A.J. Sellman Family Funeral Directors

Direct Cremation,
Handled Personally

Simple doesn’t have to mean impersonal. Local, dignified and compassionate care, handled by our family for yours.

Talk to Us Call 01543 502322

What is Direct Cremation?

A direct cremation is a cremation without a formal funeral service at the crematorium.

It’s often chosen by families who:

  • want something simple
  • prefer to hold a separate memorial later
  • feel a traditional service isn’t right
But simple doesn’t mean rushed. And it shouldn’t mean your loved one becomes “a process”.

How We Look After Your Loved One

From the moment your loved one comes into our care, everything is handled by our team here locally.

Ed and Ralph personally oversee every step.

They are not transported across the country. They are not handled by multiple unknown teams. They stay with us, treated with the same care we would give our own family.

What Happens, Step by Step

  1. We bring your loved one into our care
  2. We handle all necessary arrangements and paperwork
  3. We prepare them with dignity
  4. We carry out the cremation
  5. We return the ashes to you personally

And throughout, you have a named person you can speak to whenever you need.

What You Can Still Choose

Even with direct cremation, you still have choices. Some families choose to:

  • spend time with their loved one beforehand
  • include personal items
  • hold a memorial or celebration later

We’ll talk you through what’s possible, so you can decide what feels right.

When Direct Cremation Feels Right

  • you want to keep things simple
  • you don’t want a formal service
  • you prefer to say goodbye in your own way, at your own time

There’s no right or wrong, just what feels right for you.

When It Might Not Be the Right Choice

Some families later feel they missed:

  • the moment of gathering
  • a sense of closure
  • the chance to say goodbye together

If that might matter to you, we’ll help you think through alternatives.

Our Approach vs “Low-Cost” Cremation Providers

You may have seen national providers offering very low-cost cremations. The key difference is this:

  • Many operate at scale, across the country
  • Your loved one may be transported long distances
  • You may not know who is caring for them
At Sellmans, everything is handled locally, by people you can speak to, with care that doesn’t change because the service is simple.

Our Direct Cremation Options

Simple Direct Cremation

A straightforward, unattended cremation handled locally, with full care.

Enhanced Direct Cremation

Adds options such as time with your loved one, more involvement for family, and additional personal touches.

A Simple Farewell

For families who want simplicity, but still want a moment to gather.

We’ll guide you through the options, without pressure.

Common Questions

Can we still say goodbye?

Yes. We’ll talk you through the options available.

Will my loved one stay local?

Yes. They remain in our care throughout.

Is this the cheapest option?

It is one of the most affordable, but we’ll always help you choose based on what matters, not just cost.

Talk to Us

If you’re considering direct cremation, the best thing to do is have a conversation.

No pressure. No assumptions. Just honest advice.

Call 01543 502322 Contact us here
📞 Call 01543 502322

What Families Say About Us

"A.J. Sellman made a difficult time more bearable. Kind, professional, and affordable."

– Sarah L., Cannock

"We appreciated the care and attention every step of the way. Highly recommended."

– Mark T., Stafford

"Dignified and respectful. Thank you for being there for our family."

– Rachel P., Lichfield