The Choice of Direct Cremation
A private farewell without a traditional funeral or mourners.
What Is a Direct Cremation — And Is It Right for Your Family?
A direct cremation is a simple, private cremation that takes place without a formal service or mourners in attendance. With A G Butler & Son, your loved one is cared for and cremated with the exact same respect we bring to every arrangement. The family receives the ashes and can choose to gather, remember, and mark the moment however and whenever feels right.
We know that families who come to us—whether from Goodmayes, Ilford, Seven Kings, Dagenham, Barking, or surrounding areas—are looking for someone they can genuinely trust. We will take whatever time you need to sit down and explain what a direct cremation involves, ensuring you understand all your options. A simple, attended funeral can sometimes cost less than you might expect, and we want you to be fully aware of every choice before making a decision.
Whatever you choose, we are with you.
Why It Matters That We Are Here — Not Just on the Phone
Some national companies have been advertising direct cremations widely in recent years. For some families, the experience has been a difficult one, a loved one taken many miles from home, minimal personal contact, ashes returned weeks later from a facility the family never knew anything about.
At AG Butler & Son, your loved one stays in our care, locally, at our offices in Goodmayes, Ilford, Dagenham and Manor Park. Our facilities are inspected, professionally maintained and operated to the full SAIF code of practice. When you call us, someone who knows your local area will answer.
In our local communities, trust is built face-to-face, over time, on familiar high streets. We pride ourselves on being a dedicated part of the local communities we serve.
What Our Direct Cremation Includes — A transparent & clear guide:
We believe you should know exactly what is included before you commit to anything. Here is what we provide:
- Discuss your options during a gentle, unhurried conversation at our offices or by telephone, where we explain exactly what our service covers and alternative choices.
- Receive full transparency on pricing, provided clearly in writing before anything is agreed.
- Arrange caring collection of your loved one from their place of death at the earliest opportunity.
- Ensure local care inside our own professionally maintained and inspected facilities, meaning your loved one stays right here in the community.
- The cremation will be arranged once the paperwork is complete, and payment has been made. The cremation, depending on availability of the crematorium will likely take place within 7 days.
- Cremation at a local crematorium. Most commonly the City of London Cemetery and Crematorium in Manor Park, the East London Cemetery in Plaistow, or Manor Park Crematorium are used. You will be told which one, along with the date and time, well in advance.
- A simple, appropriate coffin.
- Transport your loved one by hearse from our local offices directly to the crematorium.
- Attend the service with our dedicated funeral director and staff present throughout.
- The cremation will take place without ceremony or attendance, as per the definition of Direct Cremation.
- Return the ashes to you securely, handling them with complete care and strictly in accordance with your wishes.
- Complete all documentation, ensuring all legal certificates and authorisations are processed accurately and lawfully.
- Provide registry guidance to help you register the death.
- Support you personally throughout the process with clear instructions and timely, reassuring updates.
Post funeral services and support
Urns
Options range from classic and elegant to contemporary and personalised, with engraving available on many styles.
Keepsakes
We have carefully selected suppliers who offer thoughtful, elegant jewellery and unique keepsakes. Crafted with care to honour loved ones.
Memorials
Our partners offer a wide range of headstones, plaques, benches, or garden memorials. Guided by your wishes, each piece is crafted with care.
Probate Support
We recommend partners who provide expert legal and administrative guidance.
We Are Here — To guide, without pressure.
If you are considering a direct cremation, for yourself or for someone you love, please reach out to us first. We will listen and provide clear, honest advise, to help you find the right way forward.
Words from the
Families We’ve Helped
