THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT
WHERE TO BEGIN
A funeral service is the customary way to recognise death and allows us to honour and show respect for the dead, as well as help those left behind begin the process of grief recovery. Arranging a funeral can seem daunting, especially if you are dealing with the shock of an unexpected death. It’s not always easy to know what to do next.
There are a few things that you will need to take into consideration when arranging a funeral, and we hope this guide will help you to navigate the process step by step.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Take some time to consider the points below and, as always, feel free to reach out to us for help and advice.
When a loved one dies, we often see that people want to get on with funeral planning as quickly as possible; they want closure and think that the pain will go away once the funeral has been held. It is true that funerals can be emotionally difficult, but a good funeral will provide the opportunity to share memories, gather support and put loved ones on the path to recovery.
Although families may be hesitant to choose a funeral service that means coming together, we often find it is this which people benefit from most. The funeral ceremony helps to publicly acknowledge the reality of the death and when shared with friends and family, it encourages the expression of grief. This experience actually helps to begin a healthy mourning process.
Should you decide to pre-plan your funeral, it is important to plan the details of the type of service that best suits you. It is wise at this point to understand that while the funeral is about you, it is not for you. It is for those you are leaving behind, and taking some time to consult with them can be helpful.
Contact Hollibone Funerals to arrange a convenient time to meet. Our caring and understanding professionals will offer to meet with you in the comfort of your own home, or invite you into our private offices to help you make the decisions necessary for a funeral service to reflect your loved one’s wishes. Call us on (03) 9689 2199, we’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In order to prepare for your funeral arrangement, we recommend that you consider gathering special photos, memorabilia, religious passages or even favourite songs or musical selections. Your funeral arranger can suggest meaningful ways to create a service that follows your expressed desires. Considerations may include:
- Where and when you would like the funeral service.
- Would you like a viewing to say a final, physical goodbye? If so, what clothes would you like your loved one to wear?
- Is there a particular celebrant or clergy member you would like to conduct the service?
- Consider all service options for a memorable and fitting service.
- Would you prefer cremation or burial?
- Consider and reflect on some of the key features that defined your loved one, these can then be integrated into the service.
The funeral service is the key element of the funeral process and while the funeral arrangement is designed, ultimately, to plan the details of your loved one’s funeral, it is important to note that these are your funeral wishes. We are simply here to facilitate your wishes and guide you through the journey.
When preparing to make funeral arrangements, the following information and items may be required in order to complete the arrangement, or prearrangement process.
- Full legal name
- Home address
- Date of birth
- Father’s full name and occupation
- Mother’s full name, maiden name and occupation
- Recent photograph
- Occupation
- Place of burial
- Clothing
- Next of kin details
- Any insurance details that are applicable
call hollibone funerals to discuss your options (03) 96892199
COMMON SERVICE TYPES
We pride ourselves in delivering services that fit each family we serve. Not only do we guide you in making your decisions, we help you design a service that best expresses and celebrates the life of the one you love. As far as the actual type of funeral service is concerned, most people choose from one of a variety of common formats.
A service is normally held in a chapel, church or other external venue and is followed by a non-attended cremation or burial.
A service is normally held in a chapel, church or other external venue and is followed by an attended committal service at the crematorium or graveside.
An attended service is held at the graveside and incorporates the burial.
Usually held in a chapel, church or other external venue some time after a non-attended burial or cremation.
A private cremation or burial with no-one in attendance.
“PROFESSIONAL MANNER WITH CARE & COMPASSION”
Andrew
“TRULY LISTENED TO WHAT WE NEEDED AS A FAMILY”
Esther
Our entire family cannot recommend Hollibone Funerals enough. They made us feel at ease during such an emotional and challenging time. The wonderful team ensured that they took care of everything and were available for any of us at every point of the process. Hollibone Funerals truly listened to what we needed as a family and ensured that we had the perfect solution to suit our needs. We will forever be grateful to them for making the entire process seamless for us and our loved one.
“A COMPASSIONATE TOUCH IN OUR TIME OF NEED”
Clyde
Hollibone Funerals handled funeral arrangements for an aged member of our family in a very professional manner. Compassion and respect formed part of the process and managing all aspects of the funeral arrangements professionally and without being over imposing or invasive. Very Happy.