Have you ever wondered why funeral costs so high? Why does such a sad moment have to be so costly? It’s mostly because the options are practically limitless. When it comes to saying goodbye to a loved one who has died, the funeral business has every imaginable choice to help you celebrate the life of a loved one. But such flexibility often comes with a hefty price tag.
The lack of transparency about the costs of these add-ons is also to blame. On average, most funerals in Australia can cost anywhere between $4,000 for simple attended cremation and $15,000+ for an elaborate event with flowers, a casket and a noteworthy burial to match.
Some may desire to leave our earth in a mahogany casket with brass handles and a massive spray of fresh lilies, but for many others, the grandeur and extravagance would not be a true reflection of how they lived.
The issue is that most Australians are unaware that these top-tier funeral features are optional – and this is typically due to the funeral home with which they first engage. Many Australians are unaware that a decent farewell can be had without all the frills and high costs. Being uninformed about the option to choose simpler elements is a significant reason why the average cost of a funeral is so high.
Funerals are a ‘distress purchase’
Funerals can end up costing thousands of extra dollars for things families don’t even want.
According to The Family and Community Development Committee’s Parliamentary Inquiry into Regulation of the Funeral Industry, paying for a funeral is considered a “distress purchase”. When a family arranges an at-need funeral, they are doing so in a state of distress, and their decision making may be compromised. They have limited time and knowledge of the available options, so price is not always the most important consideration. Emotions can sometimes interfere with their ability to make a wise financial decision.
Do you need a funeral director?
With all the options available in the funeral market today, you might be wondering if a funeral director is even necessary. The cost of a funeral director is the most expensive part of a traditional funeral. Having said that, the assistance given by a funeral director is vital during a particularly difficult moment for a loved one’s family.
The services provided by a funeral director differ from one to another, as do their fees. These services may include arranging a place for the funeral, supervising all necessary preparations, caring for the deceased’s body until the day of the ceremony, and assisting with legal documentation.
The no-frills alternative
By keeping the process as simple as possible at Dignified Cremations, funeral costs are maintained at the absolute minimum, offering an affordable cremation-only service.
We have streamlined our procedures to take advantage of the cost savings provided by modern technology. Our five-point service guarantee is intended to provide you with peace of mind and confidence in the care we provide for your loved one.
When we take your loved one into our care, we truly mean it. We do not use any third-party vendors or contractors. From the time of death until the final journey to our crematorium, your loved one is constantly in the care of our qualified and trained team.
When it comes to funerals and cremations everyone has different needs. Some people prefer cremation followed by a memorial service for relatives and friends a few days later. Others prefer not to hold any kind of formal meeting at all, perhaps scattering the ashes in a loved one’s favorite spot. Some even choose to do nothing at all allowing the ashes to rest undisturbed.
A Dignified Cremation works well in all of these circumstances. We do our best for everyone by offering the most affordable cremation service possible, with low-cost cremations starting at just $1,190. We are here to help and always on call.
