Many Brisbane families seeking a simpler alternative to a traditional funeral service, choose direct cremation. It offers a respectful farewell without unnecessary complexity or financial strain, along with the flexibility to honour your loved one in your own time and in a way that feels right for your family.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what direct cremation involves, how the process works in Brisbane, what costs to expect and how Anton Brown Funerals provides personal, compassionate support even with the simplest arrangements.
What is a direct cremation?
Direct cremation is cremation without a funeral service or attendance. You may also know it by these terms:
- No service or no attendance cremation
- Basic cremation
- Cremation without service
The direct cremation process
Understanding the process can help reduce anxiety during an already difficult time. We’re available 24/7 to begin arrangements whenever you’re ready.
- First Contact – When you call Anton Brown Funerals, we provide gentle guidance and explain your options without any pressure. We’re here when you need us most, any time of day or night.
- Transfer of Care – We personally transfer your loved one into our care, treating them with complete dignity throughout. Unlike many providers, we never outsource this crucial step.
- Documentation – We handle all required permits and paperwork, including death certificates and cremation authorisation. You won’t need to navigate complex paperwork alone.
- Cremation – Your loved one is cremated at your chosen Brisbane crematorium, with the option for our team to attend onsite if you’d like that personal touch.
- Return of Ashes – We return your loved one’s ashes to you in a simple container, typically within 7-10 days.
Throughout this process, you don’t need to make major decisions immediately. We guide families at a steady, respectful pace that allows time for processing and decision-making.
Why Brisbane families choose direct cremation
Families choose direct cremation for many valid, personal reasons:
Lower cost – Costs for a direct cremation with Anton Brown Funerals sit at $3,295 at the time of publishing. This is inclusive of the death certificate, coffin, and cremation fees. Whereas burials typically range from $8,000 – $15,000.
For the current pricing list for all services, visit our funeral costs page.
Honouring a loved one’s wishes – Many people express a preference for simplicity or cremation.
Planning a memorial service later – Families often prefer to organise their own celebration of life, weeks or even months after the cremation.
Limited family or friends – Elderly individuals may have few surviving relatives or close friends, making a large service unnecessary.
Desire for privacy – Some families prefer to grieve privately without the social aspects of a traditional service.
Avoiding time pressure – This approach removes the stress of organising a service during the immediate grief period.
Is direct cremation right for your family?
Consider these reflection questions:
- Did your loved one express a wish for simplicity or “no fuss”?
- Would you prefer the freedom to honour them later, in your own way?
- Is cost an important consideration for your family?
- Would you prefer privacy during this immediate grief period?
- Do you want flexibility in planning any future memorials?
- Are you looking for a provider who offers personal, hands-on care?
There’s no judgment in any answer. Every family’s situation is unique, and what matters most is choosing what feels right for you.
A personal touch, even without a service
Here’s what sets Anton Brown Funerals apart from other Brisbane providers: everyone receives personal, dignified care regardless of the service chosen.
As a family-owned and operated business, we don’t outsource transfers or cremation arrangements. Your loved one remains in our direct care throughout the entire process. This means:
- Our family team personally handles every transfer
- We maintain direct relationships with Brisbane crematoriums
- You deal with the same compassionate staff from start to finish
- We’re available any time of day or night when you need support
We’re not the cheapest option available in Brisbane, but as a family business, we believe personal care and meaningful relationships matter most during life’s most difficult moments.
Can you hold a memorial later?
Absolutely. Many Brisbane families find great comfort in planning their own memorial or celebration of life, weeks or months after the cremation. This approach offers several advantages:
Flexibility in Timing – You can plan when family members can travel or when you feel emotionally ready.
Personal Venues – Hold the memorial at home, in South Bank Parklands, at a favourite restaurant, or any meaningful Brisbane location.
Customised Celebration – Create exactly the type of gathering that reflects your loved one’s personality and your family’s values.
Reduced Pressure – Plan without the time constraints and emotional overwhelm of immediate post-death arrangements.
Cost Control – Spread costs over time and choose exactly what elements matter most to your family.
Some families even explore unique memorialisation options, such as transforming ashes into diamonds, creating lasting keepsakes that honour their loved one’s memory. For families in Queensland, we also provide comprehensive guidance on scattering ashes in meaningful locations, ensuring you understand all legal requirements and ceremonial options available.
Can you choose the crematorium?
Yes, absolutely. Unlike many providers, Anton Brown Funerals allows families to choose their preferred crematorium in Brisbane. This flexibility matters because:
- You might have a preference based on location
- Some crematoriums hold special significance for your family
- You may want a specific setting for your loved one’s final journey
We work with several Brisbane crematoriums and can attend onsite if you’d like that option. This personal touch ensures your loved one isn’t just a number in the system, they receive the individual attention every family deserves.
Choose Anton Brown Funerals for direct cremation Brisbane
If you’d like to understand your options in Brisbane or have questions about the process, we’re here to help. Contact Anton Brown Funerals for a compassionate conversation about how we can support your family.
Call us any time of day or night, or request a detailed quote online. We’ll meet you wherever you feel comfortable and provide the clarity and support you deserve during this difficult time.
Anton Brown Funerals is a family-owned, Queensland funeral company which was established in 1995.
Our Brisbane-based team of funeral directors are honest, professional, compassionate and understanding, and always put our clients and their needs first.
We go above and beyond to ensure your loved one’s funeral arrangements are tailored to their final wishes and can assist you with burials, cremations, coffins, floral arrangements, pre-planning and more.
If you need help organising a dignified funeral service, we are available to discuss arrangements 24/7, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today on (07) 3217 3088 or send us a message online here.
