What to Do Before the Funeral | A Practical Guide for Families
When someone you love passes away, it can feel overwhelming — especially in the first few days. Alongside grief, there are urgent tasks to take care of, including legal paperwork, funeral planning, and notifying family and friends.
At eziFunerals, we understand this difficult time. That’s why we’ve created a clear, step-by-step guide to help you navigate what needs to happen before the funeral, so you can focus on what matters most: honouring your loved one’s life.
Step 1: Confirm the Death
When a person dies, the first step is to have their death officially confirmed.
- If the death occurs in a hospital or aged care facility, staff will manage this.
- If the person dies at home, call the GP or an ambulance.
- A registered medical practitioner must issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death.
This certificate is not the same as the official death certificate (issued later by Births, Deaths & Marriages).
Step 2: Notify Family and Next of Kin
Inform close family and friends as soon as possible. If you’re not the next of kin, you may need to assist them with:
- Contacting relatives
- Supporting decision-making
- Discussing the person’s funeral wishes, if known
It’s okay to lean on others — you don’t have to do this alone.
Step 3: Check for Funeral Instructions or Prepaid Plans
Before making funeral arrangements, check whether the deceased had:
- A prepaid funeral plan
- A Funeral Bond or Funeral Insurance
- A written Funeral Plan or Will with instructions
- An appointed Funeral Guardian
These documents can help guide the type of service, choice of funeral director, or specific preferences like burial vs cremation.
If no plan exists, eziFunerals can help you compare your options and plan from scratch.
Step 4: Choose a Funeral Director
A funeral director helps with the care of the deceased and coordinates the service. It’s a good idea to:
- Get quotes from multiple providers
- Compare prices and inclusions
- Ask if they offer payment plans or flexible options
- Check reviews or testimonials
Use eziFunerals.com.au to receive no-obligation quotes from trusted funeral directors near you.
Step 5: Transfer the Deceased into Care
Once you’ve chosen a funeral provider, they will:
- Arrange collection and transport of the deceased
- Store the body respectfully and legally
- Begin preparations for cremation, burial, or viewing (as required)
- Handle initial paperwork and liaise with the hospital or care facility
Step 6: Register the Death
The funeral director will usually lodge the paperwork with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state or territory.
You’ll then receive the Official Death Certificate, which is required for:
- Closing bank accounts
- Accessing superannuation or insurance
- Finalising the estate
Allow 1–3 weeks for processing, depending on your location.
Step 7: Plan the Funeral or Memorial
Now it’s time to organise the details of the farewell:
Decide on the Type of Service:
- Cremation or burial
- Religious, cultural or secular
- Formal service, informal gathering, or direct cremation
- Private or public event
Choose the Location:
- Chapel, funeral home, church, or cemetery
- Outdoor setting like a park or beach (with approval)
- Aged care or community venue
- Home memorial
Select Key Details:
- Funeral celebrant or clergy
- Music, readings, tributes, or eulogies
- Flowers and decorations
- Transport and order of service
- Live streaming or video recording
Let eziFunerals help you plan a meaningful farewell that reflects the life lived — without the stress or sales pressure.
Step 8: Notify Others
Create a list of people who should be informed, including:
- Extended family and close friends
- Employers and professional contacts
- Clubs, organisations, or religious communities
You may also choose to:
- Publish a death notice or funeral notice online or in the newspaper
- Share service details on social media or group chats
- Use eziFunerals’ platform (coming soon) to manage invitations and updates
Step 9: Prepare Clothing and Personal Items
You may be asked to provide:
- Clothing for your loved one
- Personal items (e.g. jewellery, photos, keepsakes)
- A recent photo to assist in preparation or for the service display
Some families also choose to include items in the coffin that reflect the person’s life or passions.
Step 10: Take Care of Yourself
Grief is exhausting. Remember to:
- Get rest
- Ask for help
- Accept support from friends or professionals
- Take breaks from planning if you need to
- Use grief support services (e.g. Lifeline, Griefline, Beyond Blue)
How eziFunerals Can Help Before the Funeral
We provide:
- Funeral planning checklists and tools
- Trusted funeral director comparisons
- Guides to costs, cremation, burial and cultural services
- Support with prepaid plans, death certificates and notices
- Independent advice — no upselling, no pressure
You don’t have to do it alone.
Start Planning Today
Whether you’re planning ahead or organising a funeral now, eziFunerals is here to support you every step of the way.
Get a free funeral quote:
https://ezifunerals.com.au/get-a-quote
Or call us on 1300 236 402
eziFunerals — Australia’s trusted guide to funeral planning.
