How to Write Down Your Funeral Wishes in Australia
Most of us have an opinion about our own farewell. Few of us have written it down. When someone dies without clear wishes, family members are left guessing at the worst possible time, often while arranging things within days and under emotional strain.
Writing your wishes down is one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love. This checklist keeps it simple.
Are funeral wishes legally binding in Australia?
Generally, no. Wishes written in a will or a separate note are usually treated as guidance, and the person responsible for arranging the funeral, often the executor or next of kin, makes the final decisions. That is why it matters to share your wishes with them in advance, not only to write them down. Rules differ between states and territories, so speak to a solicitor or your state’s relevant authority for legal certainty. This article is general information, not legal advice.
What to include
1. Burial or cremation. State your preference and any place that matters to you, such as a family plot or where you would like ashes placed.
2. The type of service. A traditional service, a casual celebration of life, a private family gathering, or no service at all.
3. Music, readings and speakers. Name the songs, poems or people you would like. This small detail often means the most to families.
4. Who should be told. List the people who should hear first, and anyone you would not want to be overlooked.
5. Charity donations or flowers. Say whether you prefer flowers, or donations to a cause you care about.
6. Your life story. Short notes about your life, achievements and favourite memories give celebrants something real to work with, and give your family something to keep.
7. Where your important documents are. Your will, power of attorney, insurance, super and bank details. Families often spend weeks searching for these.
Where to keep your wishes
A note in a drawer is easily lost. A document only you can open is no help at all. Good options include telling a trusted person where it is, giving a nominated person access, and keeping a copy somewhere secure that is easy to update. Some families use a secure online space for this, where wishes, photos, music and document locations sit together and chosen people can be given access.
Who should know
Tell your executor, your partner or closest relative, and anyone you have nominated to help. A five-minute conversation now removes years of doubt later. Review your wishes every year or after major life events.
Start small
You don’t need to finish everything today. Write down three things: burial or cremation, the music you’d like, and where your documents are. Add the rest over time.
If you’d like a secure, organised place to record all of this and share it with the people you choose, Lifebook Memories was built for exactly that.
This article is general information only and is not legal or financial advice.
Next 5 post topics (queued)
- What happens to your digital accounts and photos when you die (Australia)
- Funeral wishes vs a will: what each one does
- How to write a life story your family will actually read
- A checklist of documents your family needs after a death
- How to start the “my funeral” conversation with parents
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