How long after death is a funeral?
Many people wonder how long after death a funeral can take place, especially when they’ve never planned one before. In most cases, a funeral happens within a few days to two weeks after death. This timeframe allows for legal paperwork to be completed, burial or cremation to be arranged, and close family and friends to be notified.
Some families choose to hold a service quite soon, while others wait longer to allow for travel, cultural or religious traditions, or simply to have more time to make decisions.
The sections below explain what usually affects funeral timing, so you can better understand your options and what may be involved in your situation.
Please note this article covers general discussions around the timing of funerals and is not specific to Bare’s Funeral offering. For guidance on timelines following the immediate passing of a loved one, please contact Bare on 1800 071 176 to discuss.
What is the average time between death and a funeral?
Funerals are usually arranged about one to two weeks after death. This period allows for the death to be registered, permits to be issued, transportation and care arrangements to be completed, and the details of the service to be organised. It also gives families a short period to gather information and make decisions.
Burial services often take place within about a week. Burial requires coordination with a cemetery, including confirming an available date and preparing the burial space for the coffin to be interred. In some cultural or religious traditions, burial is expected to happen relatively quickly, which can affect timing.
With cremation, timing can be more flexible. Some families hold a funeral service before the cremation, while others arrange the cremation first and hold a service or memorial afterward. The latter is common when choosing a direct cremation, where the cremation takes place shortly after death with no service at that time. In those cases, a memorial or gathering may be held later if the family chooses.
Is there a standard waiting period for a funeral?
There is no official or legally required waiting period for a funeral. Timing can vary depending on personal circumstances, cultural practices, or religious beliefs. For some religions, the funeral is traditionally held as soon as possible after the death.
Before a funeral can take place, a few necessary steps must be completed. A doctor needs to issue a medical certificate confirming the cause of death. The death must then be formally registered, and the appropriate burial or cremation permits approved.
Arrangements such as venue availability, cemetery or crematorium scheduling, and the availability of the person leading the service also need to be confirmed. These steps usually take a few days.
Weekends, public holidays, or delays with paperwork can extend the timeline, which is why funerals do not always happen immediately after a death.
What factors can delay a funeral?
Not all funerals take place within a few days of death. Timing depends on practical matters and personal choices, and there’s no single schedule that families have to follow.
In some situations, timing is influenced by legal requirements. If a death is unexpected or requires investigation, the coroner may need to be involved. Funeral arrangements cannot move forward until the person has been released into the care of a funeral director, which can take several days or longer depending on the circumstances. You can read more in our article When is the coroner involved after a death.
Family availability can also affect timing. Loved ones may need time to travel, arrange leave from work, or come together to make decisions. Some families prefer to allow space for discussion before setting a date, especially during an emotionally overwhelming period.
Cultural and religious practices may also play a role. Certain traditions follow specific timeframes, while others allow more flexibility based on family wishes.
Practical matters can also affect timing. Chapels, crematoriums, and cemeteries may have limited availability, particularly during busy periods such as holidays, which can influence when a service can be held.
Concerns about cost are common, especially when a death is unexpected. There are ways to reduce immediate expenses while still giving a dignified farewell. Some opt for a no-service funeral, such as direct cremation or burial without a ceremony. In these cases, timing is usually more flexible because there is no service to plan, provided all required paperwork has been finalised. This often means arrangements can proceed sooner or without the pressure of setting a service date.
Ultimately, the timing of a funeral is personal. A funeral director can explain your options and help plan a service that meets your family’s needs. At Bare, we are here to guide you every step of the way and help you with options that suit your wishes, budget, and schedule, so you can focus on saying goodbye in a way that feels right for your family and loved one.
Can a funeral be held weeks or months after death?
A funeral can sometimes be held weeks after death in Australia, depending on individual circumstances and state or territory requirements.
A funeral involves the loved one being present in a coffin. Because of this, funerals are most often held within days of death. While it is possible for a funeral to be delayed for a short period, longer delays can involve additional considerations, approvals, or arrangements and are less common. It is also important to consider whether you wish to have a viewing of your loved one. Delaying a funeral can mean this may be impacted, with embalming possibly being needed or a viewing not being possible, depending on the condition of the deceased.
When families wish to hold a service months later, it is usually a memorial service rather than a funeral. Some families arrange burial or cremation soon after death with no service, then choose to hold a memorial later when family and friends are able to gather. A memorial service can take place separately from burial or cremation and does not have the loved one present in a coffin.
A later memorial service is no less meaningful. For many families, it simply allows the farewell to happen when they feel emotionally ready, rather than rushed by circumstances.
If you would like to explore options for holding a memorial after a cremation, you can visit the Bare Memorials page for more information.
Read more about the differences of direct cremations, memorials and funerals.
What to do in the first 24 hours after death
The first 24 hours after a death can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure what needs to happen straight away and what can wait. It may help to know that very few decisions are urgent at this stage.
In most cases, the immediate focus is on confirming the death with a medical professional if this has not already occurred, letting close family or friends know, and contacting a funeral director to help guide the next steps. Beyond this, there is usually no pressure to make detailed arrangements or commit to service plans right away.
You do not need to finalise funeral or memorial details on the first day. A funeral director can help you understand what needs attention now, such as care of the person and necessary paperwork, and what can be decided later when you feel more settled.
At Bare, we understand how overwhelming this can be, and we’re here to provide guidance and support so you can focus on yourself and your family.
How soon can I plan a funeral with Bare?
The timing of a Bare Funeral will depend on several factors, including the location of your loved one and the completion of necessary paperwork. There are also many arrangements that need to be carefully planned and put in place. We generally suggest allowing at least 7 days, giving you the time you need to process matters, make important decisions, and complete the planning properly.
The funeral date will be agreed in consultation with your funeral arranger. Our guidance is not to rush the process, but to allow yourself the time and space needed to prepare fully for the day.
Final thoughts
Losing someone you love is never easy, and navigating the days that follow a death can feel overwhelming. While funerals typically take place within a few days to a couple of weeks, there is no standard timeline as every family, culture, and situation is different. What matters most is honouring your loved one in a way that feels meaningful for you and your family.
If you need guidance or support in organising a funeral, our award-winning team is here for you every step of the way. From planning and coordination to compassionate care and personal touches, we are committed to making this hard time just that little bit easier. We would be honoured to support you, simply call us on 1800 071 176 at any time.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for guidance specific to your situation.
