How to arrange a funeral in Melbourne
10 step guide to arranging a funeral in Melbourne
Arranging a funeral after the death of a loved one can be overwhelming, particularly when families are required to make important decisions within a short timeframe. Alongside grief, there are legal, practical and emotional considerations that often need to be addressed quickly.
This guide explains how to arrange a funeral in Melbourne, including what to do first, the legal requirements in Victoria, typical timeframes, expected costs, and the burial, cremation and memorial options available across Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust in Melbourne. It has been developed by SMCT’s customer care team and is based on the most common questions families ask when planning a funeral or memorial service.
The information is presented in clear, step‑by‑step stages to help families understand their options, meet required obligations, and make informed decisions in a way that feels manageable during a difficult time.
First steps
01 Notify the authorities.
When a family member has died, the first step is to notify the relevant authorities. If the death happened at a hospital, in aged care or hospice, this would be the on-site doctor or your GP. Legally, a doctor must confirm a death and issue a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. In Victoria, a medical certificate confirming the cause of death must be issued before burial or cremation can proceed.
If the death was unexpected or occurred at any other place, including home, you must notify the police coroner about this reportable death. This is a normal part of the process for unexpected deaths and will start a coronial investigation.
Further information:
02 Notify family and close friends.
The second step is to notify family, close friends, colleagues and loved ones. Sharing the task with several family members can be helpful. If possible, use simple, clear and compassionate language and be prepared to answer any questions they have.
Consider contacting employers and those connected to places the family member regularly visited and others who could become concerned.
03 Make arrangements for dependents.
Immediate care arrangements will need to be made for any dependents, such as children with no surviving parents. This can also apply when court orders are impacting a surviving parent’s relationship with any children.
The legal process to appoint a legal guardian for any dependent children varies for each situation. It is affected by details left in the Will, the availability and willingness of guardians to accept the appointment, and the agreement (or disagreement) between family members.
Further information:
How to plan a funeral
04 Consider burial, cremation and funeral ceremony options.
If your loved one has left instructions or made pre‑arranged funeral plans, organising the service is often more straightforward, as their wishes can guide key decisions.
If no wishes have been documented, families are encouraged to consider the type of funeral, memorial or ceremony that best reflects how their loved one would wish to be remembered. Cultural, religious and family traditions are an important part of this decision‑making process.
Most funerals in Melbourne are held within a few days to one week, although the timing may vary depending on availability of cemetery and chapels, cultural practices and family preferences. In Victoria, this timeframe allows for required documentation to be completed, consultations with family, and coordination of service and venue arrangements.
At this stage, families may wish to contact SMCT’s customer care team for guidance on the available options, typical costs, and the burial or cremation services offered across our cemetery locations.
Call our customer care team on 1300 466 904
05 Choose a funeral director.
Funeral directors provide for the care, transport and preparation of the deceased for burial or cremation.
While it is possible to do these things without a funeral director, there are strict legal, health and safety requirements. It is usually much easier to use the services of a funeral director.
A funeral director can also advise on burial and cremation choices, help you organise a funeral or memorial services, arrange music and readings, submit newspaper notices, and support you through the process.
Read this blog: How to find the right funeral director for you
06 Select a coffin or casket and transportation.
A coffin or casket is legally required to transport the deceased. A coffin has a flat lid and is tapered around the shoulders. A casket has either a flat or domed lid and is rectangular in shape. Your funeral director can recommend options to suit your needs, preferences, and budget.
Your funeral director can also arrange transportation by a licensed transport and storage provider.
07 Arrange a viewing (optional).
A final viewing before burial or cremation can be conducted at the family home, a funeral home, or a purpose-built venue.
Connect with our customer care team about venue details including capacity information and customisation options, at our Springvale Botanical Cemetery and Bunurong Memorial Park.
Cremation witness viewing rooms are also available at both Springvale Crematorium and Bunurong Crematorium and provide an intimate room to farewell a loved one.
Call our customer care team on 1300 466 904
08 Arrange a funeral or memorial service.
A funeral service is a ceremony held with the body of the deceased present. A memorial service is held after the cremation or burial has taken place.
Both ceremonies provide an important opportunity for family and friends to come together to honour and celebrate a life lived, to express grief and support one another.
Funeral and memorial services may be steeped in tradition or deeply personal and individual. Your funeral director can help you decide on eulogies and readings, music, visual tributes such as a photo slideshow or video, and the order of service.
We can help you explore and understand your options during an obligation-free appointmentExternal site with our customer care team including venues for funeral or memorial services at Springvale Botanical Cemetery and Bunurong Memorial Park.
Call our customer care team on 1300 466 904
09 Arrange an after service function.
An after-service function, sometimes called a wake, is a more relaxed gathering of family and friends after the funeral or memorial.
Food and drink are often shared, and the life of the loved one is celebrated through stories and memories.
We offer a range of function spaces within a short walking distance from our funeral service chapels - function rooms that combine to accommodate up to 400 guests to smaller, intimate spaces such as our café. Speak to our customer care team about venue options and function menus.
Receive support
10 Find support services.
While every person grieves differently, it is usually a time of stress, pain and sadness, during the steps of organising a funeral service and afterward.
We warmly invite you to explore our Community Care & Wellbeing program. With resources, activities and events, we offer a safe and welcoming space where you are supported in your grief. These include monthly facilitated talks about navigating grief, themed workshops, and activities to foster wellbeing and connection.
For urgent support and grief counselling services, please contact the following organisations:
Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 (24 hours)
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 (24 hours)
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978 (24 hours)
Griefline on 1300 845 745 (8 am to 8 pm (AEST))
Thirrili – support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities – on 1800 805 801 (24 hours)
Frequently asked questions
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Many families choose to benefit by planning ahead and securing positions at today’s prices in a public, community cemetery. This gives them peace of mind knowing that requests will be honoured and family members will be saved from making difficult decisions at an emotional time.
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