Bare is a registered trademark of its owner. eziFunerals is not affiliated with Bare. This article is provided for fair consumer comparison.

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Introduction: Why Consider Alternatives to Bare Cremation?

Bare Cremation has become one of Australia’s most recognised low-cost, online funeral brands. Promoting affordable direct cremations and prepaid funeral options, Bare appeals to those wanting a simple, no-fuss farewell.

However, Bare Cremation may not suit every family’s needs. In fact, the ACCC found in 2021 that Bare had likely misled consumers about pricing — advertising $1,299 nationally when it only applied in one of seventeen regions. Bare paid a $13,320 penalty for this (source: ACCC).

Beyond pricing, Bare uses a subcontractor model without owning its own funeral homes, chapels, or mortuaries. That means there is no physical place to view your loved one, no on-site staff, and no consistent facility to support you in person.

If you’re looking for more personal service, a place for family and friends to gather, or cultural and religious flexibility, it’s worth exploring alternatives to Bare Cremation.

In this article, we’ll help you discover those options — so you can confidently plan a respectful, dignified farewell.

1. Traditional Funeral Homes

Traditional funeral homes remain a trusted option in Australia. Unlike Bare Cremation, these businesses:

✅ Own and operate their own chapels, viewing rooms, and mortuaries

✅ Employ licensed, qualified funeral directors

✅ Provide in-person guidance and emotional support

✅ Help with cultural, religious, and family-led ceremonies

✅ Offer flexible packages tailored to each family

Many traditional funeral homes also provide low-cost, no-service cremation (similar to Bare) but with the benefit of personal contact, a permanent location, and support through the entire process.

Key advantage: local knowledge and relationships with celebrants, clergy, and community groups.

Example: eziFunerals works with hundreds of independent, community-based funeral homes across Australia, allowing families to compare quotes from these trusted professionals in one place.

2. Independent Funeral Directors

Better Alternative to Bare Cremation

Independent funeral directors provide an alternative to both big corporate brands and online-only models like Bare. They often operate as family businesses with long-standing community connections.

✅ Locally owned

✅ Fully licensed

✅ Face-to-face personal service

✅ On-call 24/7 for urgent needs

✅ Freedom to design a farewell that suits your wishes

By using eziFunerals, you can find independent funeral directors near you who offer both direct cremation and full-service funerals, giving you a wide range of respectful and affordable options.

3. Community-Based Cremation Providers

Some community-based cremation services specialise in simple, dignified cremations while still maintaining physical premises and a caring local team.

✅ Clear pricing

✅ Often more flexible than large chains

✅ Can include memorial gatherings

✅ Usually have their own equipment and facilities

Unlike Bare, which relies on subcontractors and central call centres, many community cremation providers handle the entire process themselves, offering more accountability and continuity of care.

Tip: When researching cremation providers, ask:

  • Do you own your crematory equipment?
  • Can I visit your premises?
  • Will I have a dedicated contact person?

If they say yes, you’re likely dealing with a more hands-on provider than a purely digital operation.

4. eziFunerals: A National Comparison Platform

One of the simplest ways to explore alternatives to Bare Cremation is to use eziFunerals, Australia’s largest independent funeral marketplace.

✅ Free to use

✅ No obligation

✅ Compare prices from multiple funeral directors

✅ Read verified reviews

✅ Access prepaid options, direct cremations, and traditional funerals

✅ Connect with locally owned, licensed providers

eziFunerals lets you remain in control, without being locked into one fixed package. You can see a wide range of quotes, talk directly to providers, and plan in a way that respects your culture and family preferences.

In contrast, Bare’s preset packages might be too rigid for families who want to include religious traditions, viewings, or personal tributes.

5. Faith-Based Funeral Services

For many Australians, faith and culture are central to how they say goodbye.

Bare Cremation does not have chapels, may not specialise in faith-based rituals. This can be limiting if you need:

✅ A priest or imam

✅ Specific cultural rituals

✅ On-site blessings or prayers

✅ A community chapel or church service

By working with a traditional funeral home or an independent celebrant via eziFunerals, you can ensure all religious and cultural values are properly respected.

6. Direct Cremation with Personal Support

Bare Cremation

Bare has popularised the idea of “direct cremation” — no ceremony, no fuss, just cremation with ashes returned. But other providers also offer direct cremations, often with a more personal touch:

✅ Same cost-effective simplicity

✅ But with the option for a family viewing

✅ More local accountability

✅ Staff who can meet you in person

If you prefer a simple cremation but still want some personal care and support, eziFunerals’ network of funeral directors can help you arrange this.

What to Ask Before Choosing a Bare Cremation Alternative

👉 Does the provider have its own funeral home?

👉 Can I view my loved one before cremation?

👉 Is pricing transparent with no regional surprises?

👉 Are celebrants or clergy included if needed?

👉 Do they own their own mortuary and equipment?

Asking these questions will help you avoid hidden costs and make sure your family’s wishes are respected.

Why Alternatives to Bare Cremation Can Be Wiser

While Bare Cremation may suit some families, many others want:

✅ a local funeral home with real staff

✅ the ability to see their loved one

✅ flexible, respectful cultural options

✅ clear local pricing without hidden charges

By comparing providers on eziFunerals, you can weigh up all of these benefits in one place — with no obligation and no hidden fees.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Goodbye

Funerals are deeply personal. Whether you prefer a simple cremation, a traditional service, or a custom cultural farewell, you deserve clear choices, transparent prices, and personal, local support.

Bare Cremation is one choice — but it is not the only one.

With eziFunerals, you can see all your options side by side, including alternatives to Bare Cremation, and make sure your final farewell meets every one of your family’s wishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main alternatives to Bare Cremation in Australia?

Several reputable alternatives to Bare Cremation include local independent funeral directors, direct cremation providers, and funeral comparison services like eziFunerals. These options allow you to compare prices, services, and inclusions to find a provider that suits your personal needs and budget.

Is direct cremation cheaper than a traditional funeral?

Yes, direct cremation is generally much cheaper than a traditional funeral because it does not involve a formal service, expensive coffins, or elaborate ceremonies. Many Australians choose direct cremation to reduce costs while still honouring their loved one privately.

How can I compare direct cremation services in my area?

You can use independent funeral comparison platforms such as eziFunerals to compare direct cremation providers. These platforms help you view transparent pricing, service inclusions, and reviews, so you can make an informed decision.

Can I still hold a memorial if I choose direct cremation?

Absolutely. Many families choose to hold a separate memorial or celebration of life after a direct cremation has taken place. This gives you more flexibility around timing and location, and can be more personal and affordable.

Why should I consider using eziFunerals instead of Bare Cremation?

eziFunerals connects you with a network of independent, trusted funeral directors and cremation providers. Unlike a single operator, eziFunerals lets you compare multiple options side by side, so you can find the best service and price to suit your preferences.

Is Bare Cremation the same as direct cremation?

Bare Cremation is a brand name offering direct cremation services. “Direct cremation” is the generic term for cremation without a formal funeral service. Many other providers also offer this service, sometimes at a lower price or with more flexible options.

Make an informed funeral choice

eziFunerals is Australia’s independent funeral comparison site. Get free, no-obligation quotes for direct cremations, prepaid funerals, and traditional services today — and discover a better alternative to Bare Cremation.

Sources & References

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Peter

Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government, he has more than 15 years of experience in the funeral industry and is the author of What Kind of Funeral. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.