In Australia, there are several types of funerals available, and making that decision can vary depending on the cultural, religious, and personal preferences of the deceased and their loved ones. Here are some of the most common types of funerals in Australia in 2023.
Traditional funeral.
A traditional Funeral is the most common type of funeral in Australia. It typically involves a funeral service that is held in a funeral home, church, or other place of worship.
A eulogy or tribute, readings or prayers from a religious or cultural tradition, music, and a procession to the graveside or crematorium are just a few examples of possible components of the service. Depending on the deceased's and their family's cultural or religious background, the type of service and rituals may change.
The body may be buried in a cemetery, cremated, and then either interred or scattered in an area with meaning to the deceased or their family..
Green or eco-friendly funeral.
A green funeral is an eco-friendly alternative that prioritises reducing the environmental impact of the funeral process. This can be achieved by using biodegradable or sustainable materials for the casket or urn, opting for a natural burial in a designated eco-friendly cemetery or forest, or choosing a cremation method that uses less energy and produces fewer emissions.
Some green funeral providers may also offer carbon offsetting options or plant trees in memory of the deceased. A green funeral can be a meaningful way for families to honour their loved ones while also being mindful of the impact on the environment.
Green funerals are becoming increasingly popular, with 29% of seniors seeing the movement towards more eco-friendly funerals in the past five years, according to the Australian Seniors Cost of Death report.
Direct cremation.
Direct cremation is a simple and low-cost option where the body of the deceased is cremated immediately after death without any formal funeral service or viewing.
The ashes are then typically returned to the family in an urn, and they may choose to scatter the ashes or keep them in a special place as a memorial.
Direct cremation is often chosen by those who prefer a simple and private farewell for their loved one or for financial reasons, as it can be a more affordable option than a traditional funeral service.
The Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) says 161,300 funerals are conducted in Australia each year, 72 percent of which are cremations. Funeral service providers have also reported a popularisation of ‘no service’ or direct cremation, largely due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Many people do not want a ceremony for themselves after they pass away. According to the 2021 Australian Funeral Industry report, 2 in 5 responders want tehri ashes to be scattered without a ceremony.
Memorial service.
A memorial service is a gathering of family and friends to remember and celebrate the life of the deceased. It is usually held after the burial or cremation and may be more flexible in terms of timing and location.
The service may include elements such as music, readings, speeches, and other forms of tribute. A memorial service can be personalised to reflect the life and interests of the deceased and can be held in a variety of venues such as a church, community centre, park, or private residence. This type of service allows family and friends to come together and support each other while honouring the memory of their loved one.
It’s becoming increasingly more accepted to hold a service after a cremation or burial. 23% of survey participants of Bare’s Funeral Beliefs and Values Study accept that a funeral service or memorial can take place after, rather than before, a cremation or burial.
Religious funeral.
A religious funeral is a type of funeral often dictated by the customs and beliefs of the deceased's religion. The service may include prayers, religious readings, and other rituals specific to the faith.
Whilst 47% of Australians identify with a religious faith, religious funeral arrangements are becoming less frequent..
Of religious respondents in the 2021 Australian Funeral Industry report, only 10% strongly agree that religion or spirituality would impact the choices they make regarding funeral planning and memorial services.
Final thoughts on types of funerals in Australia 2023.
It is important to note that is not an exhaustive list of types of funerals, and there can be a large number of subsets within each section; e.g. religious funerals vary greatly by the type of religion practised.
We are also seeing an increase of less common funeral options, which are set to become more mainstream in the future.
The best kind of funeral is one that you and your loved ones have agreed on, which honours the deceased’s wishes. At Bare, we can take care of cremation and memorial arrangements for you. Head to the link below or give our friendly team a call on 1800 071 176.
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