Funeral Planning Checklist
A comprehensive guide to help you plan a funeral and ensure nothing
is overlooked during a difficult time
Planning a funeral can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re grieving. This comprehensive checklist is designed to help you navigate the process step-by-step and ensure that all important details are addressed. Whether you’re pre-planning your own funeral or arranging one for a loved one, this guide will help you stay organised.
“Pre-planning your funeral is one of the most caring things you can do for your family. It removes the burden of difficult decisions during a time of grief and ensures your wishes are honoured.” — Australian Funeral Directors Association
At Gardenia Funerals, we’re here to support you through every step of the planning process. Our experienced team can help you work through this checklist and make decisions that honour your loved one’s memory.
Why Funeral Planning Matters: Key Statistics
65%
of Australians who pre-plan their funerals report greater peace of mind and reduced family stress
10-15%
average cost savings when funerals are pre-planned and pre-paid, according to AFDA research
40%
reduction in family stress and decision-making burden through comprehensive funeral planning
Immediate Steps (First 24-48 Hours)
Contact a funeral home (Gardenia Funerals is available 24/7)
Notify immediate family members and close friends
Arrange for someone to stay with family members if needed
Obtain multiple copies of the death certificate
Notify the employer or workplace
Contact the deceased’s doctor if needed for medical information
Locate important documents (will, insurance policies, bank accounts)
Secure the deceased’s home and valuables
Notify relevant organisations (banks, insurance companies, government agencies)
Consider whether you need grief counselling support
Funeral Arrangements (First Week)
Choose between burial, cremation, or other options
Select a casket or urn
Decide on the type of service (traditional funeral, memorial service, celebration of life)
Choose the date and time for the service
Select the location (funeral home, church, cemetery, other venue)
Arrange for a funeral director to guide you through the process
Decide on flowers, music, and readings for the service
Choose who will deliver the eulogy or funeral speech
Arrange for catering or refreshments after the service
Decide on guest list and invitation method (phone, email, social media)
Arrange transportation for the hearse and mourners
Plan for parking at the service venue
Arrange for a photographer or videographer if desired
Consider a guest book or memory table
Legal and Financial Matters
Obtain death certificates (order multiple copies)
Notify life insurance companies
File for any applicable death benefits or pensions
Notify the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Arrange for probate if there is a will
Notify banks and financial institutions
Close or transfer social media accounts
Cancel subscriptions and memberships
Notify utility companies
File final tax return if needed
Arrange for payment of funeral expenses
Settle outstanding debts and bills
Distribute assets according to the will
Consider hiring a solicitor or accountant for complex estates
Obituary and Public Announcements
Write or prepare the obituary
Submit obituary to local newspapers
Post announcement on social media
Create a memorial website or online tribute
Send formal death announcements to friends and family
Notify professional organisations and associations
Contact the deceased’s school or university alumni association
Notify religious organisations or community groups
Arrange for a death notice in relevant publications
Consider a memorial page on funeral home website
After the Funeral (Weeks to Months)
Send thank you notes to those who attended or sent flowers/gifts
Arrange for a memorial service or gathering if desired
Decide on final disposition of cremains (if applicable)
Plan a headstone or memorial marker
Arrange for a memorial donation or scholarship in the deceased’s name
Update your own will and estate plans
Seek grief counselling or support groups
Take time to process your grief
Consider creating a memory book or scrapbook
Plan a memorial gathering on significant dates (birthdays, anniversaries)
Donate the deceased’s belongings to charity if appropriate
Update your own insurance and beneficiary designations
Consider planting a memorial tree or garden
Reach out to others who may be grieving
Pre-Planning Your Own Funeral
Pre-planning your funeral can provide peace of mind and relieve your family of difficult decisions during a time of grief. Here’s what to consider:
Document Your Wishes
- Burial or cremation preference
- Type of service you want
- Music and readings you prefer
- Who should deliver the eulogy
- Flowers or charitable donations
- Catering preferences
- Venue preferences
- Any special requests or traditions
Financial Planning
- Pre-pay for funeral services if desired
- Set aside funds for funeral expenses
- Consider funeral insurance
- Discuss costs with a funeral director
- Review your will and estate plan
- Ensure beneficiaries are up to date
- Leave clear instructions for your family
- Consider a funeral trust or savings plan
Helpful Tips for Funeral Planning
Take Your Time
Don’t rush major decisions. It’s okay to take time to think things through and consult with family members. A good funeral director will help guide you without pressure.
Ask for Help
Don’t hesitate to ask friends, family, or professionals for help. A funeral director, solicitor, or accountant can provide valuable guidance during this difficult time.
Honour Their Memory
Make choices that reflect the personality and values of the deceased. A funeral should celebrate their life and provide comfort to those grieving.
Consider Your Budget
Be clear about your budget and discuss costs with the funeral director. There are options available at various price points, and you don’t need to overspend.
Take Your Time
If the deceased had specific cultural or religious traditions, ensure these are honoured in the funeral arrangements. A culturally sensitive funeral director can help.
Seek Support
Grief is a natural process. Consider seeking support from grief counsellors, support groups, or trusted friends and family members during and after the funeral.
Need Help With Funeral Planning?
Gardenia Funerals is here to help you through every step of the funeral
planning process. Our experienced team can answer your questions and
help you create a meaningful service.