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Funerals

I have found that Funeral Directors are extremely helpful in all matters regarding funerals. I have listed some websites below.

Many people decide prior to their death how they would like to have their life celebrated, how and who is to be involved in the formal Funeral Ceremony. This does make things much easier for everyone, and the deceased wishes are respected! Just simple things like what music could be played, and who might be involved in the Ceremony (family, friends, Civil Celebrant, Minister of Religion), instantly make the task easier for those whose responsibility it is to organize the Ceremony. Listed below 

There are some of the operational and personal aspects of a funeral that you might consider – you will find that Funeral Directors and Celebrants are extremely helpful in this regard.  Writing a eulogy is incredibly difficult. Below (4) are outlined some ideas from which you, members of your family, friends, or indeed I might work.   I have conducted many Funeral Ceremonies and, in the end, manage to encourage the family and friends to be as involved as they consider they wish and are able. I will conduct the Ceremony for you with great care and commitment.

Operational aspects:

  • location?
  • private or public?
  • day/time?
  • length? – normally 20-30 minutes
  • cremation or burial
  • will casket/coffin be at the location, or will it be carried in by pall-bearers?
  • what is happening after – morning/afternoon tea?
  • what about the flowers that have been sent?
  • will there be a signing book?

Eulogy or biography?

The following list of ideas is available from helpful Funeral Directors: 

  • Deceased persons full name; given name (nickname?) by which commonly known; age; date of death; birthplace; parents and family  
  • Early life; schooling; teens/young adulthood
  • Qualifications, trade, profession
  • Marriage; children; family life
  • Personality; community service; achievements
  • Political ideals, affiliations; religious ideals, affiliations; commitment to work
  • Leisure activities, sporting interests and abilities
  • Interests in nature, music, arts and literature
  • Quotations of favourite writers or other people
  • Courage and ways of facing difficulties, sickness, death
  • Those who have cried for the deceased 

Personal aspects:

  • are there any instruction/advice from the deceased?
  • music – taped/cd/live? Anything is appropriate!
  • who might read?
  • what might they read?
  • who might say something?
  • what should they refer to?
  • is there to be a video or other technology? 
  • how many people could/should be involved?
  • will the speakers progress through the life of the deceased, or
  • will they move from friends to family?
  • will flowers/rosemary/etc. be placed on coffin after Ceremony?
  • will there be a time for reflection? 
  • will the Celebrant \’stage manage/conduct\’ the Ceremony, or play a more involved role?
  • are you celebrating a life?
  • will there be a \’commitment\’ commentary at the conclusion of the ceremony? 

Fees

Fee for a Funeral Ceremony is $330 (including GST).   This fee covers initial meeting/s with the family, email/phone communication in regard to the ceremony, preparation of the funeral ceremony, printed copy on the day for the family and funeral director, final copy emailed or posted to the family following the ceremony. On average, the time to prepare and conduct a Funeral Ceremony is between 6 and 10 hours. 

Training

 I have successfully completed a Funeral Celebrancy Training program with Australian Celebrations Training Pty Ltd from Queensland – Australian Celebrations Training – Training Professional Celebrants   The course consisted of three units 

  • Plan and conduct a funeral ceremony
  • Work effectively in the funeral services industry
  • Provide support and care relating to loss and grief.