Funeral Planning
Many people are planning their own funerals these days.
Some people make a plan because they want to know their funeral is budgeted for and some because they want to have their last wishes respected.* Others plan their funeral because they like the thought of a less traditional send-off, or they have very specific ideas about what they want. Whatever your reason, making a plan will put your mind at rest, and can really help loved ones to respect your wishes when the time comes.
Rather than overwhelm you with information here, we prefer to get to know something about you over a cup of tea and make our suggestions accordingly. Most people are pleasantly surprised at the range of choices there are today. As we chat, more ideas will come up and an outline of your last wishes will start to take shape.
At that point, you may want to take a few days to mull things over, visit some burial sites or crematoria, consider the choice of celebrants, music, and other elements. If that’s the case, we will finalise your wishes when you are ready, and then give you an estimate based on current costs
Things to consider
- Making A Will
- Finances
- Cremation, Burial or Green Burial
- Type of Coffin
- Transport - Traditional or Alternative
- Flowers
- Order of Service
- Gathering of Family & Friends
*Please note: Your funeral plan is not a legally binding document, so to ensure that your wishes are carried out, you’ll need to make a Will and keep it updated as your circumstances change. We also encourage you to choose your executor with care, as they have the last word should any dispute arise over your funeral arrangements. If you update your plan, remember to make sure your copy is kept with your Will – and that everyone who needs to know has the latest version.
Direct Cremations
As a small, independent business, we offer direct cremation services for those who prefer a simple and dignified farewell. The deceased is brought to our Last Wishes premises, where all necessary paperwork is completed before transportation for cremation. The ashes are typically returned within 1-2 weeks.
While the family honours the deceased’s wish for a direct cremation, they may later choose to organize a memorial gathering to celebrate their loved one’s life. Such gatherings can be instrumental in the healing process following a loss.
Donating Bodies to Medical Science
To donate your body to medical science, please contact your local hospital to request the necessary paperwork. Should your local hospital be unable to accept the donation at the time, your family or funeral director can contact other teaching hospitals in the region.
If the donation is accepted by a local hospital, there will be no charge. However, if transportation out of the area is required, additional costs may apply.
Celebrants
In many aspects of life, there exists a spectrum when it comes to celebrants. At one end there are religious ministers, whose roles are self-explanatory. At the opposite end, there are Humanists who maintain the belief that once life ends, there is nothing beyond.
In our experience, the majority of families we encounter possess some form of spirituality, for various reasons. Celebrants are available to accommodate these beliefs, tailoring services to include elements that resonate with the family’s spiritual preferences. This could encompass hymns, prayers, or other rituals deemed appropriate.
While some individuals may not identify as religious, certain prayers or hymns might hold special significance from childhood or other significant life events.
There are also Inter Faith Ministers, ordained and non-denominational, supporting people of all faiths or none. Trained in the world’s main religions they will create a fusion of religions and customs to suit the ceremony.
Children & Death
Adults’ instinct is to want to protect children from death and dying, but over the years children have told me that they don’t want to be left out. They would like to visit their dying relative (so prepare them for what they might encounter) and let them visit, if they want to. They would also like to be asked their opinions about funerals, to give their ideas and add their little loving touches. I recently had two small children at a burial who said they’d had a lovely time scattering flower petals into the grave, had enjoyed seeing their cousins and eating lots of cake! Give children the options and the facts, let them decide, then support them in their choice.
