Arranging A Funeral
It is so important that a funeral is a fitting tribute to your loved one. There is no such thing as a 'typical' funeral, and therefore many important decisions need to be made when arranging a funeral service.
Making Arrangements
Having to plan a funeral for a person close to you can be a daunting task. As your funeral director, we are here to provide guidance and support. Our caring staff will help you through this difficult time, carefully listening to your needs and requirements, to help create a fitting farewell to commemorate the life of your loved one.
We endeavour to make the process of organising a funeral as stress free for you as possible. There is no such thing as a 'typical' funeral and therefore during our discussion we will record the decisions and choices made to create a detailed plan of the funeral service discussed.
During the following days, until the funeral service is conducted, we work closely with you, provide ongoing assistance while liaising with the clergy or celebrant, newspapers, florists, cemeteries, churches and any other third parties that might be required in preparation for the funeral service.
Simply, our service revolves around your needs. We provide options, but you make the decisions. A funeral service should reflect upon a lifetime of memories through words, music, photographs and/or life symbols. We will assist you in creating a unique funeral for your loved one.
Considerations, Resources & Support
When a loved one passes away, there is often many considerations to take into account when arranging a funeral. Below you may find some helpful points, resources & PDF's to assist you.
Before meeting with us
Making informed decisions is the key to ensure the funeral planning process is helpful for you and your family. The first step is ensuring you take a few moments to prepare for the arrangement meeting.
Download the below PDF to view a list of topics and questions you may wish to be consider prior to the arrangement meeting.
Downlaod PDF
Burial or Cremation
One of the first topics discussed is often the preference of a burial or cremation. This is a very personal choice and one that should be considered well. Some families choose based on preference and wishes, some on cost, and some on memorial options.
If unsure, we highly recommend visiting your local cemetery and viewing the different options available for burials, or maybe the memorialisation of cremated remains.
To view our range of cremation urns, jewellery and keepsake urns download this PDF (Coming Soon).
Funeral service formats
You can choose a wide range of formats for a funeral service. There is no 'right' way to format a funeral service, this is completely up to the family.
This may be a Church or Chapel service followed by a burial, a Church or Chapel service followed by a cremation, a private burial followed by a public memorial service, a graveside service, a service held in the crematorium chapel or maybe a private family service held at the family home. These are only a few options, but often the most asked for.
Creating a meaningful funeral service
You can create a funeral that reflects the unique and special qualities of your loved one. The secret is to add personal touches. Here are some thoughts:
Choosing a Celebrant or Clergy member, asking mourners to wear a special something to the funeral, select some life symbols to be displayed, light a candle, give guests a printed item to take home, project photos on a screen during the funeral service, include humour during the funeral, select music and special readings/ poems, invite other associations such as RSL or maybe have a balloon release.
Selecting music
Music is a very important part of a funeral service. Sometimes music is played by a live musician and sometimes it is all recorded music. For some families music is not important and silence/ no music can be just as meaningful.
We can provide some advice on music, but often it comes back to personal preference and the meaning behind each chosen song. Download the below PDF for some suggestions.
Downlaod PDF
Funeral stationary
So many families now acknowledge the value of a beautiful service sheet or bookmark. Once a document simply used to allow attendees at the funeral to follow the service, now printed stationary can reflect on the uniqueness of a loved one and has become a cherished memento.
Floral arrangements
Select flowers that were meaningful to the person who died or solely as an expression of your love. Perhaps you can think of something more appropriate than flowers to be displayed on the coffin or casket. The choice is yours.
Coffins & Caskets
Coffins are tapered at the head and foot and are wide at the shoulders. Caskets are rectangular in shape and are usually constructed of better quality timbers and feature higher standards of workmanship.
Many people regard the coffin or casket as an important tribute to the deceased and they are therefore selected with care. However, to spend so much that it would mean financial difficulties for those left behind would be unwarranted.
Click here to view our range
Refreshments and gatherings
Gathering after a funeral service is a time of memory sharing, honouring life and meeting with family and friends. We have a wide range of catering options available and will assist your family in organising all aspects of refreshments.
Funeral expenses
Throughout the funeral planning process your funeral director will make you aware of the costs associated with your loved ones funeral service.
It is important to balance emotional decisions with practical common sense and an accurate indication of your expected funeral expense will allow our funeral arrangers to have a clear expectation of your requirements and help manage the funeral service alongside your guidelines.
