There are a number of things to consider when organising a funeral. The following checklist is provided to assist you with the funeral process:

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Final body of disposition – For example would your loved one prefer cremation or burial? Consider what is also written in their will. 

Consider your budget – How much you can afford or was provided to fund the funeral service.

Consider religious requirements – each religion and culture has different ways to remember a loved one. Take these into account when planning the funeral or memorial service. 

Choose a date – The funeral service doesn’t have to be within the week of the person’s death. You can schedule it at a time of your choosing. It’s important to pick a date where you can be given enough time to do preparations and enough time for relatives and friends to plan their own schedule so they can attend.

Pick a theme – When you pick a theme, think of the life of the deceased. How would the person like to be remembered? What were the best qualities of the person? What were their passions and interests? These can help you decide on the theme and the location of the service, too.

Select a location – The location depends on four things: your theme, the number of attendees, convenience of the attendees, and budget considerations. Funeral services can be held at a cemetery chapel, in funeral homes, churches or other event places. The theme can help you decide on your location. If the deceased loved the ocean for example, then you may wish to organise a service at the beach.

Create the Program (order of service) – Make a plan that lists down the activities of the service in chronological order. Appoint a funeral celebrant or assign an program leader who will ensure that the order of service gets followed. The program may be printed on a card or on a special paper to serve as a guide for your guests. 

Choose the pallbearers – If there will be a burial, choose the pallbearers and contact them with instructions.

Select the eulogist and speakers – You will also need to decide who the speakers will be and inform them several days before the service to give them time to prepare.

Choose the right funeral songs for the service.

Collect photos and memories – photos and other memorabilia adds a nice touch to display at the service. If you want to make the process of creating memory books easier and more interactive, try an online memory book or online memorial that the those close to the loved one can easily access. 

Decide on catering – It is important to let attendees know whether food will be served or if guests are encouraged to contribute a dish. 

Select a Funeral Director – You don’t have to settle on a funeral director right away. Take some time to plan the funeral, request quotes, prices and reviews before settling on a shortlist of around two to five.

Publish an obituary or tribute notice – announce the details of the funeral in a notice and post a tribute to your loved one in the local or national newspaper publication or privately amongst friends and family. You can indicate here the basic event details (time, date and venue), event attire, a short write-up about the person who died, and special requests from the family. For example, if you wish to request charitable donations instead of flowers, you may specify that in the notice.

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Peter

Peter Erceg is the Founder and Owner of eziFunerals — Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority. With more than 40 years of experience in government and public health, Peter has become one of the country’s leading voices on funeral transparency, consumer rights, and ethical funeral practices. Through eziFunerals, Peter has built a national platform that empowers Australian families to make informed end-of-life decisions — free from pressure, commissions, and confusion. His goal is simple: "to help every Australian plan smarter, save money, and choose funeral services with confidence." 🕊 eziFunerals was founded by Peter in 2011, as an independent funeral comparison and planning platform that allows consumers to: • Compare local funeral directors and transparent quotes, • Understand real funeral costs across Australia, and • Connect with trusted, independent funeral homes that uphold the Fair Funeral Promise. As Australia’s Independent Funeral Planning Authority, eziFunerals is recognised by media, consumers, and funeral professionals for its leadership in price transparency and consumer protection. “We believe every family deserves a fair, dignified, and affordable farewell — without hidden fees or sales pressure.” 📘 Peter is the author of What Kind of Funeral: A Self-Help Guide to Planning a Meaningful Funeral, a practical guide that has helped thousands of Australians understand their options and avoid unnecessary costs. He regularly contributes articles and commentary on: • Funeral cost transparency and industry reform, • Prepaid funerals and consumer protection, • Emerging trends in eco-friendly and digital memorials, and • The role of AI and technology in end-of-life planning. 🎙 Peter and eziFunerals have been featured in major Australian media outlets including ABC News. His insights continue to shape the national conversation on funeral costs, consumer rights, and ethical practices in the funeral industry. ⚖️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by Peter Erceg are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of eziFunerals or its members. The information provided on this site is general in nature and should not be taken as personal, legal, or financial advice. Consumers are encouraged to conduct their own research and compare funeral services that best meet their needs and circumstances.