THE FUNERAL SERVICE
PREPARING FOR THE SERVICE
A funeral ceremony helps to publicly acknowledge the reality of the death, and when shared with friends and family it encourages the expression of grief.
SPENDING TIME WITH YOUR LOVED ONE
Prior to the funeral service, some family members find it helps to spend time with their loved one and like to bring small gifts or a photograph to put on or in the coffin or casket. It’s a personal choice and we can talk this through with you and guide you through the steps.
PHONE CALL PRIOR TO SERVICE
Our funeral staff will contact you the day prior to the service to confirm details and key timings. This communication is essential and aims to provide you with the reassurance that we have catered for and provided you with an opportunity to deliver any final instructions.
THE FUNERAL SERVICE
Depending on whether you are having a viewing, visitors may begin arriving 30 minutes before the service starts. You are welcome to arrive before visitors if you would like to join our staff in greeting attendees.
Family members typically sit in a reserved area during a funeral service, often in the front rows of the available seating. Visitors arriving, who may need assistance, will be directed to appropriate seats by our staff.
If your service includes a burial at a cemetery, everything is typically set up for you. Again, seating is generally reserved for family and the elderly. Once the funeral is completed, you may leave the cemetery in your own time and depending on your plans, you may go from the cemetery to an after-funeral gathering.
A eulogy is often seen as one of, if not the most important part of the service and they can be intimidating to write. When writing a eulogy you should always be honest and authentic about the person. You can approach the eulogy in a purely chronological way, that is a recounting of the life of the person from birth to death, however many people prefer to deliver a characterisation of the person, or an overall picture using anecdotes or stories about fond moments.
Eulogies are different for everyone, but here are some points to keep in mind when writing one for a loved one:
- How did you first meet?
- Think of their achievements and their community involvements.
- What did you love and admire about the person?
- Funny anecdotes that make you smile – did they have a good sense of humour?
- Think of their family, work colleagues and friends. Who were they close to?
- What made them an individual? Places they travelled, their favourite football team, TV shows they enjoyed, pets etc
- What will people remember most about this person?
- What will you miss the most about them?
call hollibone funerals to discuss your options (03) 96892199
“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.