When Someone Has Died

When someone dies, there are usually two main ways families choose to hold a service: a funeral or a memorial. Understanding the difference can help make the next steps feel less overwhelming.

A funeral is held when the person who has died is physically present. This is usually arranged within a short timeframe, often in the first days after death. Because the body is being cared for and prepared for either burial or cremation as part of the service, funerals tend to involve more immediate decisions and a sense of urgency.

A memorial, on the other hand, is held after the person has already been cared for through cremation or burial. The body is not present at the service. This gives families more time and space before gathering, and removes the pressure of having to organise everything quickly in the immediate days of grief. It also allows more people to come together, travel if needed, and take part in planning a gathering that feels considered rather than rushed.

Some families choose a traditional funeral. Others choose a simpler, private cremation or burial first, followed by a memorial at a later time when loved ones are able to come together properly and begin to reflect, plan, and honour the person’s life in a more spacious way.

What happens next

Confirm the passing
If someone dies at home, a doctor will need to confirm the death.
If they are in hospital or aged care, staff will guide you through this process.

Arrange care of the person who has died
A funeral director or cremation provider will take the person into their care and arrange either a funeral (with the body present) or a cremation/burial prior to a later memorial.

This is often where the key decision is made about timing: whether the service happens immediately as a funeral, or later as a memorial.

Allow space before deciding on a memorial (if choosing cremation or private burial)
If you choose cremation or a private burial first, there is no need to rush into planning a ceremony.
Many families use this time to gather, talk, and simply be together before making any decisions about a memorial.

Planning a memorial when the time feels right
When you are ready, a memorial can be created to reflect the person’s life in a meaningful way. Because there is no immediate deadline, there is space to design something more personal and intentional—how it feels, who is there, what is shared, and how they are remembered.