What Do Funeral Directors in Australia Do?
A funeral director plays one of the most important roles during life’s most difficult moments. They help families plan, coordinate, and carry out a respectful farewell for a loved one — taking care of the logistics, legalities, and emotional details so you don’t have to face them alone.
At eziFunerals, we help you understand what funeral directors do and how to choose the right one for your needs and values.
The Role of a Funeral Director
Funeral directors are compassionate professionals who guide families through the entire funeral process, from the first call to final goodbyes. Their role includes:
1. Initial Care and Support
- Responding to the death (24/7 availability)
- Transporting the deceased to a mortuary or funeral home
- Providing emotional support and practical guidance to the family
2. Funeral Planning and Coordination
- Meeting with the family to discuss funeral wishes
- Organising cremation or burial services
- Booking venues, clergy, celebrants, and music
- Writing and placing death or funeral notices
- Coordinating service elements like flowers, transport, and catering
3. Legal and Administrative Duties
- Preparing and lodging the death certificate
- Handling legal paperwork and permits
- Liaising with cemeteries, crematoria, and government registries
4. Care of the Deceased
- Washing, dressing, and preparing the body for viewing
- Embalming (if required)
- Arranging for viewings or visitations
- Placing the deceased in the selected coffin or casket
5. Conducting the Funeral Service
- Leading or assisting during the ceremony
- Coordinating timing and flow of the service
- Ensuring the family’s wishes are respected throughout
6. Post-Funeral Support
- Returning ashes (if cremation)
- Delivering memorial items (photos, keepsakes)
- Referrals to grief counselling or support services
- Helping with prepaid funeral planning or future arrangements
Types of Funeral Directors in Australia
In Australia, funeral directors may work in different settings:
- Independent funeral homes – Locally owned and operated, often with more personal and flexible service
- Large corporate brands – National providers with centralised resources
- Cremation-only services – Specialising in direct cremation and simple farewells
- Religious or cultural specialists – Offering services tailored to specific traditions or beliefs
At eziFunerals, we support independent funeral directors who prioritise personalised care, fair pricing, and community values.
How Much Do Funeral Directors Charge?
Costs vary based on the type of funeral, provider, and location. A funeral director’s professional service fee in Australia typically ranges from:
- $1,800 – $4,500 for direct cremation
- $3,500 – $7,500+ for a full-service funeral
- Additional costs may apply for coffins, flowers, venue hire, and cemetery or crematorium fees
Using eziFunerals, you can compare quotes from funeral directors in your area — ensuring transparency and value.
Do I Have to Use a Funeral Director?
In most Australian states, families are allowed to arrange funerals themselves (a “DIY funeral”). However, many people choose to work with a funeral director because:
- The paperwork and legal steps are complex
- Transporting and caring for the deceased requires training and facilities
- Coordinating a funeral service during grief is challenging
- Funeral directors offer peace of mind and professional care
How to Choose the Right Funeral Director
Here’s what to consider:
- Are they independent or corporate?
- Do they offer transparent pricing and written quotes?
- Are they experienced with your cultural or religious needs?
- Do they listen to you and respect your wishes?
- Can they accommodate your budget and preferences?
You can use eziFunerals to find, compare, and contact funeral directors near you — all in one place.
eziFunerals: Your Guide to Trusted Funeral Directors
We’re not a funeral home. We’re Australia’s leading independent funeral comparison platform — here to help families connect with trusted funeral directors and make informed decisions with confidence.
We help you:
- Understand funeral options
- Compare providers and pricing
- Request quotes with no pressure
- Plan ahead or get support after a loss
Need Help Finding a Funeral Director?
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Call: 1300 236 402
Email: support@ezifunerals.com.au
Visit: www.ezifunerals.com.au
