Direct cremations have increased by a remarkable 400% since 2019. When David Bowie died in 2016, he chose a private cremation with no mourners present — carried out in accordance with the Buddhist rituals of Bali — and many have wondered whether his quiet farewell helped spark a wider shift in how we say goodbye.
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is a private process: the deceased is transported to the crematorium without a service and without mourners present, and the ashes are made available for collection a few days later. Today, 75.1% of funerals are cremations — and of those, around 14% of all funerals are now direct cremations.
Why are families choosing it?
Cost
A direct cremation typically costs under £1,500, compared with roughly £4,000 for a traditional funeral. Interestingly, many families who choose this option could comfortably afford a conventional funeral — they simply prefer to spend their resources differently.
Spirituality and religion
Some faiths, including Buddhism and Hinduism, encourage cremation as part of their funeral practices. Bowie's own wishes specified cremation in keeping with Buddhist ritual.
Environmental benefits
Direct cremation avoids embalming chemicals, reduces transport energy, and suits biodegradable containers — such as our cardboard coffins and flatpack caskets — that require minimal resources to produce and store.
Simplicity and freedom
The process is usually complete within 24–48 hours, freeing families to celebrate their loved one's life on their own terms — wherever, whenever and however feels right.