Your Complete Guide to Planning a Cremation

While it may not be the traditional choice, more Australians are choosing cremation over burial, especially in cities where crematoriums are more accessible. Research from the Australian Seniors Cost of Death Report shows growing interest in simpler and more affordable funeral options like direct cremation.

This Complete Guide to Cremation answers the common questions to help you and your family make the decision that’s right for you when it comes to planning a cremation.

What is cremation?

Cremation is an alternative to burial where the body is reduced to fine bone fragments, often referred to as ashes or cremated remains.

A funeral provider can manage the entire process, including transporting and preparing the body, handling paperwork, arranging the cremation, supplying the coffin, and returning the ashes. They can also organise a memorial after the cremation or chapel service before the cremation unless a direct cremation is chosen.

For the most part, the cremation process itself is the same. What can vary is how it is arranged and whether a service is held before or after the cremation.

Traditional cremation vs direct cremation.

According to ABC News, around 72% of Australians now choose cremation over burial, showing how much funeral preferences have changed in recent years. Some families prefer a more traditional service, while others choose a simpler approach with no formal ceremony.

With a traditional cremation, a funeral director usually arranges the service before the cremation takes place. This may be held at a chapel, church, or funeral home, with the loved one in a coffin present and can include a viewing or visitation. Families are able to personalise parts of the service, including the music, flowers, readings, coffin, and urn.

A direct cremation, on the other hand, takes place without a formal service or ceremony beforehand and is usually carried out shortly after death. Families may choose to hold a memorial or celebration of life later, once the ashes have been returned.

You may also hear direct cremation referred to as a private cremation, cremation-only, or no-service cremation. 

Because there is no formal funeral service involved, a direct cremation is generally a more affordable option and can help reduce extra costs like catering, flowers, venue hire, and celebrant fees.

For families who want a simpler approach, Light Cremations offers a simple and affordable cremation option without compromising on the level of service. Visit Light Cremations quote page to see the price for your area or call 1800 343 074.

Why families choose cremation

Choosing between burial and cremation is a personal decision, but cremation has become more common, especially in cities where burial plots are limited and expensive.

Part of this shift comes down to changing preferences around funerals and religion, with many families now looking for simpler and more affordable options.

Cost is a major factor. Private funerals typically cost between $4,000 for a basic cremation and up to $15,000 for a more elaborate burial, according to the government’s Moneysmart website. Burial can involve expenses such as cemetery plots, headstones, and ongoing grave fees, making cremation a more practical choice for many families.

Cremation also gives families more flexibility when planning a memorial. Ashes can be scattered somewhere meaningful, kept in an urn, or placed near other loved ones.

For families living across different cities or states, cremation can also make it easier to keep loved ones close without the need to visit a burial site.

Environmental impact is another consideration for some people, as burial requires land, ongoing maintenance, and the use of embalming chemicals.

How much does a cremation cost?

The average cost of a cremation in Australia varies depending on the type of service and level of personalisation, with more elaborate ceremonies increasing the overall price.

Prices can also vary across states and regions due to factors such as transport distances, crematorium fees, and local operating costs. In some areas, limited access to facilities and longer travel distances may contribute to higher prices.

The table below shows a state-by-state comparison of cremation costs by service type using data from Gathered Here. These figures are for reference only and may vary between funeral providers based on location, inclusions, and individual arrangements.

A direct cremation is a significantly cheaper option with an average cost of $3,513 according to Gathered Here. In comparison, direct cremation costs across Light’s service areas are lower than this average.

Because there is no service or ceremony involved, there are no additional costs for a celebrant, catering, flowers, or multiple transport arrangements, all of which can significantly increase the overall price. A basic coffin is also usually chosen instead of a more expensive casket.

You can read more about funeral costs in our funeral costs article.

At Light, we can help you arrange a respectful and dignified basic cremation that saves thousands of dollars compared with traditional funeral providers.The national average price of a direct cremation with Light Cremations as of April 2026 is $1,920*.To learn more about our simple cremation arrangements or to get a quote for a Light Cremation, head to our Price & Inclusions page, or give us a call on 1800 343 074.

What does a cremation include?

For the price, traditional funeral directors generally offer large service packages that encompass more than just the cremation. In addition to the attended funeral ceremony, the traditional cremation service packages usually include:

• Embalming and dressing the deceased person;
• The option for a viewing before the service, or an open or closed casket before the cremation;
• A traditional funeral or memorial service, usually in a chapel or church; and
• Additional services including a casket, flowers, hearse, catering, newspaper announcement, decorative urn, and other extras.

On the other hand, a basic cremation offers a more straightforward and cost-effective alternative to traditional funerals. A basic cremation with Light provides the fundamentals of a cremation service including:

• Complete care by our dedicated telephone-based funeral arrangers available 24/7;
• Transportation and logistics;
• A simple eco-friendly coffin;
• Private unattended cremation;
• Death certificate, death registration and other paperwork; and
• Collection or postage of ashes

What happens before and during cremation?

The cremation process usually depends on where the person passes away. If the death happens in a hospital or care facility, staff will usually contact a funeral provider for the family. If it happens at home, a medical professional first needs to confirm the passing before a funeral provider can be called.

From there, the funeral provider arranges transport, completes the necessary paperwork, and prepares the body for cremation. If the family chooses to hold a traditional funeral service, the cremation will usually take place after the ceremony. With a direct cremation, the body is generally taken to the crematorium first, with any memorial service held at a later time if the family wishes.

Before the cremation begins, medical devices such as pacemakers are removed for safety reasons. The body is then placed in a coffin and transferred into the cremator, which is a specialised chamber designed to fit one standard-sized coffin at a time.

The chamber is heated to around 800–1000 degrees Celsius. The amount of time needed can vary depending on factors such as body mass, bone density, and the materials used to make the coffin. Generally, it takes about two hours for an adult body to be cremated.

Afterwards, the remaining bone fragments are left to cool before any larger pieces are processed into a fine, sand-like consistency. They are then placed into a sealed container or an urn chosen by the family, and are usually returned within about a week of the cremation.

Memorials and ashes after cremation

Once the ashes have been returned, families can choose to keep them in an urn, bury them in a memorial garden or niche wall, or scatter them somewhere meaningful.

Cremation also gives families more flexibility when it comes to memorials. Some may prefer a traditional service in a church with the urn as centrepiece, while others choose a more personal celebration of life at home, by the beach, or in another place that held special meaning to their loved one.

If ashes are being scattered, it’s important to check local regulations first, as rules can vary depending on the location. Families should also take time to consider whether they may want a permanent place to visit or keep some ashes for other family members.

How do I prepay for my cremation?

If you think you’d like to be cremated when the time comes, you might want to consider prepaying your cremation. Pre-planned funerals give you a say in what happens after you have passed and can help to ease the emotional and financial pressure off families later, while also allowing you to choose a funeral provider, outline your preferences, and pay in advance either as a lump sum or instalments so costs are covered ahead of time.

Light doesn't offer prepaid cremations, but our friends at Bare can help you put a prepaid plan in place with ease.

Frequently asked questions about cremation

Who needs to be notified after someone passes away?

You may need to contact banks, insurance providers, utility companies, and government agencies to help manage the person’s affairs.

How long does it take for collection to happen?

This can vary depending on where the person passes away. If the Coroner is involved, the process may take longer before your loved one can be transferred into the funeral provider’s care.

What can be placed in the coffin?

Personal items can sometimes be placed in the coffin depending on your funeral provider, although restrictions may apply to certain materials, valuables or battery-operated items. As the coffin is cremated along with the person, items placed inside should be safe and suitable for cremation. If you’re unsure about a particular item, your funeral provider will be able to guide you through what can and cannot be included.

Are organs removed before cremation?

Organs are not usually removed unless organ donation has been arranged or approved by the Next of Kin.

Do I need a death certificate?

A death certificate is generally required to help manage the estate and close or transfer accounts and services. Your funeral provider will usually assist with the paperwork and registration process.

Can I choose not to have the ashes returned?

If you do not wish to have the ashes returned, your funeral provider may be able to arrange scattering or placement in a memorial garden on your behalf.

Can ashes be taken overseas?

In many cases, ashes can be transported interstate or overseas, although airlines and destination countries may have their own documentation requirements. It’s best to check directly with the airline, embassy, or relevant authority before travelling.

Planning with Light Cremations

Planning a private, unattended cremation with Light Cremations can be done in just minutes, either online or over the phone, by calling 1800 343 074.

Just because a Light cremation is a more affordable funeral option does not mean the level of care and service is any less. Our nationwide network of reputable crematoria, local service providers and funeral industry professionals ensures a high standard of service.

At Light, we focus on providing a dignified cremation service with a high level of care, dedication and compassion. From the moment we receive the first phone call or online enquiry, our dedicated team is there to support you and your family every step of the way through to the return of the ashes.

During the first phone call, your support person will take some brief details, talk you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Our Customer Care team is available 24/7, with no extra fees for after-hours collection or customer care.

Read more about the Light Cremation process.

We hope this guide to planning a cremation has provided you a better understanding of the process.

To learn more about our simple cremation arrangements or to get a quote for a Light Cremation, click here, or give us a call on 1800 343 074.

*This average price is based on pricing across all Light Cremations service zones as at April 2026. Prices vary depending on location. For an accurate quote and cost breakdown for your location, please follow this link.

Disclaimer: This article and all information and pricing within it were accurate at the time of writing. Please see lightcremations.com.au or the linked sources for current pricing. This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial or professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for guidance specific to your situation.