Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming – especially during a time of grief. In Australia, there are many options open to you when arranging a funeral and understanding them all ahead of time can make the process calmer, clearer and more personal. This article walks you through the key decisions involved in planning a funeral. And we’ll look at ways of helping you manage the costs too.
We’ve broken down the process of planning a funeral into 15 key areas. Read on to find out more about each one.
Should you choose a burial or cremation?
One of the first decisions to make is whether the funeral will involve burial or cremation. Each have different cost and practical implications.
- Burial can be a little more expensive as you need to cover the costs of the burial plot and a headstone
- Cremation is often more affordable and flexible, allowing ashes to be kept, scattered, buried or placed in a memorial
Are there any cultural and religious factors you need to consider?
Cultural and religious beliefs may strongly influence funeral arrangements. Some traditions specify specific timeframes, burial methods or ceremonial practices. For example:
- Some faiths require burial rather than cremation
- Certain ceremonies must be conducted by religious leaders
- Specific payers, clothing or rituals may be essential
How do you choose the venue and date?
Funerals in Australia can be held in:
- Funeral home chapels
- Places of worship
- Cemetries or crematorium chapels
- Private homes or outdoor locations (subject to council rules)
The date you choose may be influenced by availability, religious timing, or family needs. Funeral directors typically help coordinate bookings and permits for you.
What coffin or casket options are there?
You can choose from a wide range of coffins and caskets, including:
- Traditional timber coffins
- Veneered or MDF options
- Eco-friendly or biodegradable coffins
- Premium or custom-designed caskets
It’s worth noting you don’t have to purchase a coffin from a funeral director – you can source one independently if you’d prefer.
What is the Order of Service?
The Order of Service outlines how the ceremony will run. It may include:
- Welcome or opening words
- Music
- Readings and prayers
- Eulogies
- Committal or farewell
- Closing music
Funeral Directors can help you create a structure, but it can be as formal or informal as you want.
How do you choose music and readings?
Music and readings can add a personal touch to a funeral and reflect the life of the person being remembered. Options include:
- Religious or spiritual music
- Contemporary songs
- Live performances
- Poems, letters or favourite quotes
Should you choose flowers or donations?
Families can choose to have:
- Floral arrangements
- A single tribute
- A request for donations for a particular charity instead of flowers
What transport will be needed?
Depending on your budget, transport options can include:
- Transfer of the deceased
- Hearse
- Family cars
- Transport to the burial or cremation sites if that’s different from where you have the ceremony
How do you write an obituary or funeral notice?
A funeral notice usually includes the following details:
- The name of the deceased
- Date of death
- Funeral details
- Donation or flower preference
You can usually place funeral notices online, in newspapers or on memorial websites.
Can funeral instructions be included in a Will?
Yes, some people choose to include funeral instructions in their Will. However, Wills are sometimes read after the funeral, so it can be a good idea to communicate wishes to family members or record them separately as well.
How is a funeral paid for?
Funerals in Australia can be paid for in lots of different ways, including:
- Savings
- Prepaid funeral plans
- Funeral bonds
- Funeral insurance policies
Currently in Australia, 1 in 4 funerals are paid for with life insurance1. It can be a great way to take the financial burden away from loved ones, at what is already a difficult time. With Dignity Funeral Insurance, you can leave your loved ones up to $15,0002 to help with funeral costs after you’re gone.
Is government assistance available?
In some circumstances, government assistance might be available if you simply can’t afford to pay for a funeral. This varies by state though and it’s usually means tested. A funeral director can help advise you on eligibility.
Can you organise an alternative or non-traditional funeral?
You can opt for an alternative type of funeral. These can sometimes reduce costs or give you greater flexibility. They can include a:
- Direct cremation which has no service
- Memorial service which is held at a later date
- Green or eco-friendly funerals
- Celebration-of-life ceremonies
What should you avoid when you plan a funeral?
When you plan a funeral you should try to take the time to understand your rights and your options. Common mistakes that are worth being aware of include…
- Feeling pressured to overspend
- Not asking for a detailed price list
- Assuming services are mandatory
- Making rushed decisions without comparison
You could take out a life insurance policy today
Taking out funeral insurance can be a great way to help pay for your funeral. It can be a huge help for your loved ones, at a difficult time. Our article How much does funeral insurance cost in Australia will tell you more about the different expenses you might want your insurance to cover, and it’ll give you an idea of how big a payout you might like to leave.
Dignity Funeral Insurance is designed to help you protect your loved ones from the financial strain of your funeral. At Dignity Insurance we guarantee to accept you if you’re an Australian resident aged 50 to 80.
Your Dignity Insurance is easy to arrange, with just one quick phone call. There’s no medical or blood tests required. Our specialist funeral insurance team is here to answer your questions, explain your options, and make the process quick and simple for you. Simply call us today on 1800 089 426 and discover how much you could leave your loved ones.