When someone dies, families are often faced with difficult decisions during a deeply emotional time. Choosing the right funeral director can make a significant difference. Here are some key things to consider:

Choosing a Funeral Director Look for a funeral director whose values align with yours. Are they transparent about pricing? Do they offer flexibility and welcome your involvement? Do they support alternatives to traditional services? These days there are many different options and ways to make a funeral more personal and unique.

What to Expect from a Good Funeral Director A compassionate funeral director offers calm guidance, clear communication, and practical support. They should help you navigate legal and logistical requirements while respecting your choices. They should encourage you to be as involved in as much or as little as feels right for you.

When to Reach Out You don’t have to wait until someone has died to contact a funeral director. Reaching out earlier - especially during end-of-life - can ease stress and provide clarity. Early conversations help families understand their options and make informed decisions ahead of time. Pre-arranging a funeral can be a meaningful act of self-expression, allowing you to shape the final chapter of your life with intention and care.

Understanding Costs Funeral costs can vary widely depending on the choices made. While some funeral homes charge over $10,000 for standard packages, other funeral homes can be as little as $4,000*. You may want to consider Not-For-Profit funeral homes who may offer cheaper options. Everyone deserves access to dignified, affordable funerals and work with families to find solutions that match their needs and budgets. No one should be left in debt because of the cost of a funeral. Let the funeral home know if you are experiencing financial hardship as the funeral home may be able to assist or direct you to local community or government organisations that can assist. For First Nations families, Aboriginal Land Councils may also offer financial support for funeral costs.

Do You Have to Use a Funeral Director? In Australia, it is legal to care for a deceased person at home for up to five days with the use of a cool plate. Some paperwork can be completed without a funeral director. However, current regulations require that the person be placed in a coffin within a mortuary, and most crematoria won’t accept a body unless brought by a funeral director. If you’re considering a family-led approach, we’re happy to offer guidance or you can learn more about the process here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/consumer-rights-and-protection/services/a-guide-to-arranging-a-funeral

At Tender Funerals, we know that every person is unique - and their funeral can be too. Families we work with often incorporate creative, personal touches that reflect their person’s life and values. This might include using a simple cardboard coffin, decorating the space with meaningful items from home, playing live music, or involving family members in painting, poetry, or rituals.

One family created a deeply personal farewell for their mother, with hand-painted artwork, origami cranes, and her ballet slippers placed on her feet before cremation. “The best part was that we were able to channel our grief to create the funeral that mum would have wanted to attend, as an expression of her in life, in a very personal and beautiful way,” said Karin, who arranged the service with Tender Funerals.

Our approach ensures families feel supported to honour their person in ways that are heartfelt, affordable, and true to who they are. Another family we supported were clear that they didn’t want a formal service, but there were still people who needed an opportunity to honour the person who had died. The motorcycle club the person belonged to suggested following our Tender Funeral Directors as they drove to the crematorium. What began as a simple idea became a powerful and moving procession. Strangers in cars, instead of overtaking, respectfully joined the line -transforming the journey into a shared moment of tribute and connection.

About Tender Funerals

Tender Funerals is a not-for-profit, community-based funeral service on the Mid North Coast. We believe funerals are a shared rite of passage, not a commercial transaction. With compassion and transparency, we walk beside families during one of life’s most tender times, ensuring dignity, affordability, and choice for all. Learn more at www.tenderfunerals.com.au/midnorthcoast

*Lower cost ‘Do It Yourself’ funerals or low cost funerals through a religious or charity organisation may also be an option.