Funeral Planning Guide

A comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you navigate funeral arrangements with confidence and care during this difficult time.

Immediate Steps (First 24-48 Hours)

1

Contact Emergency Services

If death occurs at home or unexpectedly, call 111 immediately. If death occurs in hospital or care facility, staff will handle initial procedures.

2

Contact a Funeral Director

Reach out to a funeral director as soon as possible. They will guide you through the process and handle transportation of your loved one.

3

Notify Close Family & Friends

Inform immediate family members and close friends. Consider appointing someone to help with further notifications.

4

Secure the Property

Ensure the deceased's home is secure. Collect valuable items and important documents. Cancel any immediate appointments or deliveries.

5

Locate Important Documents

Find will, insurance policies, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and any pre-planned funeral arrangements.

6

Contact Employer/Benefits

Notify the deceased's employer, pension providers, and insurance companies. Ask about death benefits and final pay.

Planning the Funeral Service

Key Decisions to Make

Type of Service

  • Traditional funeral
  • Memorial service
  • Celebration of life
  • Direct cremation/burial

Burial or Cremation

  • Cemetery burial
  • Natural burial
  • Cremation with ashes burial
  • Cremation with ashes scattered

Service Location

  • Church or religious venue
  • Funeral home chapel
  • Community hall
  • Family home
  • Outdoor location

Service Elements

  • Religious or secular ceremony
  • Music and readings
  • Eulogies and tributes
  • Photo displays or video tributes

Planning Timeline

Within 1-2 days

  • Choose funeral director
  • Decide on burial/cremation
  • Set service date and time
  • Select venue

Within 3-5 days

  • Plan service order
  • Choose music and readings
  • Arrange flowers
  • Order death notices
  • Invite celebrant/minister

Within 1 week

  • Finalize catering arrangements
  • Arrange transportation
  • Prepare eulogies
  • Create photo displays
  • Confirm all details

Understanding Funeral Costs

Typical Cost Breakdown

Funeral director services$2,000 - $4,000
Coffin or casket$800 - $8,000+
Burial plot or cremation$1,500 - $15,000
Venue hire$200 - $1,500
Flowers and tributes$150 - $800
Catering$300 - $2,000
Death notices$200 - $800
Transportation$300 - $800
Total Range:$5,000 - $35,000+

Financial Assistance

Government Support

  • Funeral Grant (up to $2,000 for eligible families)
  • Emergency benefit for immediate costs
  • ACC coverage for accidental deaths

Other Options

  • Life insurance payouts
  • Funeral insurance policies
  • Payment plans with funeral directors
  • Community fundraising

Need Personal Guidance?

Our experienced funeral directors are here to help you through every step of the process with compassion and expertise.