At Simplicity, we understand that when a loved one passes away, it can be difficult to know what you need to do next.
This guide explains the steps of planning a funeral, so you know what to expect when the time comes.
You can reach out to the Simplicity team at any time, day or night, for immediate support.
Before any funeral arrangements can begin, a medical professional needs to formally certify the death. We need this confirmation before we can bring your loved one into our care.
Depending on the circumstances, this certification may be completed by:
The family doctor or a doctor at a nursing home, aged care centre or hospital
A coroner
In some states, a paramedic
Once completed, the documentation is usually provided directly to the funeral director or the facility caring for your loved one. In some situations, it may be given to the family — if that happens, we’ll guide you on what to do next.
At Simplicity, we’re here whenever you need us. You can call us any time, or make arrangements online.
As soon as you get in touch, we can start arranging to bring your loved one into our care.
We’ll also ask a few questions to understand your situation and what you may need next. This can include:
When the funeral may need to take place
Any cultural or religious preferences
Whether family members need time to travel
The expected size or style of the service
Whether repatriation or special arrangements are required
We’ll find a time that is convenient for you to meet in-person and start planning the details of the funeral. You can come in and see us, or we can meet you somewhere you feel comfortable.
Together, we may discuss:
Burial or cremation
The type and location of the service
Personal touches, such as music, readings or visual tributes
Memorialisation options (such as ashes, keepsakes or memorial sites)
Whether catering or a gathering will follow the service
Cultural or religious traditions
Repatriation, if your loved one needs to be returned to another location
Timing and any key dates to consider
We’ll also start taking care of the official details, such as paperwork and registrations.
Much of the planning often begins during your first meeting with your funeral director, with details shaped and confirmed over the following days.
You don’t need to have everything decided straight away. We’ll guide you through each step, helping you make choices that feel right for you, your family, and the person you’re honouring.
There are many ways to say goodbye, and no single approach is right for everyone.
You may choose a burial or cremation, along with a service that feels formal or informal, private or larger in scale. Some families follow cultural or religious traditions, while others create something more personal and contemporary.
The service can be held in a chapel, outdoors, at home, or in another location that’s meaningful to your family.
This is where you begin to shape how the service will flow.
If you’d like a starting point, a simple 30-minute service might include:
Arrival music as guests gather
Opening words
A eulogy or shared memories
Reflection time (music or video tribute)
Closing words
This can be adapted in any way. You may wish to extend the length of the service, add in more music or readings, or weave in cultural or religious elements.
Often, it’s the personal touches that stay with people long after the funeral service.
These may include:
Music that held meaning for your loved one
Readings, letters or shared stories
Photo or video tributes
A favourite food, drink or gathering afterwards
Small keepsakes for guests
We can help you coordinate personal touches to honour your loved one.
We’re here to help coordinate the details on the day, but a little preparation can make the service feel more seamless:
Test music and video in advance
Use MP4 format for video (16:9 ratio)
Use MP3 format for audio (192-320 kbps)
Avoid CDs, DVDs or streaming services where possible
If you’re unsure, your funeral director can guide you through this.
On the day, our focus is on taking care of the details, so you can focus on being present with the people around you.
A few small things can help the day feel easier:
Arrive around 15 minutes early
Allow time for any final checks or quiet moments
Lean on your funeral director for guidance throughout
We’ll be there to support you, your family and your guests, and to help everything run as smoothly as possible.
In a time that can feel overwhelming, simple guidance and thoughtful support can make all the difference.
We’re here to help you navigate each step and create a farewell that honours the person you’ve lost.
You can reach out any time, day or night, for support and guidance.
We’re here to guide you through the loss of a loved one and celebrate their life in a way that feels right. Call us anytime, day or night.
