Types of funerals

At Alfred James, we know that no two funerals are the same – just as no two people are the same. From traditional services in a church or one of our funeral homes, to a memorial service, we can tailor our services to suit your needs.

Traditional and religious services

Faiths, beliefs and cultural practices form a fundamental part of the lives of many people in Australia. These beliefs and practices often become more significant at times of personal crisis and isolation such as during illness, and when faced with bereavement.

We work with people from any faith and background and can help provide a range of religious services.

A traditional or religious service can be conducted by your local minister or Alfred James can arrange a minister on your behalf.

It can be held in your local church, chapel, place of worship or in one of our 6 Alfred James funeral homes.

Non-religious funeral services

Increasingly there are more Australians who are choosing to have a non-religious funeral service.

These personalised services tend to focus more exclusively on the deceased, celebrating their life, personality and achievements. This celebration of their life is often expressed through music, poetry, a photo presentation and eulogy. Of course there can still be hymns or prayers included, it’s completely up to the family planning the service.

It can be held in one of our 6 Alfred James funeral homes, or a venue which has meaning to the deceased and family, such as family home, a sporting club or favourite beach or park.

Burial or cremation

The choice between burial and cremation is a very personal one and may be influenced by many factors, including family tradition, religion or the wishes of the person who has died.

Whether you select a burial or cremation, you have the choice of whether you’d like part or all of the service to take place at the cemetary or crematorium. Some families choose to have a memorial service after the burial or cremation has taken place. The choice is completely yours and the team at Alfred James can explain all of the options.

Direct cremation or burial

In a very small number of circumstances, people choose to have no ceremony. This is called a Direct Cremation or Burial. Alfred James still arrange all the paperwork and care of the deceased but without the funeral service. It can be either burial or cremation and Alfred James will arrange:

• Transfer to our mortuary 24 hours day
• The necessary hygienic preparation and care
• Supply of a fully-lined coffin with handles and gown
• Procurement of the necessary Death Certificates and Cremation Permit (when required)
• Completion of a registration of death
• Use and staffing of our premises for the identification of the deceased.