Direct Cremation Services

Direct Cremation (Unattended Cremation) from £995, including cremation fee. No hidden costs.

Direct Cremation Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

A Direct Cremation is a simple funeral without mourners in attendance. Head & Wheble offer a standard direct cremation from just £995.

Direct Cremation

Bringing the deceased into our care* (from a private residence, a care home, a hospital or the public mortuary)
A simple coffin up to 6’2 x 22” (premium cardboard coffin)
The crematorium fees
Making arrangements at Bournemouth crematorium, including help with the necessary paperwork
Flowers arranged for the coffin
Transport to the crematorium by hearse and attendance to witness the coffin being taken into the chapel
Date and time of the cremation will be made available to the family/client
Ashes can be scattered in the crematorium’s Garden of Remembrance or returned to the family/client
Assistance for people claiming benefits with DWP Funeral Expenses Payment claims
Help with Bereavement Support government funding applications

* within 15 miles of Bournemouth

Extra Charges

Conveyancing Deceased into our care (out of hours): £ 295.00

Surcharge for large coffins exceeding 6’2” x 22” – £200.00

Removal of Pacemaker/ Defibrillator/Fixion Nail – £95.00 (if applicable)

You may also like to consider purchasing a casket or urn for your loved one’s ashes. The extra cost for these are currently:
Ashes Casket: £ 165.00
Ashes Urn: £ 165.00
Scatter Tube: £ 95.00

If you have any further queries relating to our Direct Cremation services in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole & the surrounding areas of Dorset & Hampshire, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team of funeral directors.

Send us a message

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Telephone

01202 551190
(Available 24/7)

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Email

Funeral Directors
info@headandwheble.co.uk
Monumental Masons
monument@headandwheble.co.uk

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The Head & Wheble Guarantee

For over 10 years, we’ve been proud to provide gentle, straightforward direct cremations for our community in Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch.

True local care: Your loved one stays safely at our funeral home from the moment we bring them into our care until the cremation. They are never moved to a distant facility or central hub.

Dignity first: We always use a traditional hearse for their final journey.

Family focused: You and your family always come first, just as you have for the last 100 years.

Backed by a century of local trust, our promise to you is simple:

Direct Burial

If your loved one wanted to be buried, rather than cremated, please be aware we also offer Direct Burials. Similar to a Direct Cremation, this type of burial is held without a formal service and no mourners will be present. Our funeral directors will provide a respectful ceremony in a burial plot chosen by the cemetery authority.

Our standard Direct Burial Package is from £1,595.

Planning Ahead

We welcome any questions or enquiries about our Direct Cremation services before the need arises. Having a conversation in advance can provide peace of mind, helping you understand the process and know exactly what to do when the time comes. Our experienced team will guide you through everything you need to know, answering your questions with care and compassion.

If you’re unsure where to begin, we invite you to have a friendly, no-obligation conversation with us. Many families find that discussing their options in advance helps ease uncertainty, makes future decisions less overwhelming, and allows them to focus on what matters most when the time comes.

Pre-Paid Direct Cremations

At Head & Wheble Funeral Directors, we work in partnership with Golden Charter to provide you with a simple way to plan ahead for a pre-paid Direct Cremation. As one of the UK’s largest funeral plan providers, we’re completely confident in offering Golden Charter plans to you.

Take a look at Funeral Plans Bournemouth, Poole & Christchurch.

Alternatively, you may prefer to leave an Expression of Wishes which can inform your next of kin, Executor, or solicitor the details you would like included during your funeral.

Frequesntly Asked Questions

Do you offer Pure Cremation?

No. “Pure Cremation” is a specific national provider. We offer local direct cremations, meaning your loved one stays close to home at a nearby crematorium rather than being transported long distances.

Unlike national providers, our local service includes:

Personal Goodbyes: The option to visit your loved one in our chapel of rest.
Witnessing the Service: The option for family to attend the crematorium to see the coffin enter the chapel, at no additional cost.

Can you arrange a direct cremation from anywhere in England & Wales?

Yes, we collect nationwide across England and Wales.

A few key details to keep in mind:

Location of Cremation: Regardless of collection location, the service takes place at our local crematorium in Dorset.
Travel Fees: Additional transport costs apply for locations outside our immediate local area.

What should I do when someone passes away?

The very first step is to contact a doctor or hospital so the death can be officially certified. Once that is taken care of, reach out to your chosen funeral provider. They will gently guide you through every practical detail and piece of paperwork, while arranging to bring your loved one into their care with the utmost sensitivity and respect.

Visit our planning a funeral page to learn more about the next steps.

Can family attend a Direct Cremation?

No, direct cremation does not include a service or attendees at the crematorium. If you would like family to be present, our team can help you arrange a small service at our funeral home or your local crematorium instead.

What options are available for a loved one’s ashes?

You can choose whatever feels most meaningful to your family. Popular options include keeping the ashes in a decorative urn, scattering them in a favorite spot, or interring them in a memorial garden. Many families also choose keepsake jewellery or unique tributes, and we are always here to help you plan a personalized remembrance ceremony.

Can I pre-pay for a direct cremation?

Yes. We offer Pre-Paid Funeral Plans through our trusted provider, Golden Charter.

You can choose the payment option that suits you best:

Pay in full with a single lump sum.
Spread the cost with flexible monthly instalments over 2 to 15 years.

Is the care and preparation of the deceased any different for direct cremation?

Not at all. Every individual in our care is treated with the exact same level of dignity, compassion, and respect, regardless of the funeral service chosen. Our dedicated team adheres to the highest legal, ethical, and professional standards at every step. We ensure your loved one is cared for according to their personal wishes, as well as any specific religious or cultural traditions.

Direct Cremation vs. Traditional Funeral: What’s the difference?

Direct Cremation: A straightforward, respectful cremation with no formal service, eulogies, or attendees present at the crematorium.
Traditional Funeral: A public or private gathering where loved ones assemble for a service (with music, readings, and tributes) prior to burial or cremation.

If I choose direct cremation, can I upgrade or add a service later?

Yes, absolutely. If you decide that you’d prefer a service after all, simply let us know. Our team will gladly help you adjust your plans and organize a meaningful service.