For families looking for more affordable ways to honour their loved ones, it’s generally true that cremations offer a lower cost solution versus the traditional burial option. However, you should be aware that there are other costs to consider as part of the cremation option. We estimate that a reasonable price for a cremation service would start at around $5,000.
Cremation features and services that can attract fees
A good funeral director can help you navigate what is the right mix of services to fit your circumstances and your budget. The following list, identifies services that could be considered as part of the cremation.
- Crematorium cost to conduct the cremation
- Vehicles and transfers
- Mortuary care
- Preparing the cremated remains
- Memorialisation and location
- Funeral Ceremony and location hire
- Funeral director
How much does cremation cost?
Just as the cost of a funeral varies, so does the associated costs around a cremation service. Here are some price ranges for specific services. Ideally, we recommend that you speak to your funeral director to understand pricing in more detail.
Cremation:
Although the cost of cremation differs by state and individual Crematorium within Australia, on average, the cost of a cremation ranges between $600 and $1,500. It is important to remember that this cost is only for the cremation itself and you will need to allow for other associated costs to do with the services provided by a Funeral Director.
Ceremony costs
When arranging a cremation with a memorial service you can expect some extra costs such as transportation and location hire. You may also like to include a celebrant, music & digital display, order of service booklets, online and newspaper announcements of the service and flower arrangements. A funeral director can assist with the planning and costs of each of these.
Preparing remains:
This will be part of the cremation process and included in fees of a crematorium.
Memorialisation & Location costs:
Urns are a wonderful way to memorialise your loved one. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. For an urn to be considered appropriate for cremated remains, it must have a lid. Prices vary and can range between $100 and $500. For a full range of memorial urns download our booklet. Memorials can also be traditional plaques and headstones all the way through to full scale monuments, trees, gardens or even benches. These fixed memorials are advised to be organised with the memorial park that you would like to hold the item and costs will vary.
Ceremony costs:
When arranging a cremation with a memorial service you can except some extra costs such as transportation and location hire. You may also like to include a celebrant, music & digital display, order of service booklets, online and newspaper announcements of the service and flower arrangements. Funeral directors are well placed to assist with the planning and costs of each of these.
Funeral Director costs:
Funeral director fees will vary by funeral director both in price and exactly what is covered. Make sure you check with your chosen funeral provider exactly what is covered by their fees. Generally, they will include fees to cover organising documentation, coordinating the service, care and preparation of the deceased, transportation of the deceased and liaising with clergy, newspapers, florists etc.
In summary, the cost of a cremation varies depending on what sort of ceremony is planned and what inclusions are chosen. Funeral directors are a great source of knowledge and experience in helping guide you through the celebration that is right for you and your loved ones and can meet your budget.
For ideas on memorial urns we have created a comprehensive booklet to find a memorial style to suit you and your loved ones.
For ideas on memorial urns we have created a comprehensive booklet to find a memorial style to suit you and your loved ones.
