My funeral wishes

Write down what you'd like, so the people you love don't have to guess. Fill it in on your own or together with family, a little at a time. It's free.

About you

Only your name is needed. Everything else is up to you, so skip anything you're not ready for. You can come back any time.

Your wishes stay on this device. We only count that the tool was used, never what you write. Nothing is sent anywhere unless you copy, email or print your wishes.

Needed to put your wishes together

Burial or cremation

There's no right answer. If you haven't decided, that's okay too.

For example, a cemetery you'd like, or where you'd like your ashes to go.

The service

What kind of farewell feels right to you, and where?

Type of service
Where

Tick any that feel right.

For example, a church, a chapel or a spot that means something to you.

The people

Who should hear first, and who you'd like to hear from on the day.

Names, and how to reach them if you like.

A eulogy, a reading or a few words.

If you know who you'd like to lead the service.

Music and words

Songs, readings or poems that mean something to you.

For the start, during the service or at the end.

A favourite poem, prayer, verse or passage.

Personal touches

The small things that will make it feel like you.

What you'd like to wear, or what you'd like others to wear.

Flowers or donations

Photos you'd like shown, or a song to play with them.

A gathering after, a favourite food, or a few words for the people you love.

My wishes

Everything in one place. Print it, save it as a PDF, or send it to someone you trust.

Add your name in step 1 and we'll put your wishes together here.

A guide, not a legal document

Your family and funeral director will see this as guidance. Funeral wishes usually aren't legally binding in Australia, even in a Will, but the person who arranges your funeral is expected to try to follow them.

The legal side, like naming the executor who looks after your estate, belongs in your Will. Write your Will online.

Your wishes stay on this device.

GRIEF SUPPORT

Grief is real, and it can hit hard. Griefline is now part of SANE Australia. SANE's free Service Enquiries line, 1800 187 263 (weekdays except public holidays, 10am to 8pm AEST/AEDT), can help you find grief support. Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 224 636) are there any time, day or night, and Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) supports children and young people. In an emergency, call 000.

You don't have to figure everything out at once.

Gaia can support you through what follows, with care and guidance when you need it most.

Create a Will online

A gentle reminder to document your wishes and protect the people you love.
Advance care planning

Record what matters most to you for future medical care.
Gaia memorial

Give your story a place to live, when the time comes.

Still have questions?

Usually not. This is a guide for your family and funeral director, not a legal document. In Australia, funeral wishes are generally not legally binding, even when they're written in a Will, but the person who arranges your funeral, often the executor of your Will, is expected to try to follow them. There can be exceptions. In NSW, for example, a person can't be cremated if they left a written direction saying they didn't want to be. Legal Aid NSW explains more.

Share them with the people who are likely to arrange your funeral, such as the executor of your Will and your close family. A Will is sometimes not read until after the funeral, so Public Trustee Tasmania suggests making sure your loved ones know your wishes. You can print a copy, save it as a PDF, or email it to someone you trust.

Only on this device, in your browser. Nothing you write is sent to Gaia. If you clear your browser data or use another device, your draft won't be there, so print a copy or save it as a PDF to keep it.

Yes, any time. Come back on the same device and your draft will be waiting. If you've already shared a copy, send the people you trust the new version too.