What is a burial service?

A burial service is a funeral ceremony followed by the interment of the deceased in a cemetery. It may be religious, traditional, or completely personal, depending on the wishes of the family.

What burial options does Candour Funerals offer?

Candour Funerals offers tailored burial services across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula, including graveside services, chapel services with burial to follow, and private family ceremonies. With Candour, every burial includes the essentials of dignified care, environmental consideration, and dedicated support.

Can I choose any cemetery for the burial?

Yes. Candour Funerals works with all Melbourne cemeteries and Mornington Peninsula burial grounds. You may already have plots purchased, or we can help you choose a cemetery that aligns with your family’s preferences, cultural needs, and budget. For a new plot purchase, you can do this directly with the cemetery.

Can Candour help organise a graveside service?

Yes. We regularly coordinate beautiful, personal graveside services. You can include readings, music, and rituals that reflect your loved one. Candour provides accessible moments that matter to each unique family during a funeral service.

Do I need to purchase a coffin for a burial?

Yes. A coffin or casket is required for a burial in all Victorian cemeteries. We offer a range of coffin options to suit different styles and budgets.

Is a burial more expensive than cremation?

Generally, yes. Burial often involves higher upfront costs due to plot purchase and ongoing cemetery maintenance fees. However, for some families, the permanence and tradition of burial is important. We can guide you through all options.

Pre-Paid Funerals

Plan ahead with clarity, care and confidence

A calm conversation now makes things much easier later. Pre‑planning with Candour lets you set your wishes, secure what we can at today’s prices, and (where eligible) take advantage of Centrelink exemptions. We’ll guide you step‑by‑step and keep everything transparent and tailored to you.
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Who this helps

• People wanting to ease the burden on their family
• Anyone who prefers certainty over future price rises
• Centrelink recipients who may benefit from exemptions

Pre-Paid calculator >

How pre-paid works at Candour

We combine two parts so you get certainty where it counts and flexibility where it’s needed:

‍1) Pre‑Paid Contract — locks in what we can price today
‍Covers Candour‑provided items at today’s prices:

Professional service fee
Transfer into our care
Coffin or casket
Doctor’s certificates
Standard death certificate

These items are fully itemised so you can see exactly what’s included.

‍2) Funeral Bond — sets aside funds for third‑party and variable costs
‍Used for items that can vary over time:

Venue or chapel hire
Celebrant or officiant
Flowers
Printed materials (order of service, bookmarks etc.)
Catering and other third-party costs

‍Why the mix?
It gives maximum certainty while keeping options open for the parts that can change (venue, flowers, catering and more).

Keeping your money safe

Funds are held with an Australian friendly-society benefit fund partner regulated under strict prudential rules.
Capital-guaranteed and market-linked investment options are available for funeral bonds.
Money is released only for funeral expenses when needed.
We provide Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) and answer every question before you decide.

Centrelink and your Age Pension (general guidance)

Pre‑paid funeral contracts are generally fully exempt from the assets test.
Funeral bonds are usually exempt up to $15,750 per person from 1 July 2025 (combined across up to two bonds per person).
For couples, separate bonds allow each partner their own exemption cap.

We’ll explain your options in plain English and encourage you to seek personal advice where needed.

Payment options

Choose the way that suits you:

One payment in full
Instalments (for pre‑paid contracts, typically up to two years)
Regular contributions to a funeral bond

We’ll outline each option clearly so you can make an informed choice.

Our stress-free process

Talk with us - phone, video or in-person. We listen first.
Choose your approach – prepaid contract, bond, or both. 
Tailor the details – music, flowers, venue, celebrant, special touches. 
Payment your way – lump sum or instalments (contracts up to two years). 
Keep everything updated – we can make changes any time.

Start planning — in minutes

Use our Pre‑Paid Planner to outline your wishes. You’ll receive an instant tailored email with your selections, and we’ll follow up (only if you’d like) to help finalise the paperwork. No obligation — just clear next steps.

‍Prefer to talk it through? Call 1300 788 881 — we’re here 24/7.

Pre-Paid Funeral Plans Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a prepaid funeral plan and a funeral bond? 

A prepaid plan is a contract for specific items we can lock in now. A funeral bond is money set aside in a regulated fund that can only be used for funeral expenses—ideal for the parts we can’t pre-price.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes. Lump sum or regular instalments are available for both prepaid contracts and funeral bonds.

Does this affect my Age Pension? 

Prepaid contracts are generally fully exempt. Funeral bonds are exempt up to $15,750 per person (from 1 July 2025).

Can I have more than one funeral bond? 

Yes—up to two per person can be exempt if combined contributions don’t exceed the allowable limit.

Should couples buy a joint bond or separate bonds? 

A joint bond counts as one bond and the cap isn’t doubled. Separate bonds allow each partner their own exemption.

Is my money safe? 

Yes. Funds are held in a regulated benefit fund and can only be released for funeral costs.
If my funeral costs less than the funds set aside, who gets the remainder?  Any excess from a bond is paid to your estate. For prepaid contracts, we’re transparent about adjustments.

Can my family still help with parts of the service? 

Absolutely—photo tributes, music, readings, and personal touches are welcome.

Can we have a viewing? 

Yes. Private family viewings can be arranged at our facilities or before a chapel service.

How is a funeral bond different from funeral insurance?

A funeral bond is an investment for funeral costs only and can’t be accessed early; there are no premiums. Funeral insurance involves ongoing premiums and pays a fixed benefit.

What happens if I die while travelling? 

Optional Away From Home Cover can bring you home from anywhere in Australia (minimum 100 km from home). For overseas trips, ensure your travel insurance includes repatriation.

Get in touch

We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide assistance and support.

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