Assistance Pages > Ideas & Suggestions

Introduction:

You can choose the type of funeral service that you wish to have, not the type of service tradition has dictated. The funeral service should in some way portray the life of the person who has died.

It is important that you are given the opportunity to have input into the service, to create a meaningful farewell for someone you love. The funeral service is not only for the person who has died, it is also for you and friends to remember and farewell a loved one.

Some of the suggestions that follow may appeal to you. It is our aim to offer suggestions on the many options available when arranging a funeral, or when planning your own funeral.

Things to discuss with your Funeral Director

Service or Hymn Sheet :

Have a service sheet printed with details of your loved ones on it, include a favourite photo, hymns, poems and other symbols that represent memories.

Tri bute Book :

Invite people attending the service to sign a tribute book to give the family a record of those attending.

Viewing :

Spend time with the deceased, by viewing or just sitting with the open or closed casket. You may like to have the casket at home in familiar surroundings prior to the service.

Clothing :

Have the deceased dressed in their own clothes. The family may like to help with the dressing.

Flowers :

Have individual flowers available for family members to place on the casket during the service or at the graveside. 

Family Flowers :

Ask that the family casket spray be made using favourite flowers or colours.

Casket :

There is a wide range available. You may wish to visit our display room to make your choice.

Organisations, clubs etc:

If there are organisations that the deceased person belonged to, they might like to participate in some way in the service, eg. RSA, Lodge, Bowling club etc.

Emblems :

Flags, medals, emblems or other memorabilia can temporarily be placed on the casket to represent the person's life.

Photos:

Have a photo on the casket during the service or arrange a display, reflecting the deceased's life, in the church or chapel.

Family Participation :

Involve family, friends and grandchildren as pallbearers, ushers etc.

Things to discuss with your Minister, Priest or Celebrant

Personal Eulogy :

Have a member of the family, grandchild, son, daughter or a personal friend pay a tribute.

Music:

Play favourite music, eg. Tape, CD, soloist, or sing a favourite hymn that the deceased loved. This can relieve the tension and help involve others in the service.

Readings:

Have a favourite poem, verse or passage of the bible read at the service.

Church or Chapel flowers :

Ask if it is possible to do the flowers at the church or chapel. These can be arranged by family, friends or the funeral director.

Things to be discussed amongst the Family

Refreshments :

Gather after the service where family and friends can get together over a cup of tea or a coffee. The family home, community or church hall, clubrooms, funeral home etc are all suitable places to gather. We are able to arrange catering for you at any of these venues.

Recording :

Have the service audio or video taped for family unable to attend.

Photos :

You can have photos taken of the deceased, the casket and flowers.

Assisting recovery from grief:

Allow and encourage the children (eg. Grandchildren) to draw a picture or write a card to place in the casket. Often children will find it easier to express their feelings on paper.

It is important that you go with your true feelings. We cannot stress strongly enough that the family has the type of service that best reflects the person who has died.

Family should not hesitate to talk to their funeral director about any special wishes that they may have.

"We only have one chance to do things right"