Traditional vs. Contemporary Funerals: What’s the Difference?

In Australia, saying goodbye to a loved one is no small thing. Whether you’re planning ahead or dealing with a recent loss, choosing the type of funeral that best suits your loved one’s life and personality can feel a bit overwhelming. You might’ve heard people talk about traditional funerals and contemporary funerals, but what’s the real difference between the two?

Let’s break it down, no fluff, just the honest-to-goodness truth to help you make sense of it all.

The Traditional Funeral – Tried and True

When most people think of a funeral, they're usually picturing a traditional one. This is your classic, time-honoured service that follows a familiar pattern:

1. Structure and Formality

Traditional funerals usually follow a more rigid structure. There’s typically a religious or spiritual tone to it, led by a priest, minister, or sometimes a celebrant. The service might include prayers, hymns, scripture readings, and eulogies, all held in a church, chapel, or funeral home.

It’s the kind of service your grandparents might’ve had—respectful, reverent, and rooted in long-standing customs.

2. Dress Code

People attending a traditional funeral are often dressed in dark, formal clothing. Suits, ties, black dresses—you know the drill. It’s about showing respect and keeping things dignified.

3. Burial or Cremation?

Most traditional funerals end with either a burial or a cremation, often immediately after the service. The coffin is typically present throughout the ceremony, followed by a graveside committal if it’s a burial.

4. Cost

Traditional funerals can come with a pretty hefty price tag. Between the coffin, venue hire, transport, flowers, catering, and professional fees, it can add up fast—sometimes reaching $10,000 or more.

The Contemporary Funeral – A Bit More Laid-Back

Now, here’s where things get a bit more modern. Contemporary funerals are all about flexibility, personalisation, and ditching the rulebook. They’re still heartfelt and meaningful, but often with a more relaxed, Aussie vibe.

1. Customisation is Key

Contemporary funerals can be anything you want them to be. There’s no fixed structure. Want to hold it in your backyard or at the beach? Go for it. Prefer storytelling over scripture? Too easy. The focus is on celebrating the life lived rather than following a strict ritual.

A celebrant usually runs the show, helping to weave personal stories, music, poems, and readings into the service. Sometimes there’s even a slideshow of photos, a live band, or a playlist of the person’s favourite tunes—everything from AC/DC to Coldplay.

2. Dress for the Person, Not the Occasion

You might rock up to a contemporary funeral in colourful clothes, footy jerseys, or even Hawaiian shirts—especially if that’s what the person being honoured would’ve wanted. It’s not about what’s proper, it’s about what’s personal.

3. Unique Venues

Forget the church or funeral home—contemporary funerals happen anywhere and everywhere. Parks, beaches, gardens, pubs, even art galleries. If the place meant something to the person, it’s fair game.

4. Cost – It Varies

Contemporary funerals can be more budget-friendly, especially if you keep things simple. But costs can still add up depending on the venue, celebrant, and how creative you want to get. Some families opt for a low-cost cremation followed by a separate memorial event, which can save a lot of cash.

So, What’s the Big Difference?

Let’s spell it out in a nutshell:

Traditional Funeral Contemporary Funeral

Formal and structured Flexible and personalised

Often religious Can be spiritual or secular

Typically in a church or funeral home Anywhere that suits – from a park to a pub

Black clothing and formal wear Anything goes – even thongs and sunnies

Usually includes coffin at service Can happen with or without the body present

Often more expensive Potentially more budget-friendly

Rooted in rituals and tradition Focused on the individual’s personality

Why Choose One Over the Other?

It comes down to values, beliefs, and personality. Some families find great comfort in the familiar rituals of a traditional funeral. Others want something that truly reflects the unique spark of their loved one’s life.

Final Thoughts – You Do You

Grief is tough, no two ways about it. But how we choose to honour a life can be a powerful part of the healing process. Whether you lean toward a traditional send-off or a more contemporary celebration, the most important thing is that it feels right for the person you’re farewelling—and for those left behind.

Here in Australia, we’re lucky to have heaps of options. You don’t have to stick to a cookie-cutter service if it doesn’t suit your mob. Have a yarn with your local celebrant, funeral director, or even just your family. Think about what really matters—and don’t be afraid to do things a bit differently.

After all, life’s too short for a funeral that doesn’t feel like them.

Need a hand planning a heartfelt farewell?

Whether you’re after a simple backyard send-off or a moving beach memorial, Aussie celebrants across the country can help craft a service that’s respectful, meaningful, and true to your loved one’s story. Reach out, have a cuppa, and start the conversation—you might be surprised at how many beautiful options are out there.