With many Australians now considering inexpensive funeral options, and cremations tending to cost less than traditional burials, it’s common to want to understand what cheap cremation options are available to you.
This article discusses the two most common cheap cremation options:
- direct cremations (or no service cremations); and
- single-service cremations.
Direct Cremations
What is a direct cremation?
A direct cremation is the cremation only of the body with no funeral service. Direct cremation may also be referred to as a ‘no service cremation’, a ‘no service no attendance cremation’ or a ‘cremation only’.
A direct cremation is the cheapest cremation option as there are no additional costs for a funeral service or ceremony. A direct cremation package generally includes transportation and cremation of the body, and return of the deceased’s ashes to the family. Many families choose to hold a private ceremony to say goodbye to the deceased once they have received the ashes.
Direct cremations in your city
No service cremations take place all over Australia. To find out more about direct cremations in your city, including how much direct cremation costs, see our comprehensive city guides:
- Direct Cremations Sydney
- Direct Cremations Melbourne
- Direct Cremations Brisbane
- Direct Cremations Adelaide
- Direct Cremations Perth
Cremations only funeral directors
While the majority of funeral directors offer a range of cremation packages, with a direct cremation being the cheapest option, there are some funeral directors – called cremations only funeral directors – who only offer direct cremations.
Single Service Cremations
What is a single-service cremation?
A single-service cremation is a cremation service held at one venue only, with the committal incorporated. For example, this may be a service held at a church or chapel, followed by a non-attended cremation.
Single-service cremations are cheaper than dual-service cremations which involve a service at a church or chapel, followed by a procession to the crematorium for the cremation.
How can I save money on a single-service cremation?
If you’re concerned about the costs adding up on a single-service cremation, consider these ways of ensuring a cheap cremation:
- use less, or use inexpensive, funeral flowers;
- choose a cost-effective urn to store cremation ashes;
- choose a cheap coffin;
- consider whether your funeral director has their chapel, which can be cheaper than hiring a venue for the service.
How much does a single-service cremation cost?
The following provides a guide as to how much a single-service cremation costs in your state:
| State | Price guide |
| New South Wales | $4,995 – $8,618 |
| Victoria | $4,220 – $8,942 |
| Queensland | $3,472 – $6,252 |
| South Australia | $2,000 – $7,850 |
| Western Australia | $4,507 – $9,232 |
Crematoriums
The cremation part of both a direct and a single service cremation will take place at a crematorium. You can read more about particular crematoriums in our city guides:
- Sydney Crematorium and Cremation Services Guide
- Melbourne Crematorium and Cremation Services Guide
- Brisbane Crematorium and Cremation Services Guide
- Adelaide Crematorium and Cremation Services Guide
- Perth Crematorium and Cremation Services Guide
About eziFunerals
eziFunerals supports individuals and families cope with end of life decisions, death and funerals. We are an independent, Australian-owned and operated company. We are not part of any other funeral company.
Our member Funeral Directors operate in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Australia wide. Thet are chosen for their knowledge, quality, service, personalisation and experience. They go above and beyond, and will take the time to support the family.
For more information or to make contact with a trusted Independent funeral director, call eziFunerals on 1300 236 402 or visit www.ezifunerals.com.au.
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.
