Funeral Arranger at Memoria Direct Cremation
Senior Funeral Arranger at Memoria Direct Cremation
If someone close to you has died and you are considering a direct cremation, the process is simpler than you might expect. You do not need to visit a funeral home or make dozens of phone calls. Most of it can be handled with a single call to a direct cremation provider.
To arrange a direct cremation, contact a direct cremation provider or funeral director. They will collect the deceased, handle the legal paperwork, carry out the cremation without a service. You will need to register the death and obtain the green form before the cremation can go ahead.
What to do first
Before you can arrange a direct cremation, the death needs to be formally verified and a medical certificate issued. If you have already done this, you can skip ahead to choosing a provider.
If you need more detail on what to do in the first few hours, our guides to what happens when someone dies at home and what happens when someone dies in a care home cover each step.
Have the death verified
A doctor or qualified nurse must confirm that the person has died. This is called verification of death. If the person died in hospital or a care home, this will usually have been done by the staff.
Obtain the medical certificate
A doctor will issue the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD). This records what the person died of and is needed to register the death.
If the death was sudden or the cause is unclear, the case will be referred to the coroner. The coroner may order a post-mortem examination, which can delay the process by a few days. In these cases, the coroner’s office will let you know when the body can be released.
Register the death
The death must be registered within five days in England and Wales (eight days in Scotland). You do this at the local register office, usually by appointment. You will need the MCCD (Medical Certificate of Cause of Death) and details about the person who has died (full name, date of birth, last address, occupation).
The registrar will give you a certified copy of the death certificate and the green form (Certificate for Burial or Cremation). The green form is essential. Without it, no cremation can go ahead.
Choose a direct cremation provider
You can arrange a direct cremation through a specialist direct cremation provider or a traditional funeral director.
When comparing providers, check:
- What is included in the price. Some providers quote a headline figure but charge extra for additional services. These additional services are not always required for every funeral, as you may not need them.
- Where collection is included from. Most providers include collection from a hospital or mortuary. Some charge extra for collection from a private address, particularly out of hours.
- How the ashes are returned. Options vary between providers: collection from the crematorium, postal return, or hand delivery. Check whether delivery is included or charged as an extra.
- Reviews and ratings. Independent ratings and customer reviews from trusted third-party organisations such as Trustpilot can help you assess the quality of service.
- Whether they own their own crematoria. Providers who operate their own crematoria generally have more control over the process and scheduling.
You do not need to choose a local provider. Many direct cremation specialists operate nationally and will collect from anywhere in mainland UK.
For more guidance, read our guide to comparing direct cremation providers.
What to expect when you call
When you contact a direct cremation provider, a member of their team will talk you through the process. You do not need to have everything prepared before you call. They will tell you what they need and when. Typically, they may ask:
- The full name of the person who has died.
- Where they are currently resting. Whether they are at a hospital, care home, hospice, or at home. This determines how collection is arranged.
- Whether the death has been verified, and whether the medical examiner process has been completed, if applicable.
- Whether the death has been registered. If not, the provider can explain what you need to do and the cremation will be arranged once the green form is issued.
- Who will be making the arrangements, the next of kin and a contact number for the person coordinating.
- Any cultural, religious, or personal wishes that they should be aware of.
- Whether you have any immediate questions or concerns that they can help with.
The provider handles the rest. They will arrange collection, complete the cremation paperwork, liaise with the crematorium, and let you know when the ashes are ready.
What happens when you call Memoria Direct Cremation
While most providers will ask broadly similar questions on that first call, the experience can vary a lot. At Memoria Direct Cremation, the conversation is never a rigid script. Our team understands that every family’s situation is different, and the call is always tailored to the individual.
The priority on that first call is to listen. Families are encouraged to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable with. There is no rush to get through a checklist. The team will gently establish the key details, explain what happens next, and answer any questions at a pace that feels right.
We see that first call not as gathering information to complete a booking, but as the beginning of a relationship. Every family should come away from the conversation feeling listened to, cared for, and reassured that their loved one is in safe hands.
What happens during the cremation
Once the deceased has been collected and all paperwork is complete, the cremation is scheduled. With a direct cremation, the scheduling is handled by the provider and crematorium. You will not be able to attend, and there is no service.
If you are unsure whether you can attend a direct cremation, this guide explains what to expect.
The deceased is placed in a simple coffin supplied by the provider and cremated at the crematorium.
The cremation itself follows the same process as any other cremation. The deceased is treated with the same care and dignity as they would be in an attended funeral. The only difference is that family and friends are not present at the crematorium.
For a detailed look at what happens from collection through to the return of ashes, see our guide to what happens at a direct cremation.
Arranging a direct cremation with Memoria Direct Cremation
Memoria Direct Cremation can provide a direct cremation from £1,195.
We’re proud to be rated 4.9 Excellent on Trustpilot by over 4000 families, making us one of the most reviewed and highest-rated direct cremation providers. The price includes:
- Funeral Directors fees, services and cremation fees.
- Specialist family support 24 hours a day.
- Collection of the deceased from any hospital or mortuary in mainland UK*.
- Care of the deceased in a professional mortuary.
- A quality wood coffin, including larger sizes at no extra charge.
- Removal of pacemakers if needed.
- Dignified cremation at a Memoria crematorium or one of our chosen partners.
- Support with funeral arrangements and paperwork.
- An online funeral notice for friends and family.
- Ashes available for collection, or scattered in the memorial gardens*.
*Additional charges that may be payable: 24-hour collection from a residential address (£250) and hand delivery of ashes (£100). These additional services are not required for every funeral, as you may not need them. We only charge you for the things you need.
Need to arrange a direct cremation now? Our team is available 24 hours a day to guide you through every step. Call us free on 0800 007 3921
What to do after the cremation
One of the reasons many people choose a direct cremation is the freedom it gives the family to say goodbye in their own way. Without a funeral service at the crematorium, there is no pressure to do anything on a set day. You can take your time.
Some options families choose:
- A memorial gathering. An informal get-together at home, in a pub, in a park, or wherever feels right. There are no rules about timing. Some families hold a memorial a few weeks after the cremation, others wait months.
- Scattering the ashes. You can scatter ashes in most public places in England and Wales, as long as you have the landowner’s permission and leave no permanent marker. Popular choices include the sea, a favourite walking spot, or a garden. For more ideas, read our guide on what to do with the ashes after cremation.
There is no right or wrong approach. The point of a direct cremation is that it separates the practical process of cremation from the emotional process of saying goodbye, giving you space to do both on your own terms.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can a direct cremation be arranged?
You can start the process with a single phone call as soon as you are ready. The provider will arrange collection straight away. The cremation itself usually takes place within a couple of weeks of instruction, depending on how quickly the paperwork is completed and crematorium availability.
Do I need to use a funeral director for a direct cremation?
No. You can use a specialist online direct cremation provider instead. Specialist providers handle everything by phone and online, so you do not need to visit a funeral home in person.
Can I see the person before the cremation?
This depends on the provider. A direct cremation does not normally include a viewing of the deceased. Some providers may offer this as an optional extra for an additional charge. If seeing the person before the cremation is important to you, ask the provider before booking.
Can I choose which crematorium is used?
With most direct cremation providers, the crematorium is chosen by the provider based on availability and location.
Is a coffin required for a direct cremation?
Yes. UK regulations require a coffin or suitable container for cremation. Most direct cremation providers include a basic wood or veneer coffin in the price.
Can I hold a funeral service separately?
Absolutely. Many families who choose a direct cremation hold a memorial service, celebration of life, or informal gathering at a later date. This can be held anywhere and at any time that suits the family. There is no requirement to hold it at a crematorium or church.
What if I cannot afford a direct cremation?
