But it's a very important part of the grieving process.

What happens at a funeral service?

• There is no such thing as a standard funeral. A lot will depend on you and your family’s religious and cultural beliefs.

• Some religions allow families to create their own service while others may have very structured rituals and services

Remember: talking about funerals before someone has died can be very hard but it is often a chance to plan what will happen and it can make things a bit easier down the track.

What happens at a burial?

• First there will be a service. Once the service is finished the funeral will continue at the gravesite.

• The grave will already be dug before you arrive and will not be completely filled until after you leave.

• The coffin is lowered by ropes.

• People at the funeral can choose to place a few shovels of earth into the grave.

What happens at a cremation?

• A cremation is where the body is burnt rather than buried.

• First there will be a service, which could take place in a church or somewhere else. The actual cremation has to take place in a crematorium.

• The coffin is not burnt until after the service is complete and you have left the crematorium.

• Once the cremation has taken place the ashes are placed in an urn and then in a locked room where they can be collected later by the family.

What happens to the ashes?

• This depends on the personal wishes of the person who has died, and the family. Sometimes ashes can be buried in a cemetary, kept at home or scattered somewhere that has significance for the family.

See the Grief and Loss section for more information about coping with the death of a loved one.