The Australian funeral industry, like many other sectors, has been shaped by global trends, particularly those from the United States. While Australia maintains its own distinct funeral customs, the growing influence of American practices, technology, and consumer expectations is reshaping the way funerals are planned, conducted, and marketed.
1. The Rise of Personalisation
One of the most significant trends the Australian funeral industry has adopted from the USA is the shift towards personalisation. Traditional funerals, once dictated by rigid religious and cultural norms, are evolving to reflect the unique lives of the deceased. In the United States, highly customised services, including themed celebrations, personalized caskets, and multimedia tributes, have become the norm.
This trend has increasingly taken root in Australia, with more families opting for bespoke funeral experiences that honour individual legacies.
2. The Growth of Direct Cremation
The U.S. funeral market has seen a dramatic rise in direct cremation, a low-cost, no-service cremation option without a traditional funeral ceremony. This shift has been driven by changing attitudes toward death, cost considerations, and a decline in religious adherence.
Australia has followed suit, with direct cremation services becoming more popular, particularly among younger generations and those seeking simpler, more affordable alternatives to traditional burials.
3. Green Funerals and Eco-Friendly Innovations
Sustainability is another area where American influence is making waves in Australia. The U.S. has been at the forefront of green burial movements, promoting biodegradable caskets, natural burial sites, and environmentally friendly cremation alternatives like aquamation (alkaline hydrolysis). These trends are gaining traction in Australia, as consumers demand more sustainable options in response to climate change concerns.
Companies offering eco-friendly funeral choices, such as Daisybox biodegradable coffins, are becoming more prominent in the market.
4. Digital Disruption in Funeral Planning
In the U.S., technology has revolutionized how funerals are arranged, with online funeral planning services, digital memorial platforms, and even live-streamed funerals becoming commonplace. Australian funeral directors are now adopting these innovations, providing online pre-planning tools, virtual consultations, and livestreaming services for families unable to attend in person.
This shift was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become an expected service for many Australians.
5. Corporate Consolidation and Changing Business Models
The American funeral industry is largely dominated by large corporate players, such as Service Corporation International (SCI), which has acquired many independent funeral homes over the years. While Australia has historically been home to many family-owned funeral businesses, corporate acquisitions are increasing.
Companies like InvoCare and Propel Funeral Partners are following the U.S. model of consolidating independent funeral homes under larger brands. While this brings economies of scale and standardised services, some critics argue that it reduces personalized service and increases prices.
6. Prepaid Funerals and Funeral Insurance
Prepaid funeral plans and funeral insurance policies have long been a staple in the U.S. funeral industry. In Australia, prepaid funerals are becoming more common as people seek to lock in prices and reduce financial burdens on their families.
However, the American model of funeral insurance has faced criticism for high premiums and poor long-term value, leading to increased scrutiny in Australia regarding consumer protections.
7. Changing Attitudes Toward Death and Grief
American pop culture, books, and television have played a role in changing how Australians view death and mourning. The rise of death positivity, a movement that encourages open discussions about death and dying, originated in the U.S. and has since influenced Australian attitudes.
Concepts such as death cafe’s, where people meet to discuss mortality in a supportive environment, have become more common in Australian cities.
Final Thoughts
While Australia has its own distinct funeral traditions, the influence of the U.S. is undeniable. From increasing funeral personalisation and direct cremation trends to digital innovation and corporate consolidation, the Australian funeral industry continues to evolve in response to American practices.
However, as these trends take hold, Australian consumers must navigate the balance between embracing new options and preserving the personal, community-driven aspects that have long defined funerals Down Under.
As the industry continues to change, eziFunerals remains committed to helping Australian families make informed funeral choices, ensuring transparency, affordability, and dignity in every farewell.
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.
