Skip to content
Our Funeral Services
Funeral Prices
Advice & Support
About us
Contact
CALL us 24 hours a day: 01242 245350

Our Funeral Services

Unattended Cremation

An unattended cremation, otherwise known as a direct cremation, is a low-cost funeral service that is unattended by family or friends.

We are seeing an increased demand in Cheltenham and in Gloucestershire as a whole for unattended cremations.

B010535-min-1

What happens at a Unattended Cremation?

An unattended cremation is a simple cremation with no ceremony or service and no mourners in attendance. On the day of the cremation, the body of the deceased is transported to the local crematorium where it is processed simply and without fuss. Following the cremation, the ashes are returned to the family to do with as they wish.

image-advice-support-1 (1)

What services are included in a Unattended Cremation?

At Alexander Burn, we treat every unattended cremation with the same caring and compassionate conduct that you would expect from our experienced and professional team. Whether you opt for a unattended cremation or a more traditional funeral service, we understand that this is a distressing time and we offer 24-hour support and guidance to our customers and their families.

Following a person’s death, we will arrange for the deceased to be taken into our care (within Gloucestershire) and looked after in one of our funeral homes until the day of the cremation. Our unattended cremation funeral services include administration of legal documents, provision of a traditional light oak veneer coffin and provision of the hearse and pallbearers. Please note that it is not possible to nominate a date for when a direct cremation takes place.

For more information about what is included, please refer to our Unattended Cremation price guide.

image-service-natural-1

Bespoke funerals to suit you

When it comes to our funeral services, anything is possible. We understand that everything needs to be just right and will make sure the arrangements are just as you want them.

Unattended Cremation with In-House Ceremony

We understand that balancing the wishes of the deceased with those of the family can be difficult. And often the chance to say goodbye can be an important part of the healing process. That is why we are pleased to offer an In-House Ceremony service that can be arranged alongside an Unattended Cremation.

This simple ceremony takes place at our Tewkesbury Chapel of Rest which provides an intimate space for up to 10 mourners. It gives family and friends the chance to commemorate their loved one and to say their goodbyes in a way that is personal and meaningful. For more information on our In-House Ceremony, please take a look at our price list.

banner-advice-register
secondary-cta

Find Out More

If you would like to know more about what is involved in a Unattended Cremation or the options available with our In-House Ceremony, please speak to one of our helpful and supportive team.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you would like to know more about our Funeral Services and the options available, please speak to one of our helpful and supportive team.
  • A cremation can work out more cost-effective than a burial as there are fewer associated costs but an unattended cremation is perhaps the most cost-effective funeral; take a look at our Direct Cremation page for prices. Or, take a look at our new In-House Ceremony that offers the convenience and cost-effectiveness of a Direct Cremation but also gives you the chance to say your goodbyes in a personal and intimate venue.
  • Where you scatter the ashes after a cremation is largely down to personal choice. Some people choose to scatter ashes in the Garden of Remembrance that are often found at the crematorium, while others follow the funeral service with an interment some weeks later. Or you might prefer to scatter the ashes at a location that was close to your family and your loved one. Whatever you decide, it is important that you don’t rush into a decision. 
  • A cremation can be considered to be an eco-friendly type of funeral as there is no burial, which means less impact on the environment. However, there are other environmental costs associated with cremations which you might consider, such as whether the crematorium uses green energy in its proceedings.
  • "Thank you for the care and attention you took to help our family through the loss of my beautiful mum.

    Your calm and sensitive approach carried us through what was a difficult and painful process. You should be very proud of the job you do. Thank you once again.”

  • "Thank you for all your help, patience and understanding during the last two weeks.

    We really couldn’t have done it without you. I know it’s a difficult line to tread between familiarity and discretion but you’ve hit the right note with us every time and stopped a drama from becoming a crisis.”

  • "May I thank you and your staff for such wonderful service through this difficult time. Everyone who meets you holds you in very high regard and is overwhelmed by the standard"
  • "Just a note to say you have made what is a very difficult time for a our family a lot easier.

    Your kindness, warmth and understanding does you amazing credit. We are overwhelmed by the support you offered us. From the bottom of our hearts a thank you. You are truly a credit to your profession.”

  • "It really does make a big big difference having been helped so much throughout a difficult time. Many thanks."
    Grace
Read more reviews
footer-cta

Honouring your loved one with care and respect

CALL 24 hours a day: 01242 245350