Funeral Services >> Pre-Planning a Funeral The importance of being prepared Many people accept the importance of being prepared for a life crisis. They arrange appropriate "safety nets" by taking out life insurance, permanent and total disability cover, accident, income protection, house and contents and motor vehicle insurances. These crises may never eventuate in a person's lifetime - but death is one event that is inevitable. So why not be prepared for this as well? Pre-planned and pre-purchased funeral arrangements provide clear directions for bereaved family members and relieve the burden of decision-making and payment at a time of shock and distress.

The Metropolitan Cemeteries Board can assist with funeral pre-planning. The process of planning a funeral will require some fundamental decisions to be made, such as:

• Whether to arrange a burial or cremation
• For a burial, which cemetery and grave location
• For a cremation, which type of memorial (1,460 PDF file)
• Whether to arrange for a Funeral Webcast
• Whether to opt for above ground entombment - for example, in a mausoleum.

Once the important decisions are made, the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board can create a funeral package to cater for a range of needs and budgets. The elements which can be pre-purchased through us are:

• Cremation Agreement
• Memorial
• Interment Agreement
• Grave
• Mausoleum Crypt
• Vault.

Other services, such as mortuary, funeral ceremony, hearse and flowers, are arranged and purchased through funeral directors.

To find out more about the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board's funeral packages, contact the Client Service staff on 1300 793 109.

Why Do People Procrastinate?

No one likes to think about his or her own death – but in a sense, we are doing so when we buy life insurance. So why not buy a funeral package ahead of time, and have the peace of mind of knowing everything is in order?

These are some of the most common reasons why people put off planning their funeral – and why they should reconsider.

I don’t care what happens to me after death.

But your family will. Funeral services and memorials are primarily for the living. They play an important role in helping to deal with the grieving process.

My insurance will cover my funeral – so what’s the problem?

Your insurance may pay the costs but it won’t specify the details of your funeral service.

I don’t want to spend the money now.

By purchasing your funeral package now, you will buy at today’s prices. If you don’t pre-purchase, your family will pay at tomorrow’s higher prices.

I’ve told my family or written in my will what sort of funeral service I’d like.

There is no guarantee your wishes will be met. Grieving family members may forget the details or disagree amongst themselves. If instructions are left in your will, they may not be read until long after your funeral has taken place.

I prefer a cremation – surely that’s all there is to it?

There are still decisions to make as to memorial options. For instance, you might wish to have a memorial close to a loved family member. By pre-planning, you can ensure your memorial is exactly as you would want it.