Funeral Pricing Explained
Planning a funeral comes with a lot of questions, and pricing is usually at the top of the list. We believe you deserve to understand exactly what you're paying for and why.
Funeral costs fall into three categories: costs that are fixed for every funeral, costs that must be included but where you get to choose, and optional extras that let you personalise the service.
Here's how it all works.
What's always included
Professional Fees
This covers the expertise, time, and coordination involved in arranging and conducting a funeral. It includes everything from the first phone call through to the day of the service: liaising with doctors, hospitals, crematoriums or cemeteries, registering the death, guiding the family through decisions, and being present on the day. It's the cost of having an experienced, qualified funeral director by your side throughout the process.
Transportation Fees
Your loved one needs to be brought into our care from wherever they passed away, whether that's a hospital, aged care facility, or private residence. This is the transfer fee. If the transfer happens outside of business hours, an after-hours transfer fee may also apply. We'll always be upfront about this when you call.
These costs apply to every funeral we arrange. They reflect the professional services, legal requirements, and care your loved one receives regardless of what type of service you choose.
Legal Documentation
A death must be registered, and certain legal documents are required before a burial or cremation can take place. These include the death certificate and, for cremations, a cremation permit. These are government-mandated requirements, and the associated fees are passed on to you at cost with no markup.
Mortuary Care and Accommodation
This covers the care of your loved one while they are in our custody, from the time of transfer until the funeral. What's included here will vary slightly depending on the type of service chosen. For example, a viewing or a longer service period may involve additional care requirements.
What must be included, but chosen by you
Coffin, Casket, or Shroud
Every person must be placed in something for their final disposition, whether that's a burial or cremation. You can choose from a range of coffins and caskets at different price points, or opt for a natural shroud if you're considering a green burial. We'll show you all available options with clear pricing and no pressure.
Every funeral requires a coffin or alternative, and a venue for the cremation or burial. These are not optional, but the choice of product and venue is entirely yours. We'll help you find something that fits both your wishes and your budget.
Cremation or Burial Venue
The cremation must take place at a licensed crematorium, and a burial must take place at a licensed cemetery or approved burial ground. We work with a number of venues across South East Queensland and can help you find the right fit based on location, availability, and the type of service you have in mind. Venue fees vary and will be clearly outlined in your quote.
Optional extras to personalise the service
Flowers - Arrangements for the service or for the coffin, available through our preferred florists or your own.
Printed materials - Order of service booklets, memorial cards, and funeral notices.
Multimedia - Photo slideshows, tribute videos, or livestreaming for family who can't attend in person.
Catering - For a wake or gathering after the service.
Everything beyond the essentials is entirely optional. These are the elements that allow you to shape a service that truly reflects the person who has died.
Celebrant or Minister - A professional to lead the service if you don't have someone in mind.
Death notices and obituaries - Published in print or online.
Memorial products - Urns, keepsakes, jewellery, and other ways to honour someone's memory.
Additional transport - Limousines or family cars for the day of the service.
Ready to Talk?
You don't need to have everything figured out before you call. Whether you're arranging a funeral now, planning ahead, or just have questions about what things cost, we're here to help.
There's no obligation, no pressure, and no sales pitch. Just honest answers from people who genuinely care.
Call us on 07 3463 3714, email info@cullenfunerals.com.au, or visit cullenfunerals.com.au to learn more.