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.
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 explain everything to you and offer guidance where needed.
Your loved one will be brought into the care of our peaceful funeral home in Handbridge, Chester, where they will remain with us until their Direct Cremation takes place.
We do not use an out-of-area care centre
All of our care takes place here at our funeral home in Handbridge, where your loved one will be cared for by our own team.
What happens next?
A Direct Cremation is an unattended cremation, meaning there is no funeral service and no family or friends present at the crematorium.
We keep the arrangements as simple and straightforward as possible, while ensuring that everything is carried out with care and dignity.
There will be some necessary paperwork for the next of kin or appropriate applicant to complete and sign. We will guide you through this and make sure you understand what is required.
Once all the necessary legal and cremation documentation is in place, we will arrange the cremation with the crematorium.
Will I know when the Cremation is taking place?
Yes, cnce arrangements have been made, we will inform you of the date of the Direct Cremation.
What makes Hartys of Chester different from other funeral directors and internet companies?
- Your loved one remains in our care and they stay local
- Our care does not change because the cremation is unattended. Your loved one is cared for by our own team throughout their time with us.
- We keep our costs as fair as possible without compromising on care, quality or dignity.
- We collect your loved one’s ashes from the crematorium and bring them back to our funeral home in Handbridge.
What is your total cost for Direct Cremation?
Our total cost is £1900* which includes bringing the loved one in to our care, a suitable coffin, all necessary third-party disbursements and collection of the ashes from the crematorium.
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
- We have a small service chapel at our funeral home in Handbridge in which we can facilitate an intimate service
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.
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 car in the early hours and then walking in front of the car up the street. It was so lovely to see, such a beautiful touch. The little details don’t go unnoticed.’


