Planning a funeral in Australia typically needs to happen within 3 to 7 days of a death. That's not much time to make decisions that feel both urgent and permanent — the venue, the service type, who will speak, what will be played, how much it will cost.
The good news is that most families don't need to carry all of this alone. A good funeral director will guide you through the practicalities. What helps most is knowing what decisions are yours to make, what order they come in, and what questions to ask.
Step 1 — Find a funeral director
This is the first call to make. You don't need to have made any decisions before you call — a funeral director's first job is to take care of the person who has passed and give you time to make decisions calmly.
In most Australian states, a death must be registered and a death certificate obtained before the body can be released. Funeral directors manage this process for you.
When choosing a funeral director, compare at least two or three. Ask for a general price list — by law, funeral directors in most Australian states must provide one. Look for someone who listens, doesn't rush you, and is transparent about costs. Read our full guide: How to choose a funeral director in Australia.
The full name, date of birth and date of death of the person who has passed. Whether a doctor has confirmed the death. Any known wishes — burial or cremation. Your name and a contact number. You don't need anything else to make that first call.
Step 2 — Decide burial or cremation
This is often the first substantive decision, and it shapes everything that follows. It affects venue options, timing, costs, and what happens after the service.
In Australia, cremation is now chosen in roughly 70% of cases. It's typically less expensive, more flexible on timing, and allows ashes to be kept, scattered or interred according to the family's wishes. Burial involves a permanent resting place and tends to cost more, but many families find it important for ongoing remembrance.
If the person left written wishes, those should guide the decision. If not, it falls to the next of kin. There's no right answer — only what feels right for your family and the person you've lost. Our guide walks through both options in detail: Burial or cremation — understanding your options in Australia.
Step 3 — Plan the service
A funeral service can be as simple or as personal as your family wants. There's no single correct format. What matters is that it reflects the person and gives those who loved them a place to gather, grieve, and remember.
Type of service
Most Australian funerals fall into one of three types: a traditional funeral service (often at a chapel or church), a graveside or committal service, or a celebration of life (typically more informal, held at a venue meaningful to the person). Some families hold a private committal followed by a larger gathering — this is increasingly common and allows more flexibility.
Venue
Funeral chapels, churches, reception venues, parks, private properties and even beaches are all used for services in Australia. Your funeral director will have relationships with local venues and can advise on availability and capacity. If the person had a meaningful place — a beach they loved, a community hall they belonged to — it's worth asking whether a service there is possible.
Celebrant or officiant
Most Australian funerals are now conducted by civil celebrants rather than religious clergy. A celebrant works with the family to create a personalised service — they'll interview you, write a tribute, and guide the ceremony from start to finish. If the person was religious, a priest, minister or other clergy member may be preferred. Many funeral directors have celebrants they work with regularly, or you can find one independently.
Music
Choose two or three pieces — one for the processional, one during the service or reflection, one for the recessional. The music doesn't need to be solemn. Many families choose songs that meant something to the person. Ask your funeral director what's technically possible at the venue — live music, recorded playlists and streaming services all have different requirements.
Eulogies and readings
Decide who will speak and for how long. Two or three speakers is typical. A single eulogy of 4–5 minutes is often more powerful than several shorter ones. Give speakers guidance on length and let them know a celebrant is available to help or to take over if needed. Read our guide on how to write a eulogy if you've been asked to speak.
Other elements to consider
- Order of service booklet — your funeral director can organise printing
- Floral arrangements — speak to a florist early, as availability can be limited
- Catering — for a wake or reception after the service
- Livestreaming — for family and friends who cannot attend in person
- Charitable donations in lieu of flowers, if the family prefers
- Photo display or tribute video
Step 4 — Tell people
Once the date and time are confirmed, notify family and friends. For close family, a phone call is appropriate. For wider networks, a text message or group email is fine — you don't need to call every person individually.
For a public notice, consider a death notice or obituary in a local newspaper or online publication. Many families also post on social media when they're ready — there's no obligation, and no fixed timeframe for doing so.
Work through your list in stages
Immediate family first. Then close friends. Then wider family and colleagues. Then formal institutions — employer, bank, Centrelink, ATO. The last group is not urgent and can wait until after the funeral. See our full guide: who to notify when someone dies in Australia.
Step 5 — Understand the costs
Funeral costs in Australia vary significantly — from around $4,000 for a simple direct cremation to $15,000 or more for a full burial service. Understanding what's included in a funeral director's quote, and what's an add-on, prevents surprises at an already difficult time.
Key cost components include the funeral director's professional fee, transfer of the deceased, coffin or casket, cremation or burial fee, death certificates, celebrant fee, venue, flowers and catering. A basic cremation package typically covers the essential services. Additional elements are itemised on top.
Ask for a fully itemised quote in writing before committing. If you are experiencing financial hardship, Centrelink offers a bereavement payment that may assist. Some funeral directors also offer payment plans. Our full cost guide: understanding funeral costs in Australia.
Step 6 — After the service
The funeral is not the end of the process. After the service, there is a series of practical steps — notifying government agencies, managing the estate, closing accounts, and handling superannuation and other financial matters.
This can feel overwhelming, particularly while grieving. Our Beyond the Service guide covers every step in order, with direct links to the relevant forms and agencies. Most of these tasks don't need to be done immediately — give yourself time.
Remember Well•'s guided planner lets you capture every decision — service type, venue, music, speakers, readings — and builds a structured summary document you can hand directly to your funeral director. It means you only have to say everything once, and nothing gets missed in the most difficult conversation you'll have.
Plan it all in one place.
Remember Well•'s guided funeral planner walks you through every decision and builds a summary to take to your funeral director. Create a free account and start now — it saves automatically as you go.
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