Walker Family Funerals: Guide to Planning a Funeral in Australia

Step 1: Initial Considerations

1.1. Determine the Type of Service

Consider what kind of funeral service would best honour your loved one’s life. The two most common options are:

• Traditional Funeral: A formal service, followed by burial or cremation.

• Celebration of Life: A more personal, less formal service, focusing on celebrating the individual’s life rather than mourning their passing.

You may also want to consider whether the service will be held at a:

• Funeral Home

• Place of Worship

• Cemetery

• Private Residence

• Other Location of Significance

1.2. Consult with Key Family Members

Before moving forward, speak with family and friends to ensure you are respecting the deceased’s wishes, if known. Discuss preferences such as burial or cremation, specific rituals, and any requests the deceased may have made prior to passing.

Step 2: Practical Arrangements

2.1. Choose a Funeral Director

Choosing a reputable funeral director is a crucial part of the process. At Walker Family Funerals, we offer professional guidance and support throughout every stage of planning. Our experienced team will assist with legal documentation, transport, and organising the service.

2.2. Select Burial or Cremation

• Burial: The deceased is placed in a grave at a cemetery. This will include selecting a burial location.

• Cremation: The deceased is cremated, and the ashes are returned to the family. Cremation can be followed by a memorial service or gathering.

Step 3: The Funeral Service

3.1. Choose the Date and Time

The timing of the funeral service can depend on a range of factors, including availability of venues, family schedules, and religious/cultural considerations. Funeral services are typically held within a couple of weeks of death, but can be scheduled at a later date if needed.

3.2. Select the Venue

Depending on the deceased’s wishes and your preferences, the funeral can be held at:

• A funeral home

• The cemetery in the chapel space or graveside for burials

• A place of worship

• A public hall or other suitable location.

• A favourite club

• A place in nature with permissions approved

3.3. Arrange the Order of Service

Work with your funeral director to plan the flow of the service. This may include:

• Opening and closing remarks

• Music selections (e.g.favourite songs of the deceased or hymns)

• Eulogies or tributes

• Prayers or readings (if religious or spiritual)

• Moment of silence or candle lighting

• Photo tribute

• Reflection to say a final farewell

• Committal (burial or cremation)

You may want to personalise the service with specific items, such as photos, videos, or mementos that reflect the deceased’s life.

3.4. Organise Speakers

Identify who will speak at the funeral, including family members, friends, or religious leaders. A eulogy is typically given, sharing memories and celebrating the deceased’s life. Be sure to give people enough time to prepare their speeches if needed.

Step 4: Personal Touches

4.1. Select Flowers and Tributes

Flowers are a traditional way to honour the deceased, and you can choose from a variety of arrangements

• Coffin Sprays: choose your colour selection, native or cottage flowers, ask our team for the symbology of different flowers

At Walker Family Funerals, we work with local florists to help you select appropriate tributes that reflect your loved one’s personality.

4.2. Funeral Notices

A funeral notice can be published in newspapers, on websites, or social media platforms to inform the community about the passing and service details. These typically include the date, time, and location of the funeral service. This can be arranged for you, or you can do this through your own social networks.

4.3. Catering and Reception

After the service, many families choose to gather for a wake or reception to share memories and comfort one another. Depending on your preferences, this could be a simple morning tea, a sit-down meal, or a more elaborate gathering. Your funeral director can help with catering arrangements, including venue selection and catering services.

Step 5: After the Service

5.1. Funeral Costs and Payment

Costs vary depending on the type of service and arrangements chosen. Some expenses to consider include:

• Professional fees

• Venue fees

• Burial or cremation fees

• Coffin

• Flowers, catering, and memorial products

You may be eligible for financial assistance through life insurance or government support schemes such as the Bereavement Allowance or Funeral Assistance.

5.2. Grief Support

After the funeral, it is common for family members to experience grief. Support is available from:

• Grief counselling services

• Support groups

• Private Counselling. You may be eligible for a health care plan from your GP to assist with fees.

• Religious or spiritual leaders

Step 6: Memorial and Tribute Options

6.1. Memorial Items

Many families choose to create lasting tributes, such as:

• Headstones or plaques at the cemetery.

• Memorial books or websites.

• Keepsakes like jewellery, photo albums, sun catchers or digital memorials.

• Memorial Garden or tree planting

6.2. Ongoing Tributes

Consider regular remembrances such as annual memorial services, planting a tree, or supporting a charity in the deceased’s name.

Conclusion

Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming task, but at Walker Family Funerals, we are committed to making the process as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on what matters most—honouring the memory of your loved one. We’re here to assist with every step, from making practical arrangements to offering emotional support.

If you need help, don’t hesitate to contact us. Together, we can create a fitting tribute that truly reflects the life of your loved one.

Contact Walker Family Funerals

For more information or to begin planning a funeral, please call us at 0499874344 or email info@walkerfamilyfunerals.com.au

We are available 24/7 for your convenience..