Planning a funeral is never easy. We’re here to guide you step by step, helping to ease the stress. On this page, you’ll find an overview of what to do when a loved one dies, how to begin planning their farewell, and where to find more detailed guidance on each part of the process.
When a loved one dies, it’s important to reach out to someone who can help you move through the next steps. It could be a close friend, family member, local funerals director, clergy member, or your family doctor. Having someone by your side can make those first few hours a little easier.
If you’re unsure who to call, our team is available 24 hours a day.
What happens next will depend on where and how your loved one passes away. If your loved one dies in a hospital, hospice or aged-care facility, staff will guide you through the process and arrange for a doctor to issue the Medical Certificate Cause of Death. If your loved one passes away at home, work or while travelling, contact a doctor or call emergency services so a medical professional can confirm the death and issue the certificate.
If you’re unsure who to call, your funeral directors can advise you on the right steps.
Funeral planning is different for everyone. What works for one family might not work for another, and that’s okay. The first step is determining what’s right for your loved one, your family and your circumstances.
Consider factors like budget, timing, religious or cultural traditions, and any personal wishes that may have been shared. These first decisions can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to make them alone. Your White Lady funeral directors can help you understand your options, identify what’s achievable within your budget, and share their experience from helping many families plan their farewells. And if we’re not the right funerals director for you, that’s okay too – we can still help you get started in the right direction.
Planning a funeral involves managing an event while carrying the weight of grief. There are logistics to consider, paperwork to complete and countless small decisions to make. A funeral director can help carry the load. At White Lady Funerals, we take as much as we can off your shoulders so you can focus on taking care of yourself and your loved ones.
Your first meeting with a White Lady funeral directors will be completely tailored to your needs. You might want to move through the practicalities and get the process over with – we get it. Or, you may want to take your time – we’ll go at your pace. Chances are, you’ll not know how you’ll feel until you’re sitting with us, and that’s okay, too. We’ll meet you wherever you’re at.
Our advice is simple: you don’t need to prepare or perform. We’ll do our best to put you at ease and help you feel comfortable. This is not a situation where you need to have everything figured out.
A viewing is a private opportunity for close family and friends to spend time with their loved one before the funeral. It can be held at the funeral home, in a chapel, or even in your own home. A viewing is entirely optional – your White Lady funeral directors will help you decide what feels right and arrange any special touches like music, flowers or photos.
Many people worry that working with a funeral director means giving up control of being guided into a service that doesn’t reflect their loved one. We understand that concern – but it couldn’t be further from how we work. At White Lady Funerals, every funeral we help plan is designed around the person being honoured. We can suggest ways to include personal touches, unique rituals or special details, but you’ll always set the direction and have the final say.
Repatriation is the process of bringing your loved one home after they’ve passed away interstate or overseas. It can involve complex logistics, including transport arrangements, consular documents and compliance with local regulations. Our team can manage a lot of the repatriation requirements on your behalf.
The cost of a White Lady funeral varies depending on the type of service, coffin, venue, flowers, catering and whether you choose burial or cremation. Every farewell is different – your funeral specialists will provide a clear, personalised quote based on your wishes.
Read our guide: How much does a funeral cost?
Most funerals are held within five to ten days after someone passes away. The first meeting with your White Lady funeral specialists usually takes a few hours – we’ll discuss and confirm the main details. After the initial meeting, much of the work happens behind the scenes – your funeral specialist will arrange venues, paperwork and logistics. The overall timeframe depends on your family’s needs, level of detail and how clear your loved one’s wishes are.
You’ll need to decide on the main details first – where and when the service will be held, whether it will be a burial or cremation, how many people will be in attendance. You’ll also need to decide on the structure and style of the ceremony, who will speak, and additional touches like music, readings and flowers. Your White Lady Funeral specialists will guide you through each decision and provide practical support to help ease overwhelm, as we know there are a lot of choices to make. We can also connect you with religious or cultural experts if you need help making culturally sensitive decisions.
No, you don’t have to use a funeral director to plan a funeral. Some families choose to manage all of the arrangements independently, only seeking professional support for specific logistics such as transport or care of the deceased.
You have complete say in how a funeral is planned and what form it takes. Our role is to offer guidance, handle logistics and ensure everything complies with legal and safety requirements – not to make decisions for you.
Funerals in Australia can take place almost anywhere that’s safe and appropriate. We’ve helped families plan services in gardens, community halls, local beaches or even sports clubs – funerals don’t just need to be held in a church or chapel.
Yes. Many people choose to plan their funeral in advance so their wishes are known and their family doesn’t have to make difficult decisions later. You can pre-plan as much or as little as you like, and update your plans over time.
For nearly four decades, families have trusted White Lady to walk beside them. If you need us now, we are here.
