What is a direct cremation? No service funerals explained

Bare offers a simple and affordable cremation option without compromising on the level of service. Click below 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, also known as a Bare 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.

Embalming or other preservation procedures aren’t required. Instead, the person is prepared with care and dignity, following all legal and health guidelines before cremation.

Some families may also choose for their loved one to be dressed in selected clothing before the cremation. It’s best to confirm these details with the funeral director to understand what options are available.

A simple coffin, such as a cardboard coffin, is typically used rather than a costly casket. This helps reduce expenses while maintaining respect and care.

At Bare, our direct cremation service includes communication, guidance, and professional service from 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 services are typically co-ordinated by a funeral home, where large packages often include extras like expensive catering, coffins and flowers.

According to Gathered Here, the average cost of a traditional cremation with a single service in Australia is $6,046. In comparison, the national average price of an unattended cremation with Bare as of October 2025 is $3,208*. (Prices differ between locations)

When comparing prices, it’s helpful to confirm whether the quoted amount is all-inclusive. Ask the provider to outline exactly what the cost covers so you can understand the total amount upfront.

You may also request an itemised price list from multiple funeral directors to compare inclusions and packages before deciding.

It can be useful to contact local funeral providers directly or search online using terms like “direct cremation” and your city, such as “direct cremation Gold Coast,” to compare pricing and inclusions.

Some state governments also share cremation cost information and related guidelines on their websites, which can help you better understand local regulations and what are the usual inclusions.

These days, Australians don’t want churches, candles, wreaths or overpriced sandwiches. So why spend thousands on things you don’t need? A direct cremation 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.

There may also be additional fees that apply in certain circumstances, such as:

• Out-of-hours transfers, which may apply if collection occurs outside standard business hours;
• Larger coffin requirements for individuals needing an oversized coffin; or
• Optional upgrades like special urns or scattering tubes if families choose something beyond the standard container.

The type of coffin chosen can also influence cost. Coffins made of solid timber or with decorative finishes are generally more expensive, while simple designs remain more affordable.

3. What are the benefits of direct cremation?

Australian funeral trends are changing. According to the Australian Seniors Cost of Death Report, 68 percent of funerals in Australia are now cremations, while 31.9 percent are burials. Even before COVID-19’s funeral restrictions, 22% of those were unattended cremations without an accompanying funeral service.

Funeral restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic forced many families and friends to reconsider their options to farewell someone they love. As a result, many Australians have realised they don't actually need to spend $15,000 on a traditional funeral service and potentially go into debt paying it off, if that's not what they or their family want. Traditionally, funeral options have been limited in Australia for decades, but the industry is changing to meet shifting trends. Those trends continue to grow each year as people become more informed, price-conscious, non-traditional, and environmentally aware.

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. Families can take time to reflect on what feels most meaningful, whether that farewell is planned days, weeks or even months later, whether that means scattering ashes in a cherished location, hosting a celebration of life, or holding a private remembrance gathering later on.

A Bare Cremation offers flexibility, as you are not required to plan a funeral or memorial service in just a few days, at a time when families and friends are usually overcome with immense grief. 

Funeral homes typically operate on a strict schedule, which has benefits for some families. However, as people have different preferences, others can feel rushed through the process. 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.

For some, choosing a direct cremation also reflects environmental considerations. Fewer materials are used and resources are reduced compared to traditional services like burial, which can make it a more environmentally conscious option.

It is also important to note that choosing a direct cremation does not mean you cannot have a traditional farewell. Families can still choose to hold a service or ceremony where the coffin is present before the cremation, or a memorial afterwards.

Essentially, cremation offers flexibility in how you honour a loved one, whether through a memorial, a traditional service, or a combination of both.

4. How does a direct cremation differ from a memorial or funeral?

Understanding the differences between direct cremations, memorials and funerals can help families make the choice that feels most suitable. A direct cremation is the simplest option, focusing solely on the cremation itself without a service, viewing or ceremony. It suits those who prefer privacy, simplicity or wish to hold a separate celebration of life later.

A memorial, by contrast, is a commemorative event that takes place without the coffin present. Memorials can be held days, weeks or even months after the cremation and often highlight stories, memories and music that reflect the person’s life. This flexibility lets families choose a time and setting that feels most comfortable, whether in a garden, a hall, a favourite outdoor place or as simple as family residence.

A traditional funeral usually takes place soon after death and includes the presence of the coffin during the service. It may involve a viewing or visitation followed by a formal ceremony and either a burial or cremation. Funerals can differ greatly depending on cultural, religious, and individual choices, but they typically offer a sense of closure and provide comfort to grieving loved ones.

Each of these options can be personalised. The right choice depends on factors such as cultural traditions, religious beliefs, budget and unique family traditions. Some people prefer the simplicity of a direct cremation, while others find comfort in a traditional funeral or the flexibility of a memorial.

5. How do I arrange a direct cremation?

If you’ve decided on a direct cremation, the next step is organising the details. In Australia, cremation generally takes place within 48 hours of the arrangements being finalised, depending on the crematorium’s schedule and required documentation. For attended services, cremation often happens on the same day as the ceremony, while for direct cremations, the timing may vary slightly based on logistics. Your provider will usually confirm the date once everything is in place.

It’s also worth checking where the cremation will take place. Some providers work with local crematoria, while others may transport the person to a larger facility in another region. Transparency about the location helps families feel confident about how their loved one is being cared for.

You can arrange an unattended cremation with Bare in just minutes, either online or over the phone. To get a quote for an at-need or imminent cremation, visit the link here or call 1800 071 176.

If this sounds like something you would want for yourself when the time comes, there is even the option of pre-paying in advance.

Thousands of Australians are now arranging prepaid cremations in advance. Pre-paid cremations are growing in popularity, largely because they allow you to lock in the price of the service at today’s cost, irrespective of when it is actually required. As the cremation is fully paid, you can rest assured that your family won’t be financially burdened by the cost of the funeral, nor will they feel the pressure to arrange an extravagant and costly funeral service.

To get a quote for a pre-paid cremation, visit Bare Prepaid Services here or call 1800 202 901.

6. How do I plan a memorial afterwards?

The options are endless when it comes to planning a memorial after a direct cremation. Our ultimate guide to planning a memorial takes you through the process and offers some ideas.

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. If you wish to keep or scatter the ashes, it helps to know that most direct cremation providers include a basic container. However, some families prefer to purchase a special urn or scattering tube, which may have an additional cost.

At Bare, we’ve seen families get together for sunset ashes-scattering ceremonies at picturesque places like the mountains, at sea or by lakeside.

Memorials can be as unique as the person they honour. Unlike funerals, they don’t require the presence of the coffin, which means they can be held almost anywhere – from a quiet garden to a favourite beach or a local community hall. This freedom gives families the chance to create an experience that reflects the personality, passions and spirit of their loved one.

Our article on memorials with ashes has more ideas. We’ve also included some music suggestions in this article on songs you might like to include in your loved one’s memorial service. And below is a Spotify playlist we’ve put together.

At Bare we don’t believe there is a single way to say goodbye to a loved one. There’s also the option of adding a funeral or memorial service to a Bare Cremation. That’s where our team can help arrange a service separately from the cremation. We would be honoured to support you in planning a befitting ceremony – whether that’s a more traditional funeral service with the coffin present, or a memorial without a coffin and takes place separately from the cremation.

Final thoughts on direct cremation.

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

Before proceeding with any arrangement, it’s important to ensure that a direct or no-service cremation aligns with the person’s wishes or any pre-arranged plans they may have made.

Having an open discussion with family can help ensure everyone feels comfortable with the arrangement, whether they prefer a later memorial or a more immediate farewell. When considering a no-service cremation, it can also help to talk about how each person may cope with grief. Some people may experience delayed emotions without a formal service, so planning ways to come together or seek support can make the process a bit easier.

Grief support is available through organisations such as Griefline, Beyond Blue, and other local counselling services.

Ultimately, what matters most is choosing the option that feels right for you and your family. Some prefer the simplicity and space that a direct cremation provides, while others find comfort in traditional services. Taking time to explore both options can help ensure the farewell reflects the life and values of your loved one.

At Bare, we believe in giving Australians real choice when planning a farewell. Pay only for what you need, not for things you don’t, and arrange a send-off that truly celebrates life the way it was lived. Aside from Bare Cremation, we also offer Bare Funeral and Bare Memorial to ensure you say your farewell in the way that’s right for you and your loved one. If you’re unsure about what’s right for you and your family, our team is only ever a phone call away.

To arrange an immediate or imminent cremation, a Bare Funeral or a Bare Memorial call 1800 071 176, or for a prepaid cremation call 1800 202 901.

*This is the national average price of an immediate or imminent Bare Cremation, correct as at October 2025. Please note that prices vary depending on location and are subject to increase over time. For an accurate quote and cost breakdown for your location, please head here to get a quote for your area. 

Disclaimer: This article and all information and pricing within it was accurate at the time of writing. Please see bare.com.au or linked sources for current pricing. This article provides general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for guidance specific to your situation.