What are the average costs of a funeral?
According to moneysmart.gov.au the average cost of a funeral In Australia, is reported to be between $4000 and $15000 and these costs are usually made up of
- Funeral director fees (the largest part)
- Transport of the deceased to the funeral director
- A hearse
- The coffin or casket
- Care of the body
- A death certificates
- Any necessary permits
- The burial or cremation
- The cemetery plot
- Other expenses such as clergy, celebrant, flowers, death notices and the wake
Are there any cheaper funerals?
Yes, there are cheaper funerals, and these are known as direct or simple cremations and burials and are performed immediately after death. With these types of funerals, there is no viewing of the body, no hearse or funeral service and the date and time is not generally set by your loved ones. Your remains are buried or cremated without any send off.
These types of funerals are growing in popularity mainly due to their cost. David Bowie opted for this and requested that his ashes were scattered in Bali. After direct cremations or direct burials, loved ones will generally arrange a memorial service to celebrate the life of their loved one without the expense of the funeral service.