Understanding Cremation options in 2026. Traditional and alternative

Quantock Funeral Directors is proud to serve families across Taunton, Wellington, and the wider Somerset area with compassion, professionalism, and a deep understanding of evolving needs in end-of-life care. As we move through 2026, one of the most significant shifts in funeral choices continues to be the rise of cremation and its many modern variations. Cremation has long been a popular option in the UK, and today it accounts for around 80% of dispositions, with rates in England and Wales even higher at over 82%.

In this post, we'll explore the current cremation options available in 2026, including traditional methods, direct cremation, emerging eco-friendly alternatives, and what families in Somerset can expect when planning a meaningful farewell.

Why Cremation Remains the Leading Choice in 2026

Cremation offers flexibility, affordability, and opportunities for personalisation that resonate with many families today. According to recent reports, attended cremations (with a service) make up about 53% of UK funerals, while direct cremations (without an immediate service) have grown to around 21%. This reflects a broader trend toward simpler, more cost-effective, and customizable arrangements.

Key reasons families choose cremation include:

Lower overall costs compared to traditional burial — average attended cremation around £3,500–£4,300 (including fees), versus higher burial expenses.

Environmental considerations — cremation uses less land than burial, though traditional flame methods involve energy use.

Flexibility for memorials — ashes can be scattered in meaningful locations, kept in urns, turned into memorial objects, or incorporated into tributes like trees or jewellery.

At Quantock Funeral Directors, we guide families through these choices with sensitivity, ensuring every decision honours the deceased and supports those left behind.

Traditional Cremation: The Attended Service Option

This classic approach involves a funeral service at a crematorium chapel (or another venue) followed by the cremation process. Families often include music, readings, eulogies, and floral tributes to celebrate the life lived.

Process — The service lasts 30–40 minutes, with the committal leading to cremation (typically completed within a few hours).

Costs — Expect £3,500–£4,000 on average for a simple attended cremation in the UK, including our professional fees, crematorium charges, and doctor's certificates.

Personalisation — Many opt for live streaming for distant relatives, themed music, or video tributes — trends that continue strongly in 2026.

This option suits families wanting a traditional gathering while benefiting from cremation's practicality.

Direct Cremation: Simple, Affordable, and Flexible

Direct (or unattended) cremation has surged in popularity, now representing one in five UK funerals. It involves no service at the time of cremation — the cremation occurs privately, and families receive the ashes afterward for a separate memorial or scattering.

Benefits — Significantly lower cost (often £1,300-1,500), reduced stress during arrangements, and freedom to plan a celebration of life later at a chosen time and place (e.g., a favourite Somerset spot like the Quantock Hills).

Ideal for — Families preferring privacy, those facing financial constraints, or situations where a large gathering isn't feasible.

Our approach — We handle everything respectfully and transparently at Quantock, with clear pricing and options to add memorial elements afterward.

This "no-fuss" choice empowers families to focus on remembrance rather than formality.

Emerging Alternatives: Water Cremation (Resomation/Aquamation) and Beyond

Sustainability drives innovation in 2026, with growing interest in greener options beyond traditional flame cremation.

Water cremation (Resomation or aquamation) — This gentle process uses alkaline hydrolysis (warm water and alkali) to accelerate natural decomposition, returning remains as ashes with lower energy use and emissions than flame cremation. It's eco-friendlier and produces sterile liquid byproducts safely returned to the water cycle.

UK status — Still limited availability,  but interest is rising. It has recently become an offered option in Scotland.

Why it's trending — Appeals to environmentally conscious families seeking a natural, low-impact farewell.

Human composting (terramation) — Body converted to nutrient-rich soil over months using organic materials — highly sustainable but not yet widely available or fully regulated in England and Wales. The Law Commission is reviewing new funerary methods, with potential changes expected in the coming years (possibly by late 2026 or beyond). We stay updated to guide families as regulations evolve.

These options highlight how cremation is evolving to align with modern values like environmental responsibility and personalisation.

What to Consider When Choosing a Cremation Option in Somerset

Local crematoria — Facilities like Taunton Deane or others nearby offer excellent services; we coordinate seamlessly.

Personal touches — From eco-friendly urns to ash scattering in the Quantock Hills or along the Somerset coast.

Costs and planning — Prices vary regionally — pre-planning with us locks in current rates and eases burden on loved ones.

Support — Grief doesn't end with the funeral; we connect families to local bereavement resources.

Final Thoughts from Quantock Funeral Directors

Cremation in 2026 offers more choices than ever — from traditional attended services to direct options and sustainable innovations. Whatever path feels right, our team at Quantock Funeral Directors in Taunton is here to listen, explain, and support you every step.

If you're exploring cremation options for yourself or a loved one, contact us today for a no-obligation conversation. We're available at 69 Staplegrove Road, Taunton, or by phone at our usual number. Let us help create a farewell that's meaningful, respectful, and tailored to your needs.

Quantock Funeral Directors – Caring for Somerset families, with dignity and compassion.