Planning a Funeral
When someone dies, you not only have to cope with the loss of a loved one, but also face the task of making decisions and planning the funeral service with the knowledge that the family now has to go on. The average person may find themselves planning a funeral only once or twice in their entire lifetime. It is perfectly normal to feel a sense of apprehension, uncertainty, or even outright fear of this process.
Before the funeral
The funeral home will transfer your loved one into their care and if required provide facilities for viewing of the deceased prior to the funeral. They will also coordinate and manage all necessary paperwork. For further information about bringing your loved one into the care of a funeral home (known in the industry as a Transfer) please see our FAQ.
The role of a funeral director encompasses practical organisation, support and guidance to the family and liaison with a wide range of other organisations and services to ensure the funeral is properly arranged.
After discussing your requirements, an NFDA funeral firm member will arrange the funeral you want, taking on the responsibility for organising every aspect of the event and delivering it to the highest professional standards.
In the process of planning a funeral, the funeral director will handle all the requirements for the service. The following are some of the questions you may be asked.
- Burial or Cremation
- Location of funeral service
- Your preferred date & time of Service
- Person to officiate at the service
- Choice of coffin or casket
- Do you wish to view the deceased
- Is jewellery to remain or be returned
- Special clothes for the deceased
- Casket Spray and other floral arrangements
- Funeral Notice
- Donations or special requests
- Memorial Book
- Orders of Service or Photo Presentations
- Select scripture, poems or readings for Service
- Select hymns or music
- Will family or a friend give a eulogy
- Are pallbearers needed? Who will they be?
- Do the family need a mourning car for transport to and from the service
- Refreshments following the service
- Thank you cards
When planning a funeral service, paperwork has to be completed to enable the death to be registered with the Registrar General and to enable the family to receive a certified copy of the Death Certificate following the funeral service.
The following information about the deceased is required to complete these forms:
- Full legal name
- Residential address
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Occupation
- Date of Marriage
- Place of Marriage
- Spouse’s full name
- Children’s Names and Dates of Birth
Further information may be required, depending on the State in which the death will be registered.
Below is a guide of some people and organisations you may need to contact after someone dies, or you may like to download the checklist from the Department of Human Services here.
Some of these organisations (eg Insurance Companies), may require a copy of the Certified Copy of Death before they can process any information. Your funeral director can keep you up to date on the progress of the Certificate.
- Executor of Will
- Centrelink (Advise of Death form)
- Department of Veteran Affairs
- Solicitor (or Public Trustee)
- Accountant
- Landlord
- Doctor, Dentist, Specialists
- Australian Tax Office
- Medicare
- Private Health Fund
- Insurance Company
- Electoral Office
- Banks and other financial institutions
- Clubs and other organisations
- Motor Vehicle Registry
- Superannuation Fund
- Employer
- Home Care services – eg Meals On Wheels
- Home Delivery services – eg. Newsagent
- Telephone Company
- Local Council
- Church
- Local Utility Companies – eg. Gas and/or Electricity
- Professional Associations
When planning a funeral, the following list of paperwork and documents may be required. Start by locating the Will, as it might include instructions about the type of funeral desired. Also, check for any pre-arranged or pre-paid funeral plans, as these can help in planning the service.
- Will
- Pre-paid Funeral Plan
- Birth Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Citizenship Papers
- Insurance Policies – home, contents & car
- Life Insurance
- Superannuation Papers
- Bank Documents
- Property Deeds & Mortgage papers
- Home Loan Details
- Taxation Records
- Vehicle Ownership Papers
- Death Certificate (issued following the funeral service)