Are Traditional Funerals a Thing of the Past?
Traditional vs Non-Traditional Funerals
As funeral directors, we are finding now that more people want to step away from the traditional funeral in a church and with a black dress code, and are choosing unique and meaningful venues for their loved one’s farewell.
Don’t get us wrong; there is a lot to be said for tradition. It’s familiar and predictable in a time that can feel like the world is falling down around you. For some, it’s the right thing.
Research by McCrindle undertaken in 2025 shows that 3 in 5 Australians have never organised a funeral, and a huge 54% aren’t aware of resources that help navigate end-of-life planning, funerals or grief.
It also showed that for 85% of people, the most important part of planning a funeral is the dignity and care of the deceased, with 68% of people wanting a personalised approach and help in the grieving process (check out all the stats from the research here).
Could it be then, that we turn to traditional funerals purely because we are unprepared, and not because it’s what we actually want?
Planning your funeral in advance
This is one reason that at Grace Funerals, we work hard to get people to think about their funeral plans in advance. It’s not an easy subject for many, and we understand why.
Nobody wants to think about losing a loved one, or of dying themselves. But at what point do we accept that eventually, we will have no choice? As funeral directors, we see all kinds of deaths, from all walks of life. Young and old, sudden and unexpected, or at the end of a long battle with terminal illness.
If these conversations are had now, while everyone is healthy and expected to live for a good long while, it means when a death does inevitably happen we can focus on what’s important: supporting one another through a difficult time and surrounding a grieving family with love.
It means that instead of turning to a church and black dress because it’s all we know of and decisions need to be made somewhat quickly; you discover that funeral homes, like Grace Funerals, can help you have a funeral or memorial service just about anywhere.
We can hold funerals in Taronga Zoo overlooking Sydney Harbour, or at your local golf club out on the green, or even in your own backyard! Anywhere that allows a coffin, we can make it happen, (and if a coffin isn’t allowed, you might think about a memorial service with a separate burial or cremation instead).
In summary, we feel strongly that a funeral service should be what is right for each family and we want to help make this happen.
If you’re looking for a funeral + wake or memorial option with stunning Sydney Harbour or water views, we have a number of beautiful venues available (we also have Blue Mountains and Penrith/ Western Sydney Venues!)
- Taronga Zoo (Mosman)
Three beautiful spaces, including full funeral + wake/ memorial options and all with beautiful views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and located in the iconic Taronga Zoo in Mosman - Sergeants Mess (Mosman)
Water views, beautiful indoor spaces and full funeral + memorial/ wake options located on the waterfront at Chowder Bay, NSW
- The Deckhouse (Woolwich)
Gorgeous views of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge
See more of our beautiful venues here https://gracefunerals.com.au/funeral-venues/ or reach out to us today to discuss funeral pre-planning 02 4735 6900 or you can fill in our contact form here.