Funeral Planning Timeline: What to Do First, Next, and Last

It’s only natural to feel overwhelmed when a loved one dies. In the midst of grief, you are suddenly left with dozens of decisions that must be made, and many must be made in a short period of time. If you are feeling lost as to where to begin, you are not alone and Glen Funerals will assist.

At Glen Funerals, we support families through each step of the funeral planning process with great care and understanding. We’ve put together this practical guide to help you understand the funeral planning timeline, so you can focus on what truly matters – honouring your loved one and supporting each other through this challenging time.

The First 24–48 Hours: Immediate Steps

Contact a Funeral Director

One of the first things to do is contact a trusted Funeral Director. The right Funeral Director will explain what needs to happen next, answer your questions and help coordinate the practical arrangements.
When you phone Glen Funerals, we will come to see you at your home or another private residence, the hospital, or an aged care facility. We’ll arrange for the transfer of your loved one with dignity and care, and we’ll sit down with you to talk through each stage of the process. There is no pressure, no rush, just compassionate guidance when you need it most.

Many families are concerned about funeral expenses at this time, and it is perfectly understandable. We believe in being open and honest from the very beginning, so we will discuss the funeral options that will suit your family and pay tribute to your loved one in a way that honours them. We have affordable funeral options, and you will never be pressured to spend more than you are comfortable with.

Register the Death

Your Funeral Director will complete the required paperwork to register the death. Registering the death with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages is a legal requirement and we do this on your behalf.

Notify Immediate Family and Close Friends

In those first hours and days, focus on telling the people who need to know about the death, straight away. Extended family, friends, and work colleagues can be informed over the coming days. This isn’t a job that needs to be done by one person alone – share the load with family members if you can.

Days 2–4: Making Key Decisions

Decide Between Burial and Cremation

This is one of the bigger decisions you’ll face. Some families may have a preference based on religious or cultural traditions, while others may require a little time to consider the decision. If cost is a factor, cremations are relatively more affordable than burials. At Glen Funerals, we provide a variety of choices in our Rosanna, Thomastown, and Whittlesea branch locations.

Select the Type of Service

Melbourne funerals can be anything from a traditional church funeral to a memorial ceremony held at a funeral home, sports club, or even in a park. You could decide to have a traditional funeral service with burial or cremation, a memorial service following a private cremation, or a simple ceremony that centres on celebrating the life of the person who has died. 

Set a Budget and Discuss Funeral Costs

Having an open conversation about funeral costs early on actually reduces stress later. It is only right that your funeral director is transparent about costs and what you can expect to receive as part of their services.

Funerals do not have to be expensive to be dignified. At Glen Funerals, we are dedicated to providing sensibly priced funerals without the burden of cost. Think about what is most important to you – the service, the location, a reception – and we can assist you in allocating your budget accordingly.

Days 4–7: Planning the Service Details

Select a Date, Time, and Venue

Most funerals in Melbourne take place within one to two weeks of the death, giving time for family and friends to make travel arrangements and be present at the service. Work with your funeral director to find a date that suits your family and venue. Consider whether you would like a morning or afternoon service. Those who cannot be present may be able to watch the service via webcast.

Plan the Order of Service

This is where you personalise the farewell. Think about who will lead the service, who might deliver a eulogy, what readings or prayers feel meaningful, music choices, and whether you’d like a photo slideshow. Don’t feel like you need to include everything – sometimes a simple, heartfelt ceremony is most powerful.

Choose the Flowers, Coffin, and Finer Details

Your funeral director will help you to choose your preferred coffin or casket. There are also details to consider regarding flowers, order of service booklets, and whether you would like a reception with catering to follow.

Days 7–10: Notifying Extended Networks

Inform Wider Community

Now that the service details are finalised, it is time to let more people know. You could place a death notice in The Age or Herald Sun, or you could use social media. Many funeral homes, including Glen Funerals, can help with publishing death or funeral notices and managing online tributes.

Handle Practical Matters

Your funeral director can assist with death certificates, paperwork and caring for your loved one. They will also help to arrange details such as flowers, catering, transportation, audio-visual equipment, and online streaming for those who can’t attend in person.

The Day Before and Day of the Service

Final Preparations

The day before the funeral, take some time to look after yourself. Make sure you’ve eaten, try to get some rest, and have your outfit organised. It’s perfectly fine to ask someone to check in with the funeral company about last-minute details and delegate tasks – you don’t have to do everything yourself.

The Service

On the day, arrive a little early if you can. Your funeral director will be there to greet you and make sure everything runs smoothly. They’ll take care of all the details so you can take care of yourself and be there for your loved ones on the day.

After the Funeral: Final Steps

Thank You Notes and Acknowledgements
In the weeks that follow the funeral service, you may want to send thank-you cards to those who have been there for you. There’s no rush with this – people understand you need time to grieve.

Final Arrangements

If your loved one was cremated, you’ll need to decide what happens with the ashes – whether to inter them in a memorial garden, keep them at home, scatter them in a meaningful location, or create keepsake jewellery. Your funeral director will be able to help to guide you through what is required.

Ongoing Support

Grief doesn’t end after the funeral. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for support from family, friends, your GP, or a counselling service. Many communities in Melbourne have grief support groups that can be incredibly helpful.

A Final Word of Comfort

Organising a funeral is never an easy task, but with a timeline in place, you can feel more in control of the situation. Here, at Glen Funerals, we are here to assist families in Melbourne with funerals that are both affordable and respectful of your loved one’s memory.

It doesn’t matter if you are in Rosanna, Thomastown, Whittlesea, or anywhere else in Melbourne; we are here to assist you 24/7 to ensure that your loved one gets the send-off they deserve.

Just take it one step at a time, be easy on yourself, and remember that there is no right or perfect way of saying goodbye. What is important is that the funeral service feels right for you and your family, and that you have the support of loved ones around you during this difficult time.

If you would like to discuss funeral planning or would like more information about our funeral services, please contact the team at Glen Funerals.

FAQs

What are the first steps to take when planning a funeral?

The first step is to phone your chosen funeral director. They’ll look after your loved one and walk you through what happens next. They will register the death with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, and you can let the close family know. After that, you will need to decide between burial and cremation and start thinking about the type of service you want. The role of a funeral director is to help you with these decisions and make the arrangements.

What needs to be done immediately after a death?

Once the death has been verified by a doctor or medical expert. Contact a funeral director straight away – they are available 24/7 and will come to the location of your loved one. They’ll arrange to transfer your loved one into their care and look after them. Notify immediate family and close friends.

How quickly does a funeral need to be planned?

Most funerals in Melbourne happen within one to two weeks after someone dies. That gives relatives time to make travel arrangements while still maintaining a short timeline. But there’s no strict deadline – if you need more time for your family to get here from interstate or overseas, that can usually be accommodated. Talk with your funeral director to make arrangements that suit your situation.