Funeral Arrangement

Benefits of a funeral service.

Why have a funeral?

When someone close to us dies, it’s natural to want to arrange the funeral straight‑away, hoping the hurt will ease once the service is over. A well‑planned farewell can indeed be emotionally challenging, yet it also offers a powerful chance to share memories, draw on collective support, and begin healing.

The real difference comes from gathering family and friends in one place. That shared space creates a ready‑made network of comfort and strength—both during the service and in the difficult days that follow.

Even when families hesitate to hold a larger gathering, we find this coming‑together is exactly what helps most. By openly acknowledging the loss and grieving alongside loved ones, the funeral ceremony becomes an essential first step on the path to acceptance and recovery.

Funeral Timing

The timing of a funeral is entirely your choice. While some people aim for three days after death, there’s no legal deadline. With all the details involved in a modern service, funerals often take place five to seven days later—and can be scheduled even further out so loved ones traveling from overseas can attend.

Taking your time is worth it. A thoughtful pace lets you make clear, confident decisions and avoids the regrets that sometimes come from rushing.

What Do We Need?

There are some things you can do before meeting with your funeral director.

  • Allow enough time. Set aside 1-2 hours to meet and talk with your funeral director to begin planning the funeral.
  • Supportive family or friend.
  • Information for Death Certificate.
  • Clothes for the deceased to be dressed in including perfume, make up or after shave if you wish. A current photo is also helpful to assist with their presentation.
  • Credit card / Eftpos card / Cheque book.
  • Prepaid funeral plan documents, if any.
  • Burial site reservation, if any.
  • A list of questions you may have.
  • Think about if you would like a viewing. This is some time with the person again before the funeral. It can be held privately, often the day before the funeral.
  • A day, time and place for the service will usually be agreed to in the first meeting.
  • Have some ideas about the ceremony itself – music, flowers, theme, catering, videos etc.
  • Consider whether you want a burial or a cremation.
  • Expect an account with the cost explained. It is normal for the funeral director to discuss the account and explain the cost of each item. You will be given a fully itemised estimate of fees based on what you have agreed upon for the funeral. Most families pay by credit card, cheque or cash on or before the day of the funeral. Most banks will allow you to access the deceased’s bank account to pay for the funeral, and your funeral director will be able to advise you how to do this.

Benefits of a Funeral

Rituals are symbolic acts that let us, along with our families and friends, voice our deepest feelings about life’s milestones. A baptism welcomes a newborn into the church community; birthday celebrations mark another year in a loved one’s life; weddings make a couple’s private commitment public.

Likewise, a funeral is a time‑honoured, symbolic gathering where we share our beliefs and emotions about a person’s passing. Steeped in history and meaning, the ceremony helps us face the reality of the loss, honour the life that was lived, express grief within our cultural values, lean on one another for support, draw on spiritual convictions, and find a sense of continuity and hope for the days ahead.

Bereavement Payments at a Glance

 

Eligibility scenario Possible payment / benefit Duration & key notes Next step
You and your partner were both receiving an income-support pension (e.g. Age Pension, Service Pension) when they passed away Bereavement Payment
(Services Australia or DVA)*		 Lump-sum plus up to 14 weeks of your regular rate Check claim
You were on Carer Payment and the adult you cared for died Carer Payment continues Up to 14 weeks standard rate Start claim
You were on Carer Allowance + another payment (other than Carer Payment) and the person dies Carer Allowance bereavement component Lump-sum (up to 7 fortnightly payments) Details
Partner belonged to the Pension Bonus Scheme but passed away before claiming bonus Pension Bonus Bereavement Bonus Lump-sum (calculated on deferred pension) Eligibility

For full details, visit servicesaustralia.gov.au.

Insurance policies

If relevant, also review any life‑insurance or superannuation policies, as they may provide additional death benefits.

Important resources

When planning a funeral, certain documents and forms are essential. Keep the following paperwork stored safely and readily accessible:

  • Full legal name
  • Home address
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Father’s full name and occupation
  • Mother’s full name, including maiden name and occupation
  • Recent photograph
  • Occupation
  • Place of burial (if applicable)
  • Details of existing or pre-arranged burial plots (if applicable)
  • Clothing
  • Next of kin (name, relationship, etc.)

Get In Touch

We can arrange a personal discussion with the family or executor at the family home or other suitable location anywhere in Melbourne; or at one of our branches.