Do I need a funeral director, and what do they actually do?
You are not legally required to use a funeral director in Western Australia, but almost every family does because a funeral director handles the transfer and care of the person, the cremation permit and death registration, the cemetery booking, the coffin, the celebrant, the hearse and the service itself. Doing this yourself is possible but demanding at the hardest time.
What a funeral director does, step by step
Immediately after the death. We are available 24 hours a day on 1300 856 862. Once the doctor has certified the death, we transfer your loved one into our care at our O’Connor mortuary facility.
Paperwork and permits. We collect the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death from the doctor, prepare the application for a permit to cremate or the burial documentation, obtain the permit from a medical referee, register the death with the WA Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages and order the death certificate.
The arrangement meeting. This usually takes around 90 minutes. Your funeral specialist walks you through the choice of cremation or burial, the venue, the coffin, the celebrant or clergy, music, flowers, the funeral notice, photo tributes, live streaming and the order of service.
Care of the person. Mortuary care, dressing, and preparation for a viewing if the family wishes.
On the day. The hearse, pallbearers, audio visual, staff at the venue, the committal at the cemetery, and coordination with the celebrant, florist, cemetery and venue.
Afterwards. Return of ashes, the death certificate, memorial options and grief support resources.
Can you arrange a funeral without a funeral director in WA?
Legally, yes. A family can transport the person, complete the cremation permit application and book directly with the Metropolitan Cemeteries Board. In practice it requires a suitable vehicle, refrigerated care, the correct forms and statutory declarations, and a great deal of time within a few days of losing someone. Most families who look into it decide that an unattended cremation with a funeral director, which starts at $3,800 at Gift of Grace, is a better path.
What is different about a family owned funeral home
Gift of Grace Funerals is a boutique, family owned funeral home in O’Connor, Perth, established in 2015. The same funeral specialist who meets you at the arrangement meeting is with you on the day of the service. There is no call centre and no handover between departments.
Related questions
Is it a legal requirement to use a funeral director in Australia?
No. There is no law requiring a funeral director in Australia, but a funeral director handles the permits, registration, transfer, mortuary care and cemetery bookings that a family would otherwise need to do themselves.
What does a funeral director do after someone dies?
They transfer and care for the person, obtain the medical certificate and cremation or burial permit, register the death, book the cemetery or venue, arrange the coffin, celebrant, flowers and hearse, and run the service on the day.
How long is a funeral arrangement meeting?
About 90 minutes at Gift of Grace Funerals, held at our O’Connor office or in your home.
Talk to a Perth funeral specialist
Gift of Grace Funerals is a family owned funeral home at 15/11 Sainsbury Road, O’Connor, serving families across Perth 24 hours a day. Call 1300 856 862 or see our funeral packages and prices.
Last reviewed September 2026. Prices are GST inclusive and current at the time of writing.