Planning a funeral in Australia:
What to do first
When someone dies, it can be hard to know what needs to happen next, who to call, and which decisions need to be made straight away.
What you'll learn
What to do in the first 24–48 hours
Who you need to contact
The main decisions involved in planning a funeral
Built for Australian families
Last updated May, 2026
When someone dies, it can feel overwhelming trying to work out what needs to happen next - who to call, what to organise, and where to even begin.
There are a few things that need to happen straight away, and others that can wait. This guide breaks down the first steps of planning a funeral, so you can move forward with clarity.
What do you need to do first when planning a funeral?
Most families follow a similar set of first steps, regardless of the situation.
Confirm the death
A doctor, hospital, aged care facility, or emergency service will usually help with this.
Contact a funeral director
They can arrange transfer, care of the person who has died, and guide you through the next steps.
Check for funeral wishes
Look for a will, prepaid funeral plan, or any written instructions.
Start making key decisions
This may include burial or cremation, type of service, location, and budget.
Key funeral planning decisions
One of the first and most important decisions, as it affects cost, timing, and location.
This could be a traditional funeral, memorial service, direct cremation, or something more personal.
Options may include a chapel, place of worship, cemetery, crematorium, home, or meaningful location.
Costs can vary, so it helps to understand what is essential and what is optional.
What does a funeral director help with?
A funeral director can manage many of the practical steps, but it’s still important to understand what they do and what decisions remain yours.
Practical care
Transfer of the person who has died
Mortuary care
Coffin or casket arrangements
Booking cremation or burial
Paperwork
Death registration support
Required permits
Liasing with hospitals or aged care
Cemetary or crematorium forms
Service planning
Venue booking
Celebrant or clergy coordination
Music, flowers, and order of service
Funeral notices and live streaming
What happens in the first few days?
While every situation is different, most funerals follow a similar timeline.
First 24 hours
Confirm the death, contact immediate family, and speak with a funeral director if needed.
Next 2-3 days
Choose burial or cremation, discuss service options, and begin paperwork.
Before the funeral
Finalise the date, venue, readings, music, flowers, and who will be involved.
Ways to make funeral planning easier
Focus first on what must happen, then make personal choices once the basics are clear.
A funeral director should be able to explain each step and what decisions are needed.
Look for a will, funeral plan, insurance policy, or any notes they may have left.
Agree who is making decisions so there is less confusion during an emotional time.
Not every choice needs to be made immediately, especially details like flowers, music, and readings.
Common questions
There’s no strict legal timeframe, but most funerals in Australia take place within one to two weeks after death.
The timing depends on factors like family availability, cultural or religious practices, and how quickly paperwork and arrangements can be completed.
Yes, it is legally possible to arrange a funeral yourself in Australia.
However, most families choose to use a funeral director because they handle transport, paperwork, and bookings, which can be difficult to manage during an already stressful time.
In Australia, the person legally responsible is usually the executor named in the will.
If there is no will, responsibility typically falls to the closest next of kin, such as a spouse, adult child, or parent.
If there is disagreement, the person who takes responsibility for organising and paying for the funeral often has practical control, although disputes can be resolved through the courts if needed.
Plan with more clarity
We’re building a clearer way to understand your options, costs, and what to expect when planning a funeral.
Based on real pricing data and industry averages
Written for Australian families
Regularly updated to reflect current costs