A Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Funeral

Planning a funeral is one of the hardest things most people will ever have to do. It usually happens in the middle of grief, when energy is low and decisions feel heavier than usual. On top of the emotions, there’s the practical side — legal documents, service arrangements, costs, and family opinions to navigate.

Yet a funeral, at its core, isn’t about paperwork or formality. It’s about creating a space where stories are shared, memories are honoured, and a life is recognised for its value. The logistics matter, but they’re simply the frame around something much more important: the goodbye.

So how do you actually plan one without getting completely lost in the process?

Start With Support

The very first step is choosing who will guide you. A funeral director is more than just an organiser — they’re the one who takes care of the details you may not even realise exist. They’ll manage transport, official certificates, and coordination with cemeteries or crematoria. Most importantly, they’ll give you space to focus on your loved ones while they handle the practicalities in the background.

Burial, Cremation, or Something Else?

One of the first decisions is how the body will be cared for. Some people make their wishes known beforehand, which makes things easier. Others leave it in the hands of family.

• Burial offers a permanent place to visit, but comes with higher costs and cemetery fees.

• Cremation is usually simpler and more affordable, and ashes can be kept, scattered, or placed in a memorial.

• Natural or eco-burials are a growing choice, where the focus is on simplicity and sustainability.

There’s no right or wrong — only what feels most respectful to the person who has died, and what’s manageable for those left behind.

Choosing the Type of Service

Gone are the days when funerals all looked the same. Today, families have options.

• Traditional services in a church or chapel

• Celebrations of life with music, laughter, and personal stories

• Private family gatherings for those who prefer intimacy

• Hybrid or streamed services for loved ones who can’t be there in person

The important thing is authenticity. The most moving funerals are the ones that reflect the person — whether that means a hymn sung in a chapel or a guitar solo played in a backyard.

The Details That Make It Personal

Families often worry about “getting it right.” The truth? People don’t remember the order of service or the exact floral arrangement. They remember the details that feel like the person.

• Displaying photos from throughout their life

• Playing their favourite songs

• Serving food they loved at the wake

• Sharing stories from family and friends

It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be them.

The Paperwork Nobody Wants to Think About

While it’s not the emotional part, there are legal steps that can’t be skipped. A funeral director will:

• Register the death with Births, Deaths and Marriages

• Arrange the death certificate

• Obtain cremation permits (if needed)

• Handle other necessary authorisations

It’s not the most meaningful part of the process, but it’s what keeps everything moving legally and allows families to focus on what really matters.

Finding Balance Between Cost and Meaning

In Australia, funerals can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well over $10,000, depending on choices. Coffins, flowers, venues, and cemetery fees all add up quickly.

The good news: a beautiful farewell doesn’t have to be the most expensive option. A simple cremation with a personalised celebration of life can be just as meaningful (if not more so) than the most elaborate service. Transparency is key — ask for an itemised breakdown so you know where the money is going and can choose what matters most.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, planning a funeral is about more than logistics. It’s about creating a space for grief, remembrance, and love. It’s about honouring a life, not ticking boxes.

But that doesn’t mean the process isn’t stressful. In fact, many families find themselves juggling decisions and deadlines at a time when they’re least able to cope.

Want to Skip the Headache and Rush?

That’s where tools like Capturfy can help. Capturfy offers a 30-day free trial of its easy, step-by-step funeral planning platform. It takes away the confusion and gives families clarity. You can:

• Add the photos that best represent your loved one

• Choose the songs that mean the most

• Map out the details without feeling overwhelmed

Instead of scrambling through paperwork and scattered notes, Capturfy gives you one place to organise everything. It’s practical help at a time when simplicity matters most.

Funerals are never easy to plan, but they don’t have to be chaotic. With support, clarity, and a focus on personal touches, families can create a farewell that feels both manageable and meaningful. And with tools like Capturfy, it’s possible to skip the headache and focus on what really matters — remembering, honouring, and celebrating a life well lived.