Unattended/Direct Funerals
In these changing times, the way we say goodbye is also changing. An unattended or direct funeral service is a valid, dignified choice that suits many families
Understanding Unattended/Direct Funerals - Why Choose Our Family Service Over Large Conglomerates
When it comes to saying farewell to a loved one, every family seeks compassion, dignity, and personalisation. At Harold P Heywood, T. Collins & Son and Wild & Brierley we understand that some families may prefer the simplicity and privacy of an unattended or direct funeral. This type of service, while not for everyone, offers several unique benefits along with some considerations. Here, we explore what these services entail, and why choosing a family operated funeral service like ours can offer a more comforting and personal experience compared to larger conglomerates.
What is an Unattended/Direct Funeral?
An unattended or direct funeral involves the cremation or burial of the deceased without a formal funeral service or ceremony beforehand. Often chosen for its simplicity, affordability, and quiet dignity, this allows the family to remember their loved one in their own way, at their own time.
Benefits of an Unattended/Direct Funeral
- More cost effective than âtraditionalâ funerals.
- You can say farewell in your own way.
- Simple and quick arrangements.
- Takes away demanding timelines.
Considerations of an Unattended/Direct Funeral
- Lack of closure for family & friends.
- Long term mental health concerns for family members not being able to say goodbye.
- Family members not fully understanding what is involved and what is not involved.
- Â No personalisation.
- Set funeral with no option to change any arrangements.
- âTraditionalâ funerals are seen as a life event just like a birth or wedding - unattended funerals can take this away.
Why Choose Us?
Choosing us means opting for a service that is rooted in the community values of support, integrity, and personal touch. Unlike larger corporations, our focus is on providing a respectful and dignified farewell to each individual, reflecting their unique life and your family's wishes.
As a family owned service, we understand the importance of closeness and personalised attention during this difficult time. We are here to provide not only a service but a shoulder to lean on, ensuring that your loved one is treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.
Local: Unlike large direct/unattended cremation companies and online companies known for handling these types of services en masse, we ensure that every aspect of the funeral service is handled locally. Your loved one remains in the community, under the care of familiar faces who reside in the same areas they do.
*Did you know large direct/unattended cremation companies and online companies coney loved ones out of their local areas, often hundreds of miles away?
Individual:Â Unlike large direct/unattended cremation companies and online companies we convey your loved one on their own directly to the crematorium in our immaculate hearse.
*Did you know companies known for this type of service use vans to convey deceased's to crematoriums and often in multiples?Â
Transparency: With us, you always know who cares for your loved one.
*Wouldn't you like to know who cares for your family member at all times and at every stage?
Experience:Â Our funeral directors have over a combined 40 years of experience. Our funeral director cares for your loved one every step of the way, even accompanying them on the funeral day to ensure everything runs smoothly.
*Staff members of large direct/ unattended cremation companies and online companies often have little to no experience in the funeral industry.
Care: We will bring your loved one into our care at the earliest opportunity and they will be cared for in clean, modern and respectful facilities.
.*We do not leave your loved ones in hospital mortuaries or care for them in 'warehouse' facilities.
Dates & Times:Â No lengthy delays, we endeavor to hold an unattended funeral within a week and half of the initial arrangement (subject to crematoria and cemeteries). We will inform the applicant of these arrangements to allow them to know exactly what is happening and when.
*Comments on social media posts for direct/unattended companies and online companies show lengthy delays and little to no communication.
Our Unattended Cremation Service
- 24 Hour Care and Support
- Face to Face meeting with experienced Funeral Director
- Taking care of all legal and administrative arrangements
- Third Party Disbursements (Cremation Cost)
- Conveyance from place of death to our chapel of rest during office hours (we are here to help 24 hours a day - additional charges will apply for conveyance out of office hours))
- Your loved one is cared for by us at all times and kept within the local area
- Option for family and friends to gather in our private service chapel at our Wild & Brierley premises (additional charges will apply)
- Cremation held at Oldham (Hollinwood) Crematorium
- Coffin suitable for cremation
- Conveyance of your loved one direct to Oldham Crematorium in an immaculate Hearse accompanied by Funeral Director
- Collection of ashes and safe storage at our premises for up to 3 months or respectful scattering of ashes on the Garden of remembrance at Oldham (Hollinwood) Crematorium
*we offer an out of hours service but this will be provided at an additional cost.
Pre-Paid Funeral Plans for Unattended/Direct Funerals
At Harold P. Heywood, T. Collins & Son and Wild & Brierley we offer the option to pre-plan and pre-pay for direct funerals through our partnership with Golden Charter Funeral Plans.
For inquiries, please call us and ask to speak to Michael who is our Appointed Representative for Golden Charter.


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We are here to help you through this difficult time. Our family and team are available to provide you with compassionate care and support





