Living Wakes in Sydney: A Grace Funerals Guide

Introduction to Living Wakes

Living wakes are growing in visibility in Australia and they are becoming part of more open conversations about end of life. Recent reporting highlighted the increasing interest and explained why families choose to gather while the person is still here to participate. Grace Funerals in Sydney supports families who want both a living wake and a later funeral, or a living wake on its own, and we can guide on the practical details for holding living wakes in NSW.

Further reading: ABC News coverage on living wakes published 5 February 2026.

 

What is a living wake

A living wake is a pre-death gathering (meaning it happens before the death occurs) that lets the guest of honour hear tributes, enjoy time with loved ones and partake in the style of farewell that fits them. It can be anything from small afternoon tea at home or a larger celebration at a club or community hall- anything that is authentic to the person being celebrated. Many families add music, photo tributes and short speeches, and we also remind of the importance of holding a later funeral or memorial after death so the wider community can grieve together.

Asha Dooley on living wakes and the role of a later funeral

Asha Dooley, our Managing Director here at Grace Funerals and current President of Funerals Australia, has commented publicly that living wakes often feel celebratory and that they allow important conversations to happen while the person is still here. She also stresses that the funeral that follows still matters for the people who remain, because that is the moment when the reality of death is acknowledged and shared and helps in the grieving process. Asha’s goal is in supporting Sydney families who are considering both options.

Why Sydney families choose living wakes

• Time together while the person can still participate, including hearing tributes and sharing stories.
• A calmer pace to make decisions about a later funeral or memorial.
• Flexibility for venues and format across Sydney: chapels, clubs, community halls or at home.
• Livestreaming so interstate and overseas family can join when travel is not possible.

How to plan a living wake in Sydney

• Check health needs and preferred timing with the person (and their health care team where appropriate).
• Choose a venue that suits access and energy levels: home, club, community hall or chapel. We have a range of lovely venues throughout Sydney you can view here.
• Decide the format: short and informal, a full service complete with eulogys, or a sit down lunch with plenty of wine flowing!
• Nominate an MC or celebrant to keep things simple and supportive.
• Consider the practicalities: capacity of the venue, seating, sound, slideshow, food and drink, parking and accessibility (we can take care of all of this)
• Plan how to capture the event: photo, video or a guest book of messages.
• Discuss whether you also want a later funeral or memorial after death for the wider community.

Venues, livestreams and accessibility

Grace Funerals can host services in our Emu Plains Chapel or help book a beautiful venue anywhere in Sydney, North Shore, Blue Mountains or Penrith. We can arrange livestreams for those who cannot travel. When a living wake is at home we can advise on privacy, sound and parking. We also prepare a simple run sheet, manage microphones and help speakers feel comfortable.

Do we still need a funeral later?

Many families find that a funeral or memorial after death is still important. A living wake lets people connect with the person and say what matters. The later funeral service helps the community acknowledge the finality and share grief and support one another following the loss. We can help you decide what combination suits your family and how to communicate the plan with relatives and friends.

Frequently asked questions

Where can we hold a living wake in Sydney

Common choices are our Emu Plains chapel, a local club that is meaningful to you like a gold club or RSL, a restaurant function room or your family home. We will assist with bookings and quotes, guide venue rules and manage accessibility.

Can we include cultural or religious elements

Yes. We can coordinate clergy or a celebrant and support cultural practices. Talk to us about what matters to your family – we think authenticity is key.

Is a living wake a replacement for a funeral

Sometimes. Many families choose both. The living wake is for time with the person. The later service is for the community to grieve together.

Can you livestream a living wake

Yes. We regularly livestream services and private gatherings so family and friends can attend from interstate or overseas. We can livestream free out of our Emu Plains Chapel, or bring in a team to livestream from any other venue.

How much notice do we need

Short notice is common in our industry. With the exception of Voluntary Assisted Dying, nobody knows exactly when they will die, so short notice is our specialty! We can usually set up a meaningful gathering within week, subject to venue availability.

Quick Living Wake checklist

• Determine the person’s wishes and timing
• Choose what type of Living Wake you want
• Reach out to Grace Funerals – Blue Mountains, Penrith or North Shore for an Arrangement appointment
• Choose a venue
• Nominate host or celebrant
• Tell us if you would like AV and livestream if needed
• Prepare music, photos and short tributes
• Arrange food and drinks
• Organise the details of your later funeral and ensure your wishes are known

 

TIP: Download our helpful End of Life Planning e-book here

About the author

This article was prepared by Grace Funerals Sydney with contributions from Asha Dooley, Managing Director. Our team supports families across Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the North Shore with personalised guidance, care and practical help.

Updated: 27th February 2026