Your guide to understanding funeral terms

If you're currently arranging a funeral, here's a brief guide on every term you'll likely encounter. It'll help you stay informed and make well-informed decisions.

Administrator

The person in charge of managing the estate of a loved one who has passed away if:

• A Will hasn't been written, or
• An Executor hasn't been named in a Will, or
• The chosen Executor has decided to reject their responsibility

Ashes

When someone is cremated, their remains are referred to as "ashes." These ashes can either be buried in a cemetery or columbarium, or they can be kept in an urn at the family's home.

Beneficiary

This is someone who is entitled to receive a share of the estate, such as money, property, or personal possessions.  

Bequest

A bequest is a gift that is specifically mentioned in a Will, usually in the form of money.

RELATED ARTICLE: What is a bequest and how do I leave one in my will?

Bereaved

This term is used to describe a person or a group of people who have lost a loved one. It's commonly used to refer to the family of the deceased.

Casket

A casket is basically a coffin with straight edges.

Celebrant

The person leading the funeral service is called a celebrant. They're the ones who address the congregation and take charge of the funeral proceedings. They can be either religious or non-religious, depending on your preferences.  

Cenotaph

This refers to an empty monument built to honor someone who has passed away and is buried elsewhere, like in another country.

Chapel of rest

It's a designated space within a funeral home where family and friends can view the body of the deceased before the funeral starts.

Coffin

Sometimes people use the terms "casket" and "coffin" interchangeably, but a coffin is a long wooden box that holds the body of the deceased. The difference is that a coffin has tapered ends.

Columbarium

It's a building where cremation ashes are stored. You'll usually find niches within the walls that hold individual urns.  

Committal service

This is the final part of the funeral service where the coffin or casket is buried or taken for cremation. Sometimes the coffin or casket remains visible until everyone has left the room.

Coroner

The coroner is a government official responsible for investigating suspicious deaths. They also look into the cases where the identity of the deceased is unknown.

Cremation

When someone chooses to be cremated, their body is subjected to intense heat until it turns to ashes. These ashes can be scattered or kept in an urn at a family member's home or in a columbarium.

Death certificate

This is an official document that proves someone has died. It's issued by the Department of Births, Deaths & Marriages in each state or territory. You'll need it to manage the estate.

Death notice

An announcement published in a newspaper to inform the community about a person's death.

RELATED ARTICLE: How to write a death notice for your mum

Disbursements

These are the costs that a funeral director pays on your behalf to third parties, such as flower companies, venue hire, or crematorium fees.  

Embalming

When chemicals are used to preserve the body of the deceased, it's called embalming. This is done when the family wants to view the body before the funeral.

Estate

It's everything a person owns at the time of their death. The estate is determined by their Will and may include finances, shares, property, and personal possessions.

Executor

An Executor is the person named in the Will who is responsible for managing the estate. Usually, it's a close friend or family member of the deceased.  

Exhume

If the remains need to be moved to another burial site, they have to be exhumed. In Australia, you need a license for this.  

Funeral procession

A funeral procession is a slow-moving line of cars heading towards the funeral venue. Typically, the funeral director leads the procession on foot, followed by the hearse.  

Grant of representation

This refers to probate or letters of administration.  

Grave marker

After a burial, a temporary label is placed on the grave until a permanent gravestone is installed.

Green burial

An eco-friendly funeral that takes place in special "green" burial sites worldwide. These sites ensure the funeral is as environmentally friendly as possible.

Hearse

It's a specially designed vehicle used to transport the coffin or casket.

Letters of administration

This is a legal document that allows someone to administer the estate of a deceased person who did not leave a Will. 

Living will

A "Living Will" is a document that outlines how a person wishes to be cared for in their later stage of life, while they're still alive.

Mausoleum

A mausoleum is a building that contains tombs.

Memorial wervice

It's a service similar to a funeral but without the deceased's body present.

Mortician

The person who prepares a body for burial or cremation is called a mortician.

Obituary

An obituary is a notice in a newspaper that announces someone's death. It usually provides a brief summary of their life, achievements, and may include funeral details.

Pallbearers

These are the people who carry the coffin during the funeral service. Pallbearers can be hired or family members of the deceased can fulfil this role.

Plot

A plot refers to the land within a cemetery that is reserved for multiple people. Families often reserve a plot so they can be buried next to each other.

Post-Mortem

Examinations An examination of a deceased body carried out by a pathologist, ordered by a coroner. The purpose of a post-mortem examination is to determine the cause of death.

Probate

Probate gives the Executor the legal authority to handle the deceased's assets.  

Repatriation

Repatriation is the process of bringing a loved one's body back to Australia if they passed away overseas.  

Undertaker

An undertaker is just another word for a funeral director.

Urn

An urn is a container used to store cremation ashes. They come in different shapes, styles, and colours, and can be customised to your liking.  

Wake

A wake is a vigil held after a person's death and funeral.    

There can be a fair bit of jargon involved when it comes to the end of someone's life. Understanding these key terms can make the funeral planning process a tad easier for you.