How to arrange a funeral
Arranging a funeral comes down to a handful of decisions, usually in this order. Here is what each one involves and what it tends to cost, so you can compare directors near you with confidence. None of it has to be settled today.
The first decision: cremation or burial?
Most of what follows, the cost, the timing and the kind of service, flows from this one choice. Neither is right or wrong; it comes down to the person and the family.
Cremation
The more common choice, and usually the lower cost.
It can be a full service with mourners, or a simple direct cremation with no service. You can still hold a memorial later, wherever suits the family. Cremation costs explained
Burial
A traditional choice, with a plot and a place to visit.
The cemetery plot is a separate, often significant cost, and it varies a lot by city. Natural and eco burials are also an option. Burial costs explained
The decisions you will make
A good funeral director walks you through each of these. You do not need answers before you call.
A service, or something simpler
A full service, a smaller graveside gathering, a memorial held later, or no service at all.
Direct cremation explainedWhere it is held
A chapel, a church, the crematorium, the graveside, or somewhere that meant something to them.
Who leads it
A celebrant, a member of the clergy, or someone from the family. Your director can recommend celebrants.
What it costs
From around $1,500 for a direct cremation up to $20,000 for a full city burial. We show each director’s pricing.
See full funeral costsFind and compare directors near you
Search your suburb or postcode to compare directors on services, pricing and reviews, then request quotes from the ones that feel right.
Always free for families. No obligation to choose.
Worth knowing before you decide
A few things that make the choice clearer and can save you money.
Common questions
How do I arrange a funeral?
Choose cremation or burial, appoint a funeral director, and decide on the service and who leads it. The director handles the person’s care, the paperwork and the logistics with you, and you can take the decisions one at a time over several days.
Do I have to use a funeral director?
In most of Australia you can arrange a funeral yourself, though it involves significant paperwork and coordination, and most families choose to use one for the support.
How long do I have to arrange the funeral?
There is usually no fixed legal deadline, and most funerals happen within one to two weeks. Some faiths hold the funeral within 24 to 48 hours.
What goes into a funeral planning checklist?
Choosing cremation or burial, appointing a director, registering the death, deciding the service and venue, choosing who leads it, setting a date, and notifying family.
How much does a funeral cost?
As a guide, a direct cremation runs about $1,500 to $4,000, a cremation with a service about $4,500 to $9,000, and a burial with a service from around $8,000, more in the capital cities where the plot drives the cost. Prices vary widely, so comparing directors makes a real difference.
