Jasmine Birtles
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The way we say our final goodbyes is changing. It used to be that people would go to their local funeral director, because there weren’t national alternatives.
Those funeral directors would make the arrangements and charge a pretty penny to do so – in fact, government website MoneyHelper says that between half and two thirds of a funeral’s cost can be the funeral director fees. Research shows these ‘traditional funerals’ now cost over £4,000. What’s more, the cost is likely to keep rising, making it difficult for families to manage during an already challenging time.
Then national brand Pure Cremation introduced a more affordable alternative – a pure cremation, sometimes also known as a direct cremation.
More and more people say they don’t want a funeral service at a church or crematorium. In fact, recent research by Theos shows most people don’t want that kind of service anymore.
So Pure Cremation decided to offer a dignified, respectful cremation without family attending the crematorium. It means a pure cremation is less than half the price. But they still include everything that’s needed, so there are no ‘extras’ or hidden costs, and family will never have to pay another penny.
Some funeral plan providers charge additional fees for things like doctor’s fees or removing pacemakers, but with Pure Cremation, it is all included.
When someone dies, Pure Cremation collect them in one of their private ambulances to bring them into their care. The person is placed in their own solid wood, eco-friendly coffin, and they are given a unique ceramic disc which stays with them throughout. This ceramic disc survives the cremation intact, and so guarantees the identity of the ashes, which is incredibly reassuring.
The cremation takes place at Pure Cremation’s own crematorium, set in beautiful, mature parkland, with dedicated, professional staff, modern facilities and CCTV for security.
It’s worth noting that local funeral directors won’t have their own crematorium, but neither do well-known companies like Co-op Funeralcare, which may be another reason Pure Cremation is so popular.
After the cremation, the ashes are placed in a decorated urn. The ashes can be scattered at Pure Cremation’s attractive Garden of Remembrance, or more usually, returned to the next of kin. Unlike some companies, Pure Cremation return the ashes personally, by hand, and their staff will stay with the next of kin for as long as the person wants.
Because there are no funeral arrangements to make – Pure Cremation take care of everything – family are free to focus on a more personal send-off, perhaps a celebration of life that is more meaningful.
And because this send-off (or you may call it a service, or remembrance or memorial) isn’t part of the cremation, it can be held anywhere at any time, without any restrictions on where it can be held, how many people can attend, how long it can last or what can happen.
This could be a small gathering for closest family and friends, a formal ceremony, or even a celebration that reflects the person’s passions and hobbies.
Having a traditional service at the same time as the cremation may be too soon for many people. It may be when they are grieving the most, and, for instance, they might struggle to deliver a eulogy. Having it at the same time as the cremation might also feel inappropriate for young children. Having a service later, and somewhere else, would give everyone time to grieve and then write what they really want to say in a eulogy.
It might also mean family who live overseas or who have existing commitments can come because a date can be set that suits everyone, and children can attend too.
Funeral plans are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring they come with Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protection. This guarantees that the funeral you chose will be provided, giving you peace of mind that your arrangements are secure.
It is always worth checking online reviews from customers and their families. That way you can be sure you are choosing a funeral plan provider you can trust. Pure Cremation has more five-star customer reviews across Trustpilot and Reviews.io than any other funeral plan provider, so you know you will be in safe hands.
For those seeking a funeral that combines affordability, freedom and peace of mind, a pure cremation offers a compelling choice. It’s clear to see why more people now turn to Pure Cremation than anyone else, and why they have more five-star customer reviews than anyone else.
A pure cremation allows us to honour our loved ones in a way that ensures their final farewell is as unique and special as the life they lived. And it means any money someone leaves can go into a celebration of life rather than into a funeral director’s pocket.
Whether you need to arrange a funeral for someone, or you want to know more about their funeral plan (whether you’re interested in buying one for yourself or someone else), Pure Cremation’s friendly team are ready to help, without any obligation.
Visit the website to find out more: www.purecremation.co.uk/plan
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.