Direct Cremation.
The level of service we offer does not differ from that of an attended service. Your loved one will be appointed a Funeral Director, whether that be Shannon Harty or Catherine Anderson. The ladies will keep in contact with you and explain each step of the process so you are kept informed and to hopefully keep your mind at ease.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when my loved one passes away?
Once you have made the difficult telephone call to inform us that your loved one has passed away, we will arrange a time that is suitable for your family so that we can attend and bring your loved one into our care, even if that is during the early hours. We will never rush you.
Your loved one will come with us to our peaceful, beautiful funeral home in Handbridge and they will remain here with us until their Direct Cremation service. We do not have an out of area care centre, all care takes place at our funeral home in Handbridge, Chester.
What happens next?
We will invite you into our funeral home to discuss your loved one’s wishes and answer any questions you may have. This conversation can also be had at your home or over the telephone if that is more convenient for you.
Will I know when the Cremation is taking place?
Yes – Once arrangements have been made, we will inform you of the date and time of the Direct Cremation. Direct Cremations normally take place around 8:45am.
Can I visit my loved one in your chapel of rest?
Yes – you can visit your loved one as many times as you wish. You will be warmly welcomed with a cup of tea or coffee and we can even play your loved one’s favourite music as you sit with them for as long as you need to.
What makes Hartys of Chester different from other Funeral Directors and internet companies?
- We truly care. We believe in treating every person in our care with the same level of respect, dignity and kindness that we would treat our own family.
- We keep the cost of our Direct Cremation service to a minimum but we certainly do not compromise on care or quality.
- We understand the importance of a dignified farewell and that is why we always, without fail, provide our luxurious, immaculate hearse to transport your loved one on their final journey to the crematorium.
- We do not charge an additional fee to travel to your loved one’s home on route to the crematorium or for taking a particular route of your choosing, perhaps past your loved one’s favourite pub or childhood home.
- After the service we will collect your loved one’s ashes and bring them back to our funeral home in Handbridge. We can also deliver them to you, again without any additional cost.
- We will play a piece of music as your loved one is respectfully taken into the chapel, they are then placed on to the catafalque (the stand at the front of the crematorium) whilst the Harty family and team pause and pay our respects. We then close the curtains and quietly leave the chapel. We stay with that person until the very end.
- You are welcome to provide your own flowers however we will always ensure a single rose is placed on the coffin or casket for their final journey.
- We remain available to offer you support should you need it after the service has taken place.
What is your total cost for Direct Cremation?
Our total cost is £1600* which includes all necessary third-party disbursements. If you wish to spend time in the chapel with your loved one then the charge would be £1850* due to the possibility of hygienic treatments having to be complete prior to your visit.
What additional services do you offer for Direct Cremation?
- As previously mentioned ‘No Fuss does not have to mean No Frills’.
- You are able to adapt the services we offer to suit your wishes such as a bespoke coffin or casket for your loved one to rest in or your loved one’s favourite flowers to accompany them on their final journey.
- We have a small service chapel at our funeral home in Handbridge in which we can facilitate an intimate service prior to the Direct Cremation.
We can hold a service for up to 15 people. We find this does bring a comfort to families who want to respect their loved one’s wish of a Direct Cremation however would like their chance to have a small, intimate service for their own closure and acceptance.
Why should I choose Hartys of Chester?
We hope that by reading the answers to the above questions, we have conveyed our passion and dedication to our profession. We hope that you would feel safe in the knowledge that your loved one is being looked after by our family with care and compassion. A saying that our family and team believe in is ‘always do the right thing, even when no one is watching’. This is how we operate our funeral home.
Our Direct Cremations are no different from that of an attended service, save for the fact that there isn’t anyone in attendance, except for the Harty family and team.
The Harty family will always ensure that every final journey is dignified and each life is honoured.
Please scroll down to read a message sent to us whilst preparing for a loved one’s Direct Cremation
‘’I just wanted to send a message to say how beautifully respectful you were this morning. We live on Bradford Street and noticed you cleaning your hearse in the early hours and then walking in front of the hearse up the street. It was so lovely to see, such a beautiful touch. The little details don’t go unnoticed.’’
