Your Questions About Funerals, Answered Gently
At Life Rites Funerals, we understand that when someone dies or when you're preparing for the future, questions can come quickly. Some are practical. Some are deeply emotional. All of them are valid. This guide responds to some of the most frequently searched questions about funerals in Australia. We’ve answered them with the warmth, care and honesty that reflects how we work, with people at the centre of everything.
What to Wear to a Funeral in Australia?
The question of what to wear to a funeral is one of the most common, and the answer depends on the person being honoured and the family’s wishes. In Australia, there’s no single rule. What matters most is respect, intention and appropriateness for the setting.
Traditionally, people have worn black or dark clothing to funerals. This is still common, particularly for more formal services, but it's not the only option. These days, many families ask guests to wear colour or something that reflects the personality or wishes of their person. Some request bright colours or even a specific dress theme if the funeral is being framed as a celebration of life. Others may still prefer simple, modest attire in darker tones. If you're unsure, it’s always appropriate to wear neat, clean clothes in subdued colours like navy, grey, or deep green.
If you are looking for alternatives to black, consider wearing colours that are soft or muted, pastels, neutrals, or earth tones. A patterned shirt or floral dress might be entirely suitable if it reflects the spirit of the person being farewelled and is in keeping with the tone of the day.
Ultimately, it’s your presence that matters more than what you wear. At Life Rites Funerals, we often remind guests that comfort, care, and thoughtfulness go a long way. If you're still unsure, it is okay to ask the family or the funeral organiser.
How Long Do Funerals Go For?
Funerals in Australia usually last between 30-90 minutes. However, this can vary depending on the type of service and what is included. A simple cremation service may be shorter, while a full ceremony with eulogies, readings, music, rituals, and shared reflections can take longer. Some services also include a committal, burial, wake or reception afterwards, extending the time of the gathering. Some religious ceremonies can last the full 90 minutes, others can be shorter.
At Life Rites Funerals, we never rush. We design each ceremony with care, allowing space for arrival, reflection, and quiet connection. When someone’s life is being honoured, it’s important that there is enough time to feel, to listen and to be present with the moment.
How Much Do Funerals Cost in Australia?
The cost of a funeral in Australia can vary depending on choices around cremation, burial, ceremony style, venue, and additional services. A direct cremation with no service can start at $3,000 to $4,000. A personalised funeral with a ceremony, celebrant or minister, transport, flowers and coffin might range from $7,000 to $15,000 or more.
At Life Rites, we work transparently and collaboratively. Our goal is to make every funeral meaningful, personal and appropriate to your budget. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach and we never push unnecessary services. Every family is different. Every goodbye deserves its own shape.
How Do I Find Out About an Upcoming Funeral?
If you're trying to find out when and where a funeral is happening, there are a few common ways. Families often share funeral details through funeral director websites, social media or local newspaper death notices. Many funeral homes, including Life Rites, create personalised notice pages that include the time, date, location, RSVP links, livestream information and a space for messages or tributes.
If you know the funeral director or the name of the person who has died, you can usually find their notice with a simple online search. If in doubt, reach out to someone close to the family or contact the funeral company directly. At Life Rites, we’re always here to help direct you to the right place.
What to Write or Say on a Funeral Card?
Writing a card after someone has died can feel daunting, but simple is often best. If you’re attending the funeral or want to send your thoughts, a few heartfelt words can mean a lot. Here are some gentle options:
“Thinking of you with love during this time.”
“In loving memory of [Name]. May they rest peacefully.”
“Wishing you strength and comfort as you grieve.”
“I’ll always remember [Name] for [a brief memory or quality].”
If you had a close connection to the person, you might want to share a story or a moment that stays with you. Cards do not need to be long. They just need to be sincere.
How to Write a Speech for a Funeral?
Writing a funeral speech or eulogy can be one of the most meaningful and daunting things you’ll do. Begin by thinking about who the person was to you and how they lived their life. You might want to reflect on their qualities, their passions, what they taught you or how they made people feel. You can include stories, favourite sayings or small memories that reveal something of who they were.
Don’t worry about being poetic. You do not need to be perfect. Just speak honestly and from the heart. Aim for five to ten minutes, but even shorter tributes can be powerful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, our team often helps families shape their thoughts into something that feels true and comfortable to share.
At Life Rites Funerals, we believe words can be a gift, a way of holding someone’s story up to the light one last time. We are here to support you if you need guidance or help crafting something meaningful.
You can read our guide to writing a Eulogy here.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re planning a funeral, attending one or simply navigating the early steps of grief, you are not alone. Life Rites is here to walk alongside you with honesty, kindness and care. We’re not just here to organise a service, we’re here to honour a life, support the living and make space for what matters most.