Preface to the Third Edition
This edition of Your Funeral, Your Way (formerly What Kind of Funeral?) has been carefully updated to reflect the changing landscape of funerals in Australia funerals in Australia.
Since the second edition, families have faced new challenges and opportunities in how they plan farewells. Costs continue to rise, regulation remains inconsistent, and many Australians still struggle to find clear, transparent information when it matters most.
At the same time, new trends have reshaped the way we say goodbye — from eco-friendly and digital memorials to livestreamed services and AI-assisted planning.
In revising this edition, we reviewed the latest government inquiries, consumer reports, and industry research to ensure the information is accurate, practical, and relevant for today’s readers.
We’ve also listened to families, communities, and independent funeral directors to highlight real experiences and meaningful options.
Our goal remains the same: to empower you with knowledge, protect your rights, and help you create funerals that are authentic, affordable, and meaningful.
This chapter is part of the complete Australian funeral planning guide —
Your Funeral, Your Way (link to /your-funeral-your-way/).
Helpful next step
Looking at a funeral notice and need help arranging a funeral?
Funeral notices often raise practical questions about funeral costs, cremation or burial options, service planning, and how to choose the right funeral director. eziFunerals helps families across Australia move from searching notices to making informed funeral decisions with clarity and confidence.
- Compare funeral costs before you commit to a provider
- Find independent funeral directors in your area
- Understand cremation, burial and service options
- Use practical planning guides to reduce stress and uncertainty
About the Author
Peter Erceg is the Founder of eziFunerals, Australia’s leading independent funeral planning and comparison platform.
With a background in consumer advocacy and a passion for transparency, Peter created eziFunerals eziFunerals to empower families with the tools and knowledge to make informed, compassionate funeral choices.
Drawing on years of research and industry insight, Peter has helped redefine how Australians plan, compare, and experience funerals.
Through Your Funeral, Your Way, he shares his mission to bring honesty, simplicity, and peace of mind to every stage of life’s final journey.
“Funeral planning isn’t about death — it’s about love, legacy, and peace for those who remain.”
For more information, visit www.ezifunerals.com.au.
Copyright
© 2025 Peter Erceg. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise — without prior written permission of the publisher.
- Title: Your Funeral, Your Way: The Complete Guide to Planning Smarter in Australia
- Edition: Third Edition of What Kind of Funeral?
- Author: Peter Erceg
- Publisher: eziFunerals Pty Ltd
- Website: www.ezifunerals.com.au
- Subjects: Funeral rites and ceremonies; Funeral service; Bereavement; Death — social aspects; Mourning customs; Mourning etiquette.
Disclaimer
This book is designed to provide general information to help individuals and families understand the funeral planning process in Australia.
While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the content should not be regarded as legal, financial, medical, or professional advice.
- Funeral laws and regulations may vary by state and territory.
- Prices and services may change over time and between providers.
- Readers are encouraged to consult qualified professionals such as funeral directors funeral directors, lawyers, financial advisers, counsellors, or medical practitioners for advice tailored to their circumstances.
Neither the author nor the publisher accepts any liability for loss, damage, or expense incurred as a result of reliance on the information contained in this publication.
Dedication
To families across Australia — may this guide help you find peace of mind during life’s most difficult moments.
Acknowledgments
My sincere thanks to the funeral directors, families, consumer advocates, and professionals who generously shared their knowledge, stories, and support to make this edition possible.
Peter Erceg
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.