Many people ask me ‘where should I start’ when organising a funeral. There are many options available and many businesses within the sector that are more than happy to assist you when you are looking to plan a funeral.

 

The first important thing to consider is the wishes of your loved one.

 

If they had a Will in place – check this first. This may give you a good steer on the types of things they were wanting for their funeral – location, music, pall bearers, cremation or burial. They may have even been well organised and prepaid and planned their funeral already – this can be extremely helpful during a significant time of grief.

 

If your loved one didn’t leave a Will then it will be up to you to work out what their wishes may have been or what you would like to do for their farewell.

 

Be prepared before you contact your funeral director. Take time to consider all of your options and needs/wants and check out our Business Directory before you meet with them. This way you can be more involved in taking the lead for your loved ones funeral. Yes, it can be a very distressing time and it is important to take the time to get things right.

 

Being more involved in planning a loved ones farewell can help immensely in the grieving process.

 

Funeral providers will provide you with a range of options. It’s important to remember that they are not all of the options available in the market. So if you are after a particular type of coffin, or particular venue (say on a beach or at home), want to use a familiar celebrant etc… then this is the time to discuss your requirements.

 

Some funeral providers will offer fixed package prices – you don’t have to accept a fixed package. If you do go with a fixed package be sure of exactly what is included or excluded.

 

An alternative option is to commission a funeral provider for particular services that are itemised and agreed individually. There are many options in the market so find one that suits your needs.

 

If a funeral provider is unable to accommodate what you are after, then shop around.

 

If you would like your loved one buried in a Lego Coffin, or would like to hold the service in the evening, or make it a cocktail event then just ask.

 

Remember you are only limited by your imagination.

 

Funeral providers are more than willing to accommodate your requests. Some have been known to go out of their way to get exactly what you are after to create just the right life celebration event for your loved one.

 

 

If you would like any recommendations – feel free to get in touch with us through the Contact Us page.