What does a funeral celebrant do?

A funeral celebrant creates and leads personalised ceremonies that honour the life of a loved one, working with families to include readings, music and tributes requested by them.

Do you offer services across London, Surrey, Middlesex, Sussex, and Kent?

Yes. Celebrant Jason serves families across London, Surrey, Middlesex, Sussex, and Kent, providing compassionate, bespoke services.

Can we include personal readings or music?

Absolutely. Every ceremony can be tailored with personal readings, music, poems and other tributes chosen by the family.

How do we book a funeral celebrant?

You can contact Celebrant Jason via the website contact form, by telephone, or ask your funeral director to make an introduction.

How much does a funeral celebrant cost?

Fees vary depending on the service type and location. Please get in touch for a clear, personalised quote.

Can I meet the celebrant before the funeral?

Yes. Meetings can be arranged in person, by phone or by video call to discuss the ceremony and your wishes.

direct cremations

What is a Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is an unattended, simple, and low-cost funeral option where the deceased is transported directly from the place of death (or from a mortuary) to a crematorium. There is typically no viewing of the deceased in a chapel of rest and embalming is not carried out. There is no funeral service and mourners are not present. Practices between funeral providers vary regarding clothing that is allowed for the deceased with a direct cremation – most will not allow you to choose an outfit and will provide a simple gown only. Others will allow you to bring some clothes in for your loved one, some will just let the cremation go ahead with the clothes the deceased was wearing when they died. Personal keepsakes are not normally included in the coffin with the deceased.

Ordinarily, the family will not be told of the date or time of the cremation or what crematorium will be used. Having said that, there are some funeral providers that will offer direct cremation packages and allow an “attended direct cremation” – this means that a few family members – normally between 3 to 6 maximum – will be allowed to sit in the chapel while the coffin is on the catafalque for a short period of time, normally 10 minutes or so. As of early 2026, 90% of direct cremations in the United Kingdom are unattended. The price is usually higher for an attended direct cremation.

Some crematoria will allow a playlist of preselected music to be played at an attended direct cremation, others will play a random selection of tracks. It is dependent on the package the funeral provider offers if there is an option for music to be included.

The ashes will either be returned to the family afterwards or scattered in the crematorium grounds. This depends on what the family have asked for. Some funeral providers charge an extra fee to return the ashes back to the family.

If you are considering a direct cremation, your local Funeral Director or a national provider can help you. However, as discussed already, choices with a direct cremation are incredibly limited. Mourning plays a vital part of the grieving process, and without an associated service, a direct cremation can leave a legacy of unresolved grief. Although you are able to have a memorial service for the deceased at a later date, many people have found they have not experienced the same sense of closure without the traditional service and committal at a traditional funeral.

Local Funeral Directors vs National Providers

A local funeral director often provides direct cremations at a comparable cost to a national provider. A local funeral director will usually use nearby facilities to care for your loved one and a crematorium in the surrounding locality. A national provider will often use hubs and a crematorium that has no connection to the locality of the deceased or their family, and your loved one could be transported halfway up the country.

You need to do what feels right for you. You should weigh up the pros and cons to decide what is best for your loved one.

Direct cremation is a very simple. However, as mentioned previously it does not give the opportunity to mark the life of the person. Grief cannot be shared. Stories cannot be told. Respects cannot be paid. All of these are just some of the crucial things that are essential during the process of grief. They bring closure and help those left behind to move forward. These steps cannot be underestimated or ignored

Honouring your loved one after a direct cremation

After a direct cremation, you can have a memorial – sometimes referred to as a celebration of life. A memorial does not give you the restrictions of chapel facilities a crematorium. You are not bound by service duration timings.

Your choice of venue is completely your own. The tribute is completely on your own terms in comfortable surroundings. The goodbye for your loved one will be completely bespoke.

I can help you create a truly unique memorial service after a direct cremation that will honour the passing of your loved one with the grace and respect they deserve.