When a loved one dies, families in Guernsey face a series of difficult decisions at one of the hardest times in their lives. At Beckfords, we have noticed more people asking about direct cremation in recent years, a simpler alternative to a traditional funeral service. Yet the term is still widely misunderstood, and the questions people search for are not always answered in clear, honest terms.

For this article, we directly addressed the most common questions families ask our team about direct cremations. We discuss what a direct cremation involves, what it costs and other important questions to help Guernsey families feel informed about their options. 

Contact Beckfords to talk through a direct cremation

What is a direct cremation, and how does it work?

Many people have heard the term ‘direct cremations’, but are unsure exactly what it means. Here is how the team describe it:

“A direct cremation is the respectful care and cremation of the deceased without the formalities of a conventional funeral service.”

This is often followed by: 

Does there have to be no service?

The word "direct" can give the impression that nothing else happens, but that is not the case. It simply means there is no formal funeral service accompanying the cremation itself.

Memorial services can still follow the cremation. The ashes may or may not be present, depending on the family's wishes and their instructions about how the ashes are handled. Some families choose to gather soon afterwards, while others prefer to wait until a date that suits everyone, and Beckfords can help arrange whatever feels right for them.

The process, step by step

The team walked us through what typically happens, from the first point of contact to the return of the ashes:

• The death occurs and Beckfords are appointed. The deceased is brought into their care as soon as possible, depending on where the death occurred and the circumstances.
• Beckfords meet with the representatives of the deceased to complete all statutory and non-statutory documents, and to discuss any memorial services if desired.
• A cremation application is submitted to the relevant medical practitioner.
• Once authorisation for the cremation is received from HM Law Offices, the cremation can lawfully take place.
• In the interim, families who wish to pay their respects to their loved one are welcome to do so.
• The deceased is transferred privately and discreetly to Le Foulon Crematorium. Families can be told the time of the transfer if they wish, though some prefer not to know.
• Following the cremation, the ashes are typically collected within 72 hours, and the family is notified that they are safely in Beckfords’ care.
• If it has not already been discussed, Beckfords talk through any additional requirements, such as urns, cremation plaques, or interment of ashes services.

How is it different from a standard cremation funeral?

A standard cremation service is held at a crematorium and includes a service or ceremony, which may or may not be publicised. These are typically led by a faith leader or celebrant and follow a structured order, with readings, poems, tributes, hymns and music. A direct cremation removes that formal service, though, as the team explains further down, it can still be personalised.

Can you attend a direct cremation?

One of the most searched questions about direct cremation is whether families can be there. In Guernsey, the answer is yes, with a few things worth understanding.

When requested, Beckfords can book the Le Foulon Chapel for either 15 or 35 minutes, for an additional cost. This gives families the chance to sit in the presence of their loved one before the curtains close.

It is worth noting that, unlike in films, the coffin does not travel through a door in Guernsey. It remains in place, and the cremation itself takes place afterwards.

Holding a memorial afterwards

Families often ask whether they can still hold a separate memorial or celebration of life after a direct cremation.

“Absolutely. A direct cremation does not close the door on any of that. Families often hold a separate memorial or celebration of life afterwards, at a time and place that suits them, whether that is days, weeks or months later. At Beckords, we often arrange, attend and oversee all the requirements of these."

— Zac Hannis, Beckfords

What does a direct cremation cost, and what’s included?

A Beckfords direct cremation costs £2,865*. That fee covers:

• Professional services
• Collection and care of the deceased
• A basic coffin suitable for cremation
• Doctors’ fees for completing the cremation documents
• Transfer of the deceased to Le Foulon Crematorium
• One death certificate

*correct at the time of writing

Why families choose direct cremation

Cost is often assumed to be the main reason families choose a direct cremation, but the team’s experience suggests otherwise.

"There are a variety of reasons, whether the deceased’s wishes or the family’s wishes. I don’t think cost is the main factor.”
— Zac Hannis, Beckfords

Contact Beckfords to talk through a direct cremation

How direct cremation works in Guernsey

Another very common conversation we have with families is explaining the difference of direct cremations in Guernsey, compared to other information they may have come across that is more relevant to the UK. 

Arranging a direct cremation in Guernsey differs from the UK in one important way: the registration of the death.

“The main difference is when it comes down to the initial registration of death, no person can be cremated without firstly their death being registered with the local Registrations Office or in Guernsey, HM Greffe. In the UK families have to make an appointment and register typically in person, as where in Guernsey, registration takes place via the funeral director if one has been appointed. In the UK you can't make an appointment until the local Registrar has received the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, which is very much in the hands of Medical Practitioners and so the timeframe is variable.”
— Zac Hannis, Beckfords

Are direct cremations becoming more popular?

We asked whether the team had noticed any shift in demand.

“We did see a period when direct cremations became more popular, but in recent years it seems more people are coming back to full services. Why this is, I can’t say for certain, but my inclination is that a service, in whatever format it takes, is a big part of the grieving process. It allows for a variety of emotions to be released.”
— Zac Hannis, Beckfords

Guidance for families who are unsure

For anyone weighing up a direct cremation but feeling uncertain, we asked what the team would say.

“That is not an easy question to answer, because each family member will have different views. I would encourage open conversation among everyone in the immediate circle, and explore the range of options that fall between a full public funeral service and a direct cremation. One example could be a small private gathering in our chapel, a simple 15-minute service personalised to the person who has died. There are many options that sit between the two.”
— Zac Hannis, Beckfords

A common misconception about direct cremations

The team also shared one thing families often get wrong. 

“Sometimes people think a direct cremation package is fixed or rigid, and that it can’t be adapted to suit the individual. It absolutely can be adapted to include a multitude of options.”
— Zac Hannis, Beckfords

Wrapping up

Perhaps the most important thing to know is that you do not have to have a traditional funeral in mind, or anything in mind, to contact Beckfords. As the team put it:

“We are here to help all, in whatever capacity they require and whenever they require it.”
— Zac Hannis, Beckfords

Families are welcome to get in touch, ask questions, and talk through their options well in advance of ever needing the service. Beckfords have also opened an office at the Bridge, so anyone can simply pop in, and appointments can be made at either of their premises.