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Planning a funeral in advance is one of the most practical things you can do for the people you love. This action also removes the weight of difficult decisions from you and your loved ones during one of the most challenging times of your lives, and gives your family the emotional space and clarity to honour the wishes of your loved one without added pressure.

Why you should consider pre-planning a funeral

Funeral pre-planning is not about dwelling on death — but taking care of the people who matter most to you.

When funeral arrangements are in place, you or your family do not have to make hard decisions at an already difficult time. Everyone can focus on what matters most — being together and honouring the life of a loved one. Additionally, when wishes are clearly documented, there is no uncertainty about what you or your loved one would have wanted.

Planning a funeral also holds practical benefits. A prepaid funeral locks in costs from when you plan and book, protecting you or your family from unexpected expenses later. Pre-planning also gives you the time and headspace to think carefully about want — without the pressure of grief or urgency.

When you plan a funeral with Salvos Funerals, any profit from our services goes towards the work of The Salvation Army in communities across Australia.

What is the best time to plan a funeral? 

No age is too early to think about funeral planning. That said, certain life moments tend to prompt the conversation.

Retirement

For many people, retirement is when the bigger picture comes into focus. Careers wind down, finances are reviewed, and there is more space to reflect on the future. It is a natural time to plan a funeral in advance, while you are calm, clear-headed, and able to make considered decisions.

As Norm from Salvos Funerals says, "My working life had come to a conclusion, and accumulated wealth had been realised. While life is still full of interest and activity, the thought is there in my mind, 'How many years are left?' This is not morbidity. So I paid for my funeral and resting place in retirement. It seemed the most logical time to do so."

A health diagnosis

A change in health often moves funeral planning from ‘one day’ to ‘now’. Many people find that making funeral arrangements during this time brings genuine peace of mind, rather than adding to stress.

"It may not come as a surprise that in my seventy-first year, I have been diagnosed with cancer — and recovering well!” tells Norm. “While it may not be the easiest thing to do at any time, you should make preparation for a funeral at a time when you are free of anxiety and can carefully think through what you want and can afford."

Any time that feels right

You do not need a milestone or a diagnosis to start planning a funeral. If you are thinking about it, that is reason enough.

"Making preparation for a funeral and then making the preplanning known to family reduces the pressure on loved ones at an emotionally sensitive time”, says Norm. “Loved ones will feel better that they are fulfilling your end of life wishes in the midst of their sadness."

Start the conversation with your family 

Funeral pre-planning is not just about paperwork. It is also an opportunity to share your story — the music that matters, the moments worth remembering, the values you want honoured.

As Norm says, "In casual conversation, I have spoken to family about songs that have special meaning to me as I reflect on my life. The significant and the important that have been my life's experience have been shared, so that my family have an understanding of what should be remembered."

Starting that conversation does not need to be formal. Many families find that once it is started, it becomes a meaningful and even comforting exchange.

Funeral planning checklist: A simple starting point 

If you are ready to begin, here are some practical first steps:

1. Think about the type of service you would like — burial or cremation, large or small, religious or civil.
2. Consider your preferences for music, readings, and who you would like to speak.
3. Talk to a family member or trusted person about your wishes.
4. Speak with a funeral director about prepaid funeral options and what is included.
5. Put your wishes in writing and make sure the right people know where to find them.

We are here to help

At Salvos Funerals, we are experienced in guiding people through funeral pre-planning with care and without pressure. We are here to listen. When you are ready, we will guide you through your options at whatever pace suits you. 

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