Funeral arrangements are highly personal. Some choose a basic funeral whilst others prefer a more elaborate service. There is no right or wrong way and you should not feel pressured in the choice you make. Whatever you choose, arranging the funeral provides an opportunity to create a unique commemoration of the deceased.
When can I arrange the funeral?
A funeral can be arranged for any time after a Medical Certificate of Death has been issued by a medical practitioner. If the death has been reported to the coroner, the date when the funeral can be held will be affected.
When arranging a funeral, it is important that the person making the arrangements can give instructions and make decisions regarding the funeral details. This person will also be responsible for arranging payment for the funeral.
You may make funeral arrangements using eziFunerals online planning service, at the funeral home or another location, such as a solicitor’s office or friend’s home.
Decisions you will need to make
- Costs and the types of services to be provided
- Whether it will be a burial or cremation
- Whether you want a basic funeral or more elaborate service
- The choice of service (private or public and single or double service)
- Whether the funeral will be a religious or non-religious ceremony
- The choice of clergy or celebrant
- Where the funeral will take place (church, cremation chapel, cemetery chapel, graveside, elsewhere)
- Convenient day, date and time for the service
- The choice of coffin or casket
- Writing and placing an obituary
- Preparing a eulogy
- Viewing the deceased
- Who will act as pallbearers
- The choice of music or poetry for the service
- Organising flowers or donations
- Service stationery
- Catering
Can I arrange the funeral myself?
It is possible for you to arrange the funeral yourself; this can be a complex undertaking, but also rewarding. However, some of the tasks involved in arranging a funeral may be distressing and it is not advisable to try to do it all yourself. Ask another family member or friend for help or alternatively use the services of eziFunerals who can connect you with the right funeral director.
Who can make the arrangements?
If you are the executor of a deceased person’s will, you have the legal authority to make the funeral arrangements. However, you may give this responsibility to a family member or friend.
Make sure you check to see if the deceased person left any instructions in their will or elsewhere about their preferences for the funeral. The will or personal papers of the person who has passed away will often indicate if they belonged to a funeral fund or pre-paid funeral plan which may have details of funeral arrangements.
The administration of the estate could be more difficult and expensive if there isn’t a will. If there is no will, the next of kin or other family members or friends can arrange the funeral as it may be some time before the court appoints an administrator of the estate. The State Trustee, Public Trustee or a solicitor can give you advice on what to do in these circumstances.
Find out how much your funeral will cost
By learning how to choose wisely, you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and improve your overall satisfaction with the services you receive.
If you need a Quick Funeral Quote, you can connect with independent funeral directors by filling in a simple and easy quote request form.
Learn more about planning a funeral in Australia
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About eziFunerals
eziFunerals supports individuals and families cope with end of life decisions, death and funerals. We are an independent, Australian-owned and operated company, and are not a subsidiary of any other corporation. We do not conduct funerals and we are not part of any other funeral company.
