How to organise a funeral: A practical guide for families

Organising a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving. But when the time comes, knowing what to do when someone dies can make all the difference. 

In this practical guide, we cover how to organise a funeral, including a step-by-step funeral planning checklist and guidance on how to make decisions that feel right for you, your family, and your loved one’s memory.

How to plan your own funeral

Thinking about your own funeral can feel confronting, but it's also one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love. It’s a chance to make your wishes known, take the guesswork out of difficult decisions, and can give your family clarity and comfort during a challenging time.

Whether you'd prefer something simple or a more traditional send-off, planning ahead allows you to shape how you'll be remembered and bring peace of mind to those you leave behind.

Benefits of planning your own funeral

Planning your own funeral means you can be confident that your wishes will be carried out. From the type of service to the music and readings, it’s your chance to make those choices yourself. That way, your family isn’t left wondering what you would have wanted, they can simply focus on being together and saying goodbye. 

It can also ease the financial pressure by allowing you to manage costs ahead of time, especially if you consider taking out a funeral insurance policy. More than anything, pre-planning is a thoughtful, generous act of care that your family will appreciate.

Steps to pre-plan your funeral

Start by thinking about what feels most meaningful to you. Would you prefer a burial or cremation? A formal ceremony or something more relaxed? Are there any songs, readings, or personal touches you'd like to be included or avoided?

Once you've made a few key decisions, it’s best to write them down and store them in a safe location, ideally alongside your will or estate planning documents. You can also speak with a funeral director or vendors directly (florists or caterer) about setting up a pre-arranged plan. Some people also take out funeral insurance to help reduce financial pressure on their family after they’re gone.

These conversations might feel a little uncomfortable, but sharing your wishes with someone you trust means your loved ones won’t be left guessing when the time comes.

Legal and financial considerations

When planning your own funeral, it's worth taking a moment to think through a few important legal and financial details. If you haven't already, consider creating a will and nominating someone you trust as your executor. You may also want to consider setting up an enduring power of attorney to manage your affairs if you're unable to do so in the future.

To help cover funeral costs, some people choose to set aside funds in a savings account or take out funeral insurance. There's no one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about what works best for you and your family.

Whatever you decide, ensure that your preferences are clearly recorded, communicated to your loved ones, and stored in a location that is easy to access.

How to organise a funeral for a loved one

Losing someone you love is never easy. Alongside the grief, there's often a long list of decisions to make, and usually not much time to make them. From registering the death to planning the service, the process can feel overwhelming.

If you're unsure where to start, we'll guide you through the key steps and help you feel more confident about what needs to happen and when.

What to do when a loved one dies

The first step is to confirm the death and obtain a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from a doctor. This is required to register the death and begin funeral arrangements.

If your loved one had a will, check it as soon as possible. It will usually name an executor, who is legally responsible for managing the estate and carrying out the funeral wishes. If there is no will, this responsibility typically falls to the next of kin. If your loved one had a pre-arranged plan, such as a preferred funeral home or burial versus cremation, these could help guide your decisions.

Covering the cost of a funeral

Thinking about funeral costs might be the last thing on your mind, but understanding the costs involved can ease financial stress during this time.

Funeral expenses can vary widely depending on the type of service, but generally, costs fall into three main categories:

• Professional fees: These cover the funeral director’s services, including transport, staff support, and assistance with paperwork.
• Merchandise: This includes the coffin or casket, urn, flowers, and printed service booklets.
• Third-party costs: These are things like cemetery or crematorium fees, newspaper notices, venue hire, and any celebrant or clergy member fees.

In Australia, the total cost can range anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on your choices. Be sure to gather quotes from a range of different providers, and discuss payment options or instalment plans that may make things more manageable.

If your loved one had funeral insurance or funds set aside, those can help. You may also be able to request that funds be released from their bank account for funeral expenses. These funds may have been allocated within the persons will, though if not, the account and its assets will be transferred to the next of kin or estate administrator.

Pre-planning items

Before you begin finalising the details of the funeral service, there are a few important steps to take care of. If you haven't already, you'll need to get the official death certificate and register the death with the relevant state or territory authority.

It's also worth checking if your loved one left behind any written funeral wishes, whether in a will or shared with a trusted family member. These might include wishes for burial or cremation, a specific funeral home, or details like music or location.

You'll also need to confirm what financial support is available. This might include a funeral insurance policy or funds in a nominated account. Knowing what's available upfront can make it easier to plan within your means.

And while it's not always possible, try to keep family and friends informed along the way through open and honest communication about end-of-life wishes. Having everyone on the same page can help avoid misunderstandings and make the process more manageable.

Planning the funeral service

A funeral service can be as traditional or as personal as you'd like it to be. Some families choose a formal religious ceremony, while others prefer a simple gathering or a celebration of life. There's no right or wrong, only what feels meaningful to you and your loved ones.

Before the service

Start by deciding on the type of service and location, whether that's a church, a funeral home, an outdoor venue or a memorial garden. If your loved one chose to have a burial, you'll need to organise a cemetery plot and headstone. If they preferred a cremation, you'll need to book a crematorium and think about what you'd like to do with the ashes.

You'll also need to choose a coffin or casket, and decide if the body will be embalmed or dressed in any particular clothing. Don’t forget to prepare an order of service if you’d like printed materials for guests.

During the service

This is a moment to reflect, remember and honour your loved one's life. It helps to think about the personal touches that will make the service feel meaningful. Many families include music, readings, video tributes or photo slideshows. You might choose a celebrant, clergy member or close friend to lead the ceremony, someone who can speak with warmth and sincerity.

If others want to contribute, you can invite them to deliver a eulogy to share a memory. Memorial cards, flowers and decorations can also help create a warm, respectful atmosphere. The service doesn't have to be perfect. What matters most is that it feels true to the person you're saying goodbye to.

After the service

After the funeral, many families choose to host a wake or informal gathering. It's a chance to connect, share stories, and support one another in a more relaxed setting.

You may also want to publish an obituary, death notice or an online memorial page so extended friends and community members can pay their respects.

While the service may be over, support doesn't end there. Grief takes time, and there's no right or wrong way to move through it. Whether it's leaning on family, friends, or professional support, you don't have to go through it alone.

Frequently asked questions

What documents are needed to plan a funeral in Australia?

When arranging a funeral, having the right paperwork on hand can make the process smoother. The key documents you'll need include:

• The Medical Certificate of Cause of Death
• A registered death certificate
• Proof of identity for the deceased
• Any pre-arranged funeral contract, funeral insurance policy or funeral bond details
• Required permits for burial or cremation, depending on your chosen service

If you're working with a funeral director, they'll usually help you manage and submit most of this paperwork. It's also a good idea to keep all important documents together in one place so they're easy to access when you need them.

Who is legally responsible for arranging a funeral?

In most cases, this role usually falls to the executor named in the will. If there's no will, it typically passes to the next of kin, such as a spouse or adult child.

If multiple family members are involved or there's a disagreement about the arrangements, it can be helpful to seek legal advice or support from a funeral director to help navigate the process.

How long does it take to plan a funeral?

In Australia, funerals typically occur within one to four weeks of the death. However, this can vary depending on your location, the type of service being planned, cultural or religious customs, and whether paperwork is finalised quickly. Delays can also occur around public holidays, coroner involvement, or when family members need to travel.

Whether you're planning ahead or arranging a funeral for someone close to you, having the right information makes a big difference. With a clear plan and support around you, you can make thoughtful decisions and create a service that reflects a life well-lived.

If you're thinking about how to ease the financial pressure on your loved ones in the future, funeral insurance can help. Real Funeral Insurance provides a lump-sum payout your family can use towards funeral costs, so they can focus on what matters most. Find out more and request an online quote today, and find the right cover for you.