Planning your own funeral may not be something you think about often, but taking control of the details ensures your farewell truly reflects your personality, values, and legacy.
Whether you prefer a traditional service, a simple cremation, or an eco-friendly send-off, your choices can help ease the burden on your loved ones while creating a meaningful and memorable goodbye.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to design your perfect funeral, from choosing the type of service to selecting music, location, and personal touches that celebrate your life.
1. Choosing Your Funeral Type
The first step in planning your perfect farewell is deciding on the type of funeral that suits your wishes and beliefs.
Burial or Cremation?
- Traditional Burial: A graveside service with a headstone or a natural burial in an eco-friendly cemetery.
- Cremation: A simple option that allows for a memorial service or ashes scattering.
- Direct Cremation: No formal service, keeping costs minimal.
- Green Funeral: Biodegradable coffin, tree pod burial, or a sea burial.
- Celebration of Life: A personalised gathering focused on storytelling, memories, and positivity.
What’s your preference? If you’re unsure, comparing your options on eziFunerals can help.
2. Choosing the Perfect Location
Where do you want your farewell to take place? The location sets the tone and can be as traditional or unique as you like.
- Chapel or Funeral Home: A structured and traditional setting.
- Outdoor Setting: A peaceful service by the beach, forest, park, or family garden.
- Family Home: A private and intimate gathering.
- Unique Venue: A vineyard, art gallery, or even a sports club if that reflects your passions.
Your Choice: Would you prefer a serene nature setting or a more structured farewell?
3. Personalising the Funeral Ceremony
Your funeral should reflect your personality, values, and life story. Here’s how to make it unique:
- Music & Readings: Choose songs that hold special meaning or reflect your journey.
- Eulogies & Speeches: Decide who should speak and share your life story.
- Photo & Video Tribute: A slideshow or video capturing key moments.
- Symbolic Rituals: Candle lighting, tree planting, or a toast in your honour.
- Themed Elements: Encourage guests to wear colours that reflect your personality rather than traditional black.
Your Choice: Would you prefer a formal ceremony or a relaxed celebration of life?
4. Choosing Your Coffin, Casket, or Urn
Your final resting vessel should match your values.
- Traditional Wooden Casket: Elegant and classic.
- Eco-Friendly Coffin (e.g., Daisybox): Sustainable, biodegradable, and budget-friendly.
- Personalised Casket: Custom-painted or decorated with meaningful images.
- Urn Selection: Choose a unique urn, scattering tube, or a gemstone made from your ashes.
Your Choice: Do you prefer a traditional or eco-friendly option?
5. Burial, Cremation & Ashes Handling
If choosing cremation, decide how your ashes should be handled:
- Scattered in a Special Place: Beach, mountain, or family property.
- Tree Pod Burial: Turning your ashes into a growing tree.
- Memorial Garden: A peaceful, dedicated spot for loved ones to visit.
- Kept by Family: In a stylish urn or memorial jewellery.
Your Choice: Where would you like your final resting place to be?
6. Dress Code: Traditional or Fun?
Should guests wear traditional black, or would you prefer something more colourful?
- Formal: Suits and elegant dresses.
- Casual & Comfortable: Relaxed attire for an informal farewell.
- Bright & Colourful: A celebration of life, with vibrant outfits.
- Themed: Favourite sports team jerseys, Hawaiian shirts, or even costumes.
Your Choice: What reflects your personality best?
7. Funeral Costs & Budget Planning
Funeral costs in Australia range from $2,000 (for direct cremation) to $15,000+ (for a premium funeral). By planning ahead, you can reduce costs and remove financial stress from your family.
Ways to Save on Funeral Costs:
- Compare funeral providers using eziFunerals to find the best prices.
- Consider pre-paid funeral plans to lock in today’s costs.
- Choose a direct cremation or eco-friendly option to cut unnecessary expenses.
- Opt for a DIY funeral by organising key elements yourself.
Your Budget: Do you prefer a premium, mid-range, or budget-friendly option?
8. Memorial & Legacy Planning
How would you like to be remembered? Consider these meaningful options:
- Online Memorial Page: A dedicated space for sharing memories.
- Charitable Donations: Instead of flowers, guests donate to a cause you love.
- Personalised Keepsakes: Memorial books, artwork, or music playlists for attendees.
- Annual Memorial Gathering: A get-together in your honour each year.
Your Choice: How do you want to leave your legacy?
9. Finalising Your Funeral Plan
Once you’ve made your choices, the next step is to put your funeral wishes in writing.
How to Make It Official:
- Create a Funeral Plan Document: Outline your preferences in a clear plan.
- Use eziFunerals to Plan Ahead: Compare services, prepay, or find a trusted funeral provider.
- Discuss with Your Family or Executor: Ensure your loved ones understand your wishes.
Want a Custom Funeral Plan? Let us know, and we can help you create a personalised document outlining everything for you!
Design Your Perfect Funeral with Ease
Your farewell should be a celebration of your life, values, and personality. By planning ahead, you give yourself peace of mind while ensuring your loved ones honour you in the way you wish.
If you’re ready to take control of your funeral plans, visit eziFunerals today and start your free funeral planning journey.
10. Need Help? Start Planning Today
- Compare funeral prices
- Find affordable funeral providers
- Get a custom funeral plan tailored to your wishes
Visit eziFunerals today to start your perfect farewell plan!
Peter Erceg
Peter Erceg is the Owner and Founder of eziFunerals. He has had a long history within the funeral industry, and is a published author of ‘What Kind Of Funeral: A self help guide to planning a meaningful funeral’. Prior to eziFunerals, Peter worked in the public sector and health industry for more than 30 years. The views and opinions expressed on posts are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of eziFunerals and members.
