Losing a loved one is never easy, and organising a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to begin. Whether you’re planning ahead or making arrangements unexpectedly, knowing what steps to take can ease the burden during this difficult time.
At eziFunerals, we’re here to guide you through the funeral planning process and help you make informed decisions with ease.
Step 1: Understand Your Funeral Options
Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand the different types of funerals available:
Burial: A traditional choice where the body is laid to rest in a cemetery or private burial ground.
Cremation: A more affordable and flexible option where ashes can be kept, scattered, or placed in a memorial.
Eco-Friendly Funerals: A sustainable choice with biodegradable coffins and natural burial sites.
Direct Cremation: simple, no-service cremation that allows for a memorial at a later date.
Religious & Cultural Funerals: Services that align with spiritual or cultural beliefs.
Tip: Deciding on the type of funeral early will help guide the next steps.
Step 2: Set a Budget
Funerals can be expensive, so it’s essential to set a budget upfront. The average cost of a funeral in Australia can range from $4,000 to $15,000, depending on the services chosen.
Cost-Saving Tips:
- Consider direct cremation instead of a traditional service.
- Compare funeral directors to get the best price and service.
- Ask for itemised quotes to avoid hidden fees.
- Look into prepaid funeral plans or funeral insurance if planning ahead.
Tip: Use eziFunerals free funeral cost estimator to get an idea of expenses.
Step 3: Compare Funeral Directors
Not all funeral homes offer the same services or pricing. It’s important to compare different providers to find one that meets your needs and budget.
How to Choose a Funeral Director:
- Check online reviews and testimonials.
- Ask for detailed pricing breakdowns.
- Ensure they provide the type of service you want (e.g., religious, non-religious, eco-friendly).
- Confirm if they offer flexible payment options.
Tip: eziFunerals helps you compare independent funeral directors, giving you control over the funeral planning process.
Step 4: Decide on the Funeral Service Details
Once you’ve chosen a funeral director, you’ll need to arrange the details of the service:
- Date, time, and location of the funeral
- Coffin or urn selection (consider eco-friendly options like DaisyBox)
- Funeral celebrant or religious leader
- Music, readings, and eulogies
- Flowers, memorial booklets, and photo displays
- Transportation and pallbearers
- Burial or cremation arrangements
Tip: A funeral doesn’t have to be traditional. Consider a personalised farewell that reflects your loved one’s life.
Step 5: Notify Family & Friends
Informing people of a loved one’s passing can be one of the hardest steps. You can:
- Call close family and friends personally.
- Send a group message or email with funeral details.
- Create an online tribute page where people can share memories.
- Place a funeral notice in the newspaper or on social media.
Tip: eziFunerals offers an online obituary service to help families notify loved ones.
Step 6: Organise Post-Funeral Arrangements
After the funeral, there are still a few things to consider:
Memorial Options: Plaques, headstones, or scattering ashes.
Legal & Financial Matters: Settling the estate and handling the will.
Support for Grief: Accessing counselling services or grief support groups.
Tip: Give yourself time to grieve and process emotions as funeral planning can be emotionally exhausting.
Let eziFunerals Make Funeral Planning Easier
We understand that planning a funeral can be stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. eziFunerals offers:
- Independent funeral director comparisons
- Personalised funeral cost estimates
- Online funeral planning tools
- Support for families before and after the funeral
Ready to get started? Visit eziFunerals.com.au and take control of the funeral planning process today.
Final Thoughts
Organising a funeral doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these steps and using the right resources, you can arrange a meaningful farewell that honours your loved one’s life. If you need assistance, eziFunerals is here to help every step of the way.
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.
