The Funeral Service

It is the Funeral Director's predominant role to make all the relevant arrangements prior to conducting the funeral on the day.

The Funeral Director works with the Minister or Celebrant to ensure that any special requests (e.g. music, flowers, photos, candles) by the family is available in time for the funeral service.

The Funeral Director will discuss with family members whether an audio visual presentation is an option and arrange for the collection of photos and music to be used.

The Minister or Celebrant is ultimately responsible for what happens in the funeral ceremony itself. This usually involves working with family members to plan:

• The format of the funeral service.
• Deciding who will deliver the eulogy - family members or a close personal friend.
• The selection of music, reading or poetry for the service.
• The use of other symbols such as candles, flowers and photos as required.
• Discuss whether an order of service is required.
• When the audio visual presentation will be scheduled in the service.

Preparation of the Deceased

The care and respect given to a deceased person begins with the transfer from the place of death to our funeral home. All our transfer staff are fully trained in conducting the transfer of the deceased in a dignified and caring manner whether this occurs in a private home, hospital or more public place.

This standard of care continues right through the entire process of the funeral preparations to the final resting place.

We have qualified embalmers on staff who take care of the preparation of the deceased. Each body is handled as if family members are present in the mortuary at any time. We attach a great deal of significance on the preparation for a viewing, and the dressing and grooming of the deceased person is a part of this process.

Our mortuary staff take great care to ensure that the deceased person always looks peaceful and well cared for. We always ask our funeral directors to make sure that full clothing has been supplied (underwear, makeup) and a photograph helps with details of hairstyles and makeup applications.

The end result of mortuary care is that the deceased person has been presented in a safe, clean and hygienic way.

Spend time with the person who has died

Some people find it helpful to spend time with their loved one before the funeral. This special time is an opportunity to say goodbye, and begin to bring some closure to the relationship.

A viewing can assist in the grieving process as it allows people to begin to accept the reality of the death of their loved one. It can be a time to place mementos such as cards, letters, small gifts, photos, flowers, and other significant objects in the coffin with the person.

Children benefit from being included in the preparations for a funeral. Viewing the body of someone they love who has died can be a positive experience, as it allows the child to say 'goodbye' and helps them to accept the reality of death.

Children should have the same opportunity to view the deceased person and be allowed to attend the funeral if they want to.