There are various ways you can save money on cremation costs, whilst also arranging the perfect send-off for your loved one.
Here are Reassured’s top 5 tips:
1. Shop around and compare quotes
Compare prices from different funeral directors and crematoriums in your local area.
The cost of services and funeral packages will vary between providers.
Most funeral directors offer low-cost funeral options or they can tailor their services to suit your budget.
You may also find that shopping around for things like flowers will help you find the most affordable option.
2. Pick an off-peak time slot (if suitable)
You can save money by choosing an off-peak time slot for the cremation.
For example, early morning weekday slots tend to be cheaper than any other time.
Many crematoriums will choose the date and time for direct cremations. While this provides a cheaper option, it means no funeral service or ceremony can take part beforehand.
3. Simplify the send-off
Many aspects of a cremation funeral are optional extras, and therefore, you can choose to cut back on these costs if needed.
Ways you can save on these expenses include:
- Not embalming the body - Embalming isn't usually necessary and not a requirement for cremation based funerals
- Don't have limousines - You could travel to the venue by car, public transport, or taxi
- Cut back on flowers - For example, you could purchase a simple floral arrangement for the coffin and not have any flowers at the service
- Don't have pallbearers - Family members could carry the coffin or you can request a wheeled bier
- Choose a simple coffin - There're different types of coffins at different prices, some of the cheaper ones are made from eco-friendly materials, such as cardboard or pandanus leaves
- Funeral wakes - Not everyone will want or require a wake. However, if you wish to give your loved one a wake, you can save money by providing your own catering or using a private residence as a venue
4. Consider a direct cremation
A direct cremation costs 59% less than a traditional cremation funeral on average, based on figures from SunLife.
Also referred to as ‘no funeral just cremation’ or ‘direct disposal’, direct cremation is the cheapest way to be cremated as only the basic services for a cremation are required.
This means there’s no funeral procession, no funeral service, and no mourners in attendance.
Instead, the cremation takes place at a time and date decided by the crematorium and, following this, the ashes are either collected by loved ones or delivered to them.
As there’s no ceremony to attend, loved ones usually arrange a separate celebration of life, memorial service or get-together at another time and place.
5. Have a ‘Do It Yourself’ funeral
A funeral director doesn’t legally have to carry out a cremation funeral[3].
Family members could handle all the arrangements themselves instead.
However, it could be quite stressful and time-consuming as there are many elements for them to consider.
A DIY funeral would include the following arrangements:
- Caring for the deceased before the cremation
- Booking the cremation with the crematorium
- Organising the paperwork e.g. cremation certificate, medical certificate
- Sourcing and purchasing a suitable coffin or casket
- Arranging and holding the funeral service or ceremony
- Arranging or providing transport for the deceased to and from the crematorium
- Organising of the order of service, flowers, venue, catering and so on