No-fuss direct cremations – why these cost-effective, simple, dignified funerals are popular in Worksop

We spoke to Sym Waller, co-founder of Direct Cremations South Yorkshire, which offers the service in and around Worksop, to find out more – and debunk a few myths.

Sym has 20 years’ experience of arranging funerals for people across the county. As more and more people expressed interest in direct cremations, he set out to devise a straightforward, quality, option – which currently costs less than £1,000. It offers loved ones the chance to say their private goodbyes, the ashes can be returned and there’s even an option to spread the cost by way of a pre-paid funeral plan.

So, why is this new, and what makes Direct Cremation South Yorkshire different? We asked Sym to first of all explain what a direct cremation is – and where the idea came from.

A simple, dignified cremation

Direct cremations are unattended cremations – no fuss, no limos, no guests and no formal service. But, says Sym, that does not mean just a perfunctory practicality.

“What I set out to do was to offer people the same level of service and attention, the same care and respect for their loved one and with openness and honesty about the cost,” said Sym, whose direct cremations are £999.

The deceased person is taken from home, hospital, nursing home or hospice – wherever they passed away – to the funeral home, for them to be prepared for cremation and then, on a specified date and time window, will be taken in a private ambulance to the crematorium.

Why would anyone have a direct cremation?

For some it is the uncomplicatedness of a simple service which appeals, for others it might be budgets and costs – for many it is the stated wish of the deceased person, who would prefer their family to mark their life and their passing in a different way.

The coffins in these kind of funerals are a solid frame wrapped with hessian – the same material used for woodland burials and for those who prefer a more environmentally friendly, ecologically sound send-off.

Sym says they have an understated and natural look – dried flower arrangements could be pinned to the top for a personal touch for example – some people have even signed their names or written their final messages on the top by way of a farewell.

When did direct cremations become more popular?

At the height of lockdowns during Covid, unattended funerals became obligatory – no guests were allowed at the crematorium at first.

“Although it was unorthodox at the time it stuck in some people’s minds,” says Sym. Goodbye ceremonies and memorials were deferred and, for many, they felt more natural, more meaningful – people found different ways to celebrate that life and say goodbye.”

People began to request them from Doncaster Funerals, the firm Sym has run since 2017. He and co-founder Stacey Cheadle, a qualified embalmer who works mainly behind the scenes, say now 50% of their funerals are direct cremations.

Will my loved one be alone when the cremation happens?

“We always accompany your loved one all the way. It’s a very dignified process – if someone were watching it would look like any other funeral, but without the fuss and the guests.

“A member of staff from the crematorium and one of us will take the coffin in the usual route to the front of the crematorium (the catafalque). All the time some suitable, respectful music is playing. Once there the curtains are closed and, as the coffin is taken we all bow our heads to say a final goodbye.

“It’s really dignified, respectful and peaceful. Nobody is talking. Those last rites are performed just the same as if it were an attended funeral.”

There must be hidden costs?

One thing Sym was determined to do was to ensure costs were up-front, simple to work out and with no ‘hidden’ extras.

“With some direct cremation services things like picking up from home or a care home – rather than a hospital – incur extra charges, being able to visit and say a last goodbye could be extra, or even removing a pacemaker.”

With Direct Cremations South Yorkshire there is no extra charge for Sym to come to your home and discuss the funeral – including in and around the Worksop area. Family and friends can visit their loved one to say a personal farewell, and they can bring clothes for their loved one to wear – it’s all part of the service.

Find out more and compare prices here

What if the family wants some kind of service?

This is where Sym’s service comes into its own. There is a private chapel at the funeral home, which is in Doncaster city centre, less than 20 miles north of Worksop. Here a service can be arranged for up to 30 mourners, with a celebrant to lead the service, photographs on a big screen and music of your choice – exactly the same as a crematorium service.

“If the deceased person specified a direct cremation but the family wants a service this hybrid ensures everyone’s wishes are met.”

There is an extra cost but again it is fixed at £1799 (including the cost for the celebrant and a more substantial coffin)

Others opt for a memorial or religious service in their own place of worship – a funeral service without the coffin – which could be held before or after the cremation; it could even be on the same day.

What will happen to the ashes?

Families will be able to collect ashes a few days after the cremation from the funeral home in Doncaster, or Direct Cremations will bring them home to you – for a £25 fee.

You are then free to carry out your loved one’s wishes with regards to their ashes.

“There are many options now,” says Sym, some people even have some of the ashes made into jewellery. “We work with a company who sets some of them in resin – nobody would know what it was, it just looks like an attractive piece of jewellery.”

And, once again, Sym’s up-front approach to cost comes in, they offer a 15% discount on this jewellery, sharing the 30% discount the jewellery company offers Direct Cremations South Yorkshire

How could I plan for a direct cremation?

Payment can be made in full, before or at the time of the funeral. But there is also a pre-payment plan option. Since 2023 such finance plans have to be regulated. When you take out a funeral plan with Direct Cremations South Yorkshire, their plan provider Ecclesiastical Planning Services arranges for the funds to be held in individual whole of life assurance policies. The full value of your plan, excluding the administration fee and any instalment charges, is ring-fenced and cannot be used for anything but your funeral when the time comes.

How do I make MY wishes known?

Just tell Sym! It’s often easier to have the conversation with a funeral director than with your own family. The team at Direct Cremations is working on a new ‘Before I Go, You Should Know’ service whereby you fill out a simple one-page form expressing– whether a full funeral or a direct cremation – and then all you need to tell your family is to contact Sym and the team.

Find out more

Call into the funeral home at 41 Princegate, Doncaster. Check out the website here to learn more about direct cremations or funeral planning.

Call Sym on 0345 0344 751

*An admin fee of £325 is charged, by Ecclesiastical Planning for a pre-payment plan

Terms and conditions apply to funeral plans.

Prices correct at April 2026 and based on today’s cost of a funeral plus a £325 admin fee.

Direct Cremations South Yorkshire are an Appointed Representative of Ecclesiastical Planning Services Limited Reg. No.2644860, registered in England at Benefact House, 2000 Pioneer Avenue, Gloucester Business Park, Brockworth, Gloucester,GL3 4AW, UK, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 958152. The Financial Conduct Authority regulates pre-paid funeral plans only.