Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most challenging experiences a person can face. While nothing can replace the person you’ve lost, arranging a meaningful funeral service can provide comfort and closure for family and friends. However, planning a funeral can be overwhelming, especially when you are unsure what kind of funeral service you want or can afford.
Understanding the Different Types of Funerals and Their Costs in Australia, can guide you in making informed decisions in ensuring a befitting burial for your loved one.
Traditional/ Burial Funeral Services
A traditional funeral service typically includes embalming, dressing and grooming of the deceased, a viewing or visitation, a funeral ceremony, and a burial or cremation. As a norm, traditional funerals are held in a religious setting or funeral homes. Moreover, the package costs quoted depend on the types of services requested by potential clients.
Other aspects that affect the funeral cost packages include the location, type of casket or urn chosen, and any additional services or arrangements made. These costs can also vary according to the type of funeral service provider. At Seaside Funerals, conventional burial is categorised into three packages, namely, no service, no attendance, chapel burial service, and church or external location, at a cost of $2500, $3850, and $3980 respectively.
Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is a simple, low-cost alternative to traditional funeral services. It involves the cremation of the deceased without a viewing or funeral service. Cremation charges typically differ in various companies, and the cost offered depends on the provider and any additional services or arrangements made. Seaside Funerals offer a cremation services package at a fixed cost of $2000. However, the cost applies where clients wish to conduct direct cremation without organising for services.
Our company, however, can consider adjusting the cost on customer’s request. For chapel service cremation or external location cremation, the tabled packages range at $3450 and $4480 respectively. Direct cremations are becoming increasingly popular in Australia due to their affordability and simplicity.
Celebration of Life
A celebration of life is a personalised and non-traditional funeral service that honours the deceased’s life. It may include a slideshow or video of the person’s life, a eulogy, music, and other activities celebrating their life and accomplishments.
Celebration of life services can be held at a funeral home, a park, or any other location that is meaningful to the family. Costs can vary depending on the location, type of service, and any additional services or arrangements made.
Green Funeral Services
Green funerals are becoming increasingly popular in Australia. These funerals focus on environmentally friendly burial options, such as natural burials, where the deceased is buried without a casket or with a biodegradable casket or shroud. Although this approach to burial is gaining momentum, most people prefer cremation and conventional burial ceremonies at things stand. However, green funeral services would be prominent in the future as most people would embrace it as an environmental reservation precaution.
Bottom Line
Funeral services are a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong way to honour the life of a loved one. Understanding the different types of funeral services available can help you make informed decisions about the type of funeral that best suits your needs and budget. Whether you choose a traditional funeral service, direct cremation, a celebration of life, or a green funeral, the most important thing is to create a meaningful tribute that celebrates the life of your loved one.