Different Types of Funerals in Australia

Although planning for after your death can feel stressful, it’s an important aspect of estate planning. Part of this planning includes choosing a funeral. However, there are different types of funerals in Australia, so it’s important to know the difference when choosing what’s right for you.

Choosing a Funeral Type

The type of farewell you choose should align with your values instead of trying to replicate what you think a funeral should look like or include. It’s also important to honour you and your life rather than what you think your family might want.

Types of Funerals in Australia

In Australia, there are six types of funerals. Each one has qualities that make them unique to the individual that chooses them. Keep in mind– your funeral can be anything you want it to be and doesn’t need to follow specific criteria.

• Traditional Funeral

Traditional funerals are the most common type of funeral in Australia. They have three main components: the viewing or visitation, the funeral service, and the burial ceremony. They often feature the casket or coffin at the front of the service.

• Direct Burial

Direct burial is one of the most cost-effective types of funerals. During this funeral, there is no viewing, visitation or funeral service. Instead, all that’s involved is transporting the body to the gravesite for burial or cremation. Afterwards, families can host a service of their own.

• Cremation

Cremation is becoming one of the most popular types of funerals. Cremation involves disposing of your remains by exposing them to intense heat, turning them to ashes. You can hold a cremation ceremony without a funeral or cremation and a funeral service.

• Graveside

Graveside funerals include a brief committal at the cemetery or crematorium. However, the entire service happens at the graveside and gives loved ones more privacy to say goodbye while honouring religious beliefs, wishes and family traditions.

• Memorial or Wake

A memorial or wake service is also becoming more popular with younger generations. This type of funeral is considered more of a celebration of life and doesn’t have the body present. Instead, it’s informal and allows loved ones to reminisce over your life.

• Green Funeral

A green funeral is a funeral that seeks to make little to no impact on the environment. A green funeral option includes burying the body at a natural burial site, which means the body goes directly into the earth without a casket or choosing an environmentally friendly coffin.

How to Choose a Funeral Type

Choosing the right funeral type depends on what you feel encompasses your values, beliefs, religion, life and more. Funerals require some structure, but you can choose how to honour your life in the best way you know how.

To make your funeral wishes known, start writing your will online.