FAQs
We’ve provided a list of answers to questions we frequently receive regarding our services and other activities related to funerals. If you don't see the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us. We'd be happy to give you more information and clarify any of your concerns.
Who Should Arrange the Funeral?
Who should arrange the funeral?
There is no simple answer. Some family members find it very difficult to arrange the funeral when a person has just died. Without having discussed the choices beforehand, some people do not know which choices to make. Other family members are sometimes offended if they are not included in assisting with the funeral arrangements. They want to lead the organisation of a final tribute.
When Is the Best/Worst Time to Arrange a Funeral?
When is the best/worst time to arrange a funeral?
Arranging a funeral immediately upon a person’s death is rarely the most ideal time, yet this is when most funerals are arranged. Those who inevitably arrange the funeral at this time are close to the deceased, grieving and already facing many stresses. Making funeral arrangement prior to death, or at the very least discussing funeral arrangements with those close to you, greatly assists those left behind.
Should I Pre-pay My Funeral?
Should I pre-pay my funeral?
It depends. You should see your financial advisor for specific financial advantages. Paying for your funeral in advance protects you against inflation as you pay at today’s prices. Your funeral director guarantees the funeral services you select at a fixed price.
Your money is invested in a funeral bond secured by government legislation. With a Nelson Bros pre-paid funeral, your money is invested with another long-term secure Australian icon, Australian Friendly Society.
More information about Pre-Paid Funerals.
Shall I Include Funeral Arrangements in My Will?
Shall I include funeral arrangements in my will?
No, your will is not the best place to record your funeral arrangements. In most situations, wills are not read until well after the funeral. To ensure that your funeral is carried out as per your wishes, you should discuss them with family members or friends, or record them in a booklet such as Nelson Bros Personal Planning Guide.
Nelson Bros Personal Planning Guide
Contact any of our funeral homes for your free Personal Planning Guide. This Guide, when completed, provides important information to help your family meet some of the legal or statutory requirements in the event of your death. Remember to keep your completed Guide in a safe but easily accessible place known to family members.
Should I Be Buried or Cremated?
Should I be buried or cremated?
This can be a very emotional choice for your family. As you may have a personal preference, pre-planning can relieve your family and friends of this responsibility.
Some people have a preference based upon their religious beliefs or customs. Others make their decision based on financial reasons. Whatever the reason for your preference, it is usually best to advise others of your preference or to plan your funeral in advance.
What Type of Funeral Service Do Most Families Select?
What type of funeral service do most families select?
Most prefer a traditional funeral, however you may have personal, cultural or religious needs that are important to you and your family. Your needs are as important to us as they are to you, and so we try to honour any special preferences or requests that you may have.
How Much Does A Funeral Cost?
How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral expenses cover a broad range of goods and services, including those of the funeral director and those of third parties.
Read more about Funeral Expenses here.
Many events in our lives are planned in advance hoping they never happen. Pre-planning or pre-paying a funeral is simply an extra component of financial planning. It makes you aware of future costs and enables you to prepare for them.
What can I do to help the bereaved after the funeral?
What can I do to help the bereaved after the funeral?
The grieving process doesn’t end with the funeral, and it will take time for the bereaved to heal. The family will need your support for months to come, so make sure to check in on a regular basis. Drop a note, make a phone call, and continue to invite them when you make social plans; they’ll let you know if and when they are ready to participate. Reach out to the family on special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries, especially during the first year following their loss.
What do funeral directors do?
What do funeral directors do?
A funeral director is a caring professional who specialises in all aspects of funerals and related services. We provide support to the family, guide the arrangement of viewings, prayers and funeral ceremonies, prepare the deceased according to the family’s wishes, and ensure that everything goes according to plan. We also arrange for the transportation of the deceased throughout the process, and assist families with other paperwork they might need to file, such as registration of the Certificate of Death. We are experienced at recognising when an individual is having an extremely difficult time coping with a loss, and can provide extra support and recommendations for professional help if needed.
Can I personalise my service?
Can I personalise my service?
Absolutely! Our staff has years of experience getting to know families and incorporating their hobbies, activities, interests, and unique requests into meaningful and memorable services. Don’t hesitate to make a request because you think it might be too “out there” — we’re honoured to work with you to create a service that truly reflects and celebrates your loved one’s individual life journey.
More information about personalising a funeral.
Can I still have viewing with cremation?
Can I still have viewing with cremation?
Definitely! In fact, we encourage you to do so. Choosing cremation only indicates how you’d like to care for the person you love after the service and doesn’t exclude you from honouring their life in any way. Whether you’d like to have a viewing beforehand, arrange a funeral service before cremation, or wait and hold the service after the cremation, we’re able to help you design a meaningful service to accompany the cremation.
Are there restrictions on scattering ashes?
Are there restrictions on scattering ashes?
That depends. If it is your private property, there are no restrictions. If it is someone else’s private property, you must have their consent, and it’s a good idea to get it in writing. If it’s public land such as a park, contact your local government or the agency in charge of that space to see what their policies are. Places like the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Royal Botanic Gardens do not permit the scattering of ashes. In general, if you’re not sure, just scatter them in a respectful way in a place where you are sure they won’t be disruptive to others.
Can we have a viewing if my family member has donated organs or had an autopsy?
Can we have a viewing if my family member has donated organs or had an autopsy?
Yes. Autopsies and organ donation do not affect your ability to have an open-casket viewing.
Can I donate my body to Science?
Can I donate my body to Science?
Yes. The University of Melbourne’s Department of Anatomy and Neuoscience coordinates a Body Donor Program for the purposes of the teaching, study, examination and investigation of human anatomy. Any adult may apply to become a prospective body provided that they satisfy the Program’s conditions.
Click here for more information
Biomedical Sciences