Light Cremations offers a simple and affordable cremation option without compromising on the level of service. Click here to see the price for your area.

Direct cremations have become increasingly popular in Australia, partially due to lockdowns from COVID-19, partially due to affordability, and also because more and more people want the freedom and flexibility to plan a memorial or celebration-of-life ceremony at a later date.

This article answers the frequently asked questions about direct cremation, including what it is, the costs, benefits and how to arrange. 

We also list the advantages of a non-attended funeral. This article aims to help Australians make a more informed choice about how they celebrate a loved one.

1. What is a direct cremation?

A direct cremation, is a non-attended cremation without an accompanying formal funeral ceremony. The no-frills, more affordable cremation doesn’t require a funeral director to be involved in a service.

The service happens without a viewing and allows families to create a personalised memorial service or celebration of life after the cremation takes place.

At Light Cremations, our direct cremation service includes communication with an experienced funeral arranger, a private, dignified cremation, return of ashes and death certificate, all without compromising on quality service and care. 

2. How much does a direct cremation cost?

Traditional cremations are typically co-ordinated by a funeral home. The average price of a traditional cremation in Australia is around $6,000, according to Gathered Here. In comparison, the national average price of an unattended cremation with Light is $1,920.* (Prices vary between locations.)

For the price, 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 may 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.

A direct cremation, on the other hand, offers a more straightforward and cost-effective alternative to traditional funerals. Depending on the provider, the service generally provides the basic fundamentals of cremation including:

  • Transportation and logistics;
  • Private cremation;
  • Death certificate, death registration and other paperwork; and
  • Return of ashes to the family or Next of Kin.

3. What are the benefits of direct cremation?

Aside from being an affordable funeral option, another benefit of a direct cremation is the freedom and flexibility to take the time to consider a fitting farewell for your loved one.

Funeral homes typically operate on a strict schedule, which has benefits for some families. However, others can feel rushed through the process. There’s only so much time a funeral home can wait before needing to cremate the deceased, especially without embalming. 

A Light cremation offers flexibility, as there is no pressure to plan a funeral or memorial service in a span of a few days, at a time where families and friends are usually overcome with immense grief.

Once your loved one has been cremated, you can take your time to plan a more personal memorial service without the pressure or restrictions of a funeral home’s schedule.

4. How do I arrange a direct cremation?

You can arrange an unattended cremation with Light in just minutes, either online or over the phone.

To get a quote for an at-need or imminent Light cremation, visit the link here or call 0489 988 664.

5. How do I plan a memorial afterwards?

The options are endless when it comes to planning a memorial after a direct cremation. With the money saved, family and friends have the flexibility and budget to farewell their loved one in a way that truly celebrates their unique life.

It could be a meal at their favourite restaurant, or a backyard BBQ. You might instead plan a gathering at your loved one’s favourite place in nature – like the beach, a park, or a special hiking spot. You might like to make an ashes-scattering ceremony part of the memorial, too. 

Final thoughts on direct cremation.

We hope this article helps to provide a better idea of what a direct cremation is and how it differs from a traditional attended cremation service or funeral.

At Light Cremations, we are passionate about giving Australians the choice when it comes to celebrating a loved one’s life in the way they lived it.

If you are looking to plan a simple and dignified private cremation for an affordable price, we would be honoured to support you. 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 0489 988 664.

*This is the national average price of a Light cremation correct as at January 2025. Prices vary depending on location. For an accurate quote and cost breakdown for your location, please head here to get a quote for your area.