FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear and straightforward answers about direct cremation, how arrangements are made and the care your loved one will receive.
Direct cremation explained clearly
We understand that arranging a funeral can feel unfamiliar and overwhelming. Our local team will explain each stage carefully, answer your questions and help you make the arrangements that are right for your family.
Understanding Direct Cremation
Answers about what direct cremation means and how it differs from a traditional funeral.
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is a simple and dignified cremation which takes place without a formal funeral service or mourners attending the crematorium.
It allows families to avoid the cost and formality of a traditional funeral while retaining the reassurance that their loved one will be cared for professionally and respectfully.
What is included in the £995 direct cremation?
Our direct cremation package includes:
- Bringing your loved one into our care
- Professional funeral arrangements
- A simple and dignified cremation coffin
- Transportation to the crematorium
- The direct cremation fee
- The return of the ashes, or scattering if preferred
We will explain everything included before you confirm the arrangements.
Can family members attend the cremation?
The £995 direct cremation is unattended, which means that family members and mourners do not attend the crematorium.
Families who would prefer an attended service can speak with us about our other funeral options, which allow time for family and friends to gather at the crematorium.
How is direct cremation different from a traditional funeral?
A traditional funeral normally includes a hearse, funeral staff, an attended ceremony and a set service time at a crematorium.
Direct cremation does not include a formal ceremony at the crematorium. This makes the arrangements simpler and more affordable, while still ensuring that the cremation is conducted with dignity.
Can we still hold a memorial or celebration of life?
Yes. Many families arrange a memorial service, celebration of life or family gathering after the cremation.
This can take place at a time and location that suits the family, without being restricted by crematorium availability or service times.
Making Arrangements
What happens when someone dies and how our team will guide you through the next steps.
How do I arrange a direct cremation?
You can call our team on 0800 158 3659, complete our online enquiry form or email us at support@staffordshiredirectcremation.com .
A member of our local team will take the required information, explain the process clearly and guide you through each stage of the arrangements.
What should I do when someone dies at home?
If the death was expected, contact the doctor or medical professional responsible for your loved one’s care. Once the appropriate medical confirmation has been completed, you can call us and we will explain the next steps.
If the death was unexpected, call 999. The emergency services will advise you and may refer the death to the Coroner.
What happens if someone dies in a hospital or care home?
Please contact us as soon as you feel ready. We will liaise with the hospital, care home and other relevant professionals to arrange for your loved one to be brought into our care when the necessary documentation is available.
Can the arrangements be completed by telephone or online?
Yes. Direct cremation arrangements can usually be completed by telephone, email and online without the family needing to visit a funeral home.
You will still be dealing directly with our local team, who will remain available to answer questions throughout.
How soon will the cremation take place?
The cremation will be arranged as soon as the required medical and legal documentation has been completed and a suitable crematorium appointment is available.
We will keep you informed and let you know once the arrangements have been confirmed.
Are you available outside normal office hours?
Yes. Our support line is available 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 158 3659 whenever assistance is required.
Care of Your Loved One
Information about where your loved one will be cared for and the personal choices available.
Where will my loved one be cared for?
Your loved one will be cared for locally by our experienced funeral team until the day of the cremation.
We do not transfer care to a national call centre or an unknown third-party provider. Arrangements are handled by people who work within the local community.
Can I visit my loved one?
The standard £995 direct cremation is designed as a simple unattended arrangement and does not automatically include visiting.
If visiting your loved one is important to you, please tell us when making the arrangements. We can explain the options available and confirm whether any additional cost applies.
Can my loved one wear their own clothes?
Please discuss this with our team when arranging the cremation. Clothing must be suitable for cremation and comply with the crematorium’s safety and environmental requirements.
Can personal items be placed in the coffin?
Certain small personal items may be permitted, but some materials cannot be cremated safely.
Please speak with us before placing anything in the coffin so that we can confirm whether it is suitable.
What type of coffin is provided?
The direct cremation package includes a simple, dignified coffin which is suitable for cremation. The coffin is designed to provide respectful care without adding unnecessary expense.
Cremation and Ashes
What happens at the crematorium and the choices available once the ashes are ready.
Which crematorium will be used?
We arrange the unattended cremation at a suitable local crematorium. The crematorium and time are selected according to availability and the requirements of the direct cremation service.
Can we choose the date and time?
A specific date and time cannot normally be selected for an unattended direct cremation. Allowing us to arrange the appointment according to crematorium availability helps us keep the service affordable.
We will tell you when the cremation has been arranged and keep you informed throughout.
What happens to the ashes after the cremation?
The ashes can be returned to the family in a simple container or scattered respectfully if this is preferred.
We aim to arrange the return of the ashes within five working days of the cremation, subject to crematorium procedures and availability.
Can the crematorium scatter the ashes?
Yes. If you do not wish for the ashes to be returned, arrangements can be made for them to be scattered respectfully.
Please discuss your wishes with us before the cremation so that the correct instructions can be recorded.
What can we do with the ashes once they are returned?
Families may choose to keep the ashes, scatter them in a meaningful location, place them in a memorial or arrange an interment at a cemetery or churchyard.
Permission may be required before scattering or interring ashes on land that you do not own.
Costs and Support
Clear information about pricing, service areas and the support available to your family.
Are there any hidden charges?
No. We believe that funeral pricing should be clear and straightforward.
The £995 price covers the services included within our standard direct cremation package. If anything outside the package is requested or required, we will explain the additional cost and obtain your agreement before proceeding.
Which areas do you cover?
We support families throughout Staffordshire and many surrounding communities.
Please call us on 0800 158 3659 with the location of the person who has died and we will confirm whether it falls within our standard service area.
Can I pay for the funeral monthly?
Funeral finance may be available, subject to status, affordability checks and the lender’s terms and conditions.
Please visit our funeral finance page or speak with our team for further information.
Why choose a local independent funeral director?
Choosing a local independent funeral director means that you can speak directly with the people responsible for the arrangements and the care of your loved one.
Our team is based locally, understands the area and provides personal support without passing families through a national call centre.
What if I still have questions?
Please call us on 0800 158 3659 or email support@staffordshiredirectcremation.com .
There is no obligation to proceed. We will listen, answer your questions and explain the available options clearly.
Still have a question?
Our local team is here to provide clear information and compassionate support whenever you need us.
Our support line is available 24 hours a day.