Losing someone close to you is one of life's most challenging experiences. The emotional burden is heightened by the need for time-sensitive decisions and practical arrangements. This guide, created by our Memorial Products Direct customer care team, is based on frequently asked questions by families planning a burial, funeral, or memorial service. Each section provides information about considerations, options, and available support services to help you honour your loved one in a meaningful way.
When a loved one passes away, it is crucial to know who to contact.
- In aged care or hospice, contact the on-site doctor or family GP.
- For organ donors, call the nearest hospital.
- In hospital, the hospital staff will assist you.
- For unexpected deaths at home or elsewhere, contact the police and coroner, who will engage a funeral director to handle immediate logistical needs and transfer paperwork to your chosen funeral director.
Next, inform family members and friends of the deceased. Whether in person or by phone, there is no right or wrong way to do this. Sharing the task with other family members can be helpful. Remember to contact employers and those connected to places the deceased frequented.
Reviewing the deceased's last will and testament and other relevant paperwork is essential, as it may outline their wishes, including any prepaid arrangements with a cemetery or funeral director. Make arrangements for dependents, pets, and property, ensuring immediate care for dependents and pets while finding long-term solutions. Securing property and redirecting mail to an alternative address may also be necessary.
Consider the options for burial or cremation and the type of funeral ceremony you would like. Reflect on how your loved one would wish to be remembered. Selecting a funeral director is a critical step, as they will handle all official paperwork, prepare and transport the deceased, and assist with decisions regarding religious or ceremonial requirements.
When choosing a coffin or casket and arranging transportation, it is legally required to have an enclosed receptacle. Coffins are typically made of timber with a flat lid and shaped at the shoulders, while caskets can be made of timber or metal with either a flat or domed lid and are rectangular. Florists can help find a floral arrangement to complement the chosen coffin or casket. The funeral director will manage transportation and assist with paperwork.
Arranging a viewing offers a final moment to say goodbye. Viewings are typically conducted at the family home or a funeral home and Funeral directors will help prepare the deceased for a viewing.
Funeral or memorial services provide an opportunity to honour and celebrate a life lived. These ceremonies allow family and friends to gather, grieve properly, and begin healing through support and connection. Funeral directors play a crucial role on the day, ensuring safe transportation of the deceased, completing legal documentation, and assisting with the proceedings.
After the service, many families choose to host a function for family and friends to support one another and share memories. Fully-licensed venues can accommodate various group sizes and typically offer catering facilities.
Take-home memorialisation offers a way to keep the memory of your loved one alive within your home. Personalised photo frames, engraved plaques, and memorial jewellery provide a tangible connection to the deceased. These items can be placed in a dedicated space within the home, creating a comforting and personal tribute. Having a memorial at home offers ongoing solace, allowing you to honour and remember your loved one daily. It can be a source of strength and a reminder of the enduring impact they had on your life.
Grieving is a unique process for each person. Our experience has taught us much about this journey, and we are proud to channel this knowledge into supportive blogs like this, focusing on the wellness of everyone throughout the process.