Burial
Many people prefer the ceremony and solemnity of a traditional burial for their final goodbye.
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Direct Cremation
Direct cremation provides a dignified, cost-effective funeral that allows loved ones to mourn in their own way without a ceremony; our two packages and additional services ensure you know exactly what will happen on the day.
A simple cremation option
We understand that some people would prefer a very simple cremation option: a funeral with no service, ceremony or mourners. Whether this is to avoid the traditional pomp and solemnity or for other personal preferences, or due to cost-related concerns, a direct cremation could be the answer. However, as with every decision regarding planning a funeral, there are still a few aspects worth considering. We’ll take you through what you can expect from an unattended cremation, and explain some of the ways in which you can still make the time memorable.
What is direct cremation?
Direct cremation is essentially a cremation without ceremony. As it doesn’t involve a procession or any of the formality associated with a funeral, it can be considered a more basic cremation – though there are ways to still make it special.
Here at AB Walker, we treat all of our clients with the same high level of respect and dignity. Direct cremation might come without ceremony, we’ll let loved ones know when the cremation will take place, so everyone can raise a glass or honour the person who has died in the way that means the most to them. Of course, we’ll care for the person who has died in the time leading up to the direct cremation, and as part of our enhanced package, we’ll also have a conductor preside over the cremation.
Why choose direct cremation?
The idea of a simple cremation without fuss can appeal to people for lots of reasons. It avoids the formal setting and traditional aspects; whilst many find the formality of a full funeral service appropriate and comforting, others can find it overwhelming.
As no one is present at the cremation itself, it means that everyone can spend the time celebrating the life of the person who has died in their own way.
It is also a reasonably priced option, though we would always recommend knowing exactly what you’ll receive if this is the route you choose. Bear in mind this is something you can only do once, and all loved ones will need to be able to look back and remember the day with some positive feelings.
We offer two packages: standard and enhanced. We’ve ensured that our enhanced package gives the option to add additional services for a fee, so you can choose the extras that are important to you, and know exactly what’s included in the price you pay.
Our direct cremations take place at Reading Crematorium; if you would like to view the facilities beforehand, you can make an appointment with the crematorium.
Our direct cremation packages
What this package includes:
- Bringing person who has died into our care (15 mile radius during office hours)*
- Storage and care until cremation service (up to 21 days)
- Completing all documentation
- Simple, suitable coffin – standard size with name plate
- Transfer to crematorium – by suitable funeral vehicle
- Bearing – 2 bearers and trolley
- Cremation – day and time chosen by us
- Ashes – simple named container. Scattered in crematorium Garden of Remembrance or collected from one of our branches
- Invitation to our bereavement care programme
- Witness coffin entering crematorium (up to 10 people) and 5 minutes reflection time in chapel
- Viewing at our Reading chapel of rest (office hours)
- Upgrade to oak veneer coffin
Speak to us about our direct cremation services
Contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We aim to respond promptly with answers to questions you may have.
What this package includes:
- Bringing person who has died into our care (15 mile radius during office hours)*
- Storage and care until cremation service (up to 21 days)
- Completing all documentation
- Simple, suitable coffin – standard size with name plate
- Transfer to crematorium – by hearse
- Bearing – 4 bearers and a conductor
- Cremation – day and time chosen by us
- Ashes – simple named container. Scattered in crematorium Garden of Remembrance or collected from one of our branches
- Invitation to our bereavement care programme
- Witness coffin entering crematorium (up to 10 people) and 5 minutes reflection time in chapel
- Viewing at our Reading chapel of rest (office hours) – additional £149
- Upgrade to oak veneer coffin – additional £299
Speak to us about our direct cremation services
Contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We aim to respond promptly with answers to questions you may have.
What this package includes:
- Bringing person who has died into our care (15 mile radius during office hours)*
- Storage and care until cremation service (up to 21 days)
- Completing all documentation
- Simple, suitable coffin – standard size with name plate
- Transfer to crematorium – by suitable funeral vehicle
- Bearing – 2 bearers and trolley
- Cremation – day and time chosen by us
- Ashes – simple named container. Scattered in crematorium Garden of Remembrance or collected from one of our branches
- Invitation to our bereavement care programme
- Witness coffin entering crematorium (up to 10 people) and 5 minutes reflection time in chapel
- Viewing at our Reading chapel of rest (office hours)
- Upgrade to oak veneer coffin
Speak to us about our direct cremation services
Contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We aim to respond promptly with answers to questions you may have.
What this package includes:
- Bringing person who has died into our care (15 mile radius during office hours)*
- Storage and care until cremation service (up to 21 days)
- Completing all documentation
- Simple, suitable coffin – standard size with name plate
- Transfer to crematorium – by hearse
- Bearing – 4 bearers and a conductor
- Cremation – day and time chosen by us
- Ashes – simple named container. Scattered in crematorium Garden of Remembrance or collected from one of our branches
- Invitation to our bereavement care programme
- Witness coffin entering crematorium (up to 10 people) and 5 minutes reflection time in chapel
- Viewing at our Reading chapel of rest (office hours) – additional £149
- Upgrade to oak veneer coffin – additional £299
Speak to us about our direct cremation services
Contact us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We aim to respond promptly with answers to questions you may have.
*Out of hours transfer is an additional £389.
Full payment is required at the time of booking.
Prepaid funeral plans
Benefit from peace of mind and arrange the send-off you want by paying for funeral director services in advance, avoiding potential future increases in these costs.
Other types of funerals
Natural and green burial
Ideal for people who lived an eco-conscious life, natural and green burials embrace returning to the earth.
Learn more
Cremation
The most popular funeral type in the UK, cremation is a respectful and comforting farewell.
Learn more
Supporting you
We know this very likely to be a difficult time for you, so we’ve found different ways to support you through it.
Bereavement support
Grief is a natural reaction to loss and affects everyone differently. AB Walker understands this and offers aftercare support for those experiencing the loss of a loved one.
Learn more
Support with practical matters
From house clearance to informing organisations that a loved one has died, we’ve shared information and contacts of businesses to help you.
Learn more
Find your nearest branch
Local branches in Bracknell, Caversham, Henley-on-Thames, Maidenhead, Reading, Thatcham, Tilehurst, Wokingham and Woodley.
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To speak to a member of our team call us on 0118 957 3650.
You can contact us 24/7
Email or call us with your questions, queries and requirements. For urgent assistance, call us on 0118 957 3650 24 hours a day, seven days a week.