Funeral Services
A funeral is defined as a gathering for friends and family to remember someone who has died, usually with the body present. There are so many options available that there is no need to stick to any certain way of doing things or particular types of venues.
You can choose whatever you feel is right and reflective of your loved one who has passed. You can organise your own funeral anywhere – it doesn’t need to be ‘at home’ or under the services of a funeral director.
Home funerals
You can choose to honour your loved one’s passing by holding a farewell service for them in their own home or in the home of family/friends. You don’t have to have been caring for their body at home to choose this option – many people have their loved ones body transported to their home the day before or on the day of the service. Having your loved one in a familiar space can help family feel less anxious about the event.
Funeral director-led service
If you are working with a funeral director, they may be associated with a funeral venue or church where you can hold your farewell service. They will be able to help organise many of the farewell details for you if you choose, especially around caring for the body and the farewell service itself.
Graveside service
A graveside service combines the ceremony and burial at the cemetery. Combining the two makes it more affordable and simplifies the logistics.
Living funeral
A living funeral is for those who wish to attend their own final send-off and be part of the celebration of their life. Depending on their health, a living funeral can be arranged in advance enabling distant relatives and friends to attend, and an opportunity to say a personal farewell. The event could be as informal as visitors dropping by over a weekend or a more structured ceremony.
Memorial service
A memorial service is a public or private ceremony where the body is not present. The family may have chosen to attend a private cremation, natural or conventional burial earlier. This can be as simple as picnic in the park or at your loved ones favourite beach with family coming together to remember the person who has died.
Burial at sea
The sea plays a special role in many people’s lives and for some people, the preference is for a sea burial. This is a legal method of burial in New Zealand.
Drinks at the local club
Many people want a very simple farewell or make it known that they do not want a funeral at all. The family can chose a direct cremation service (sometimes called simple cremation) which includes transport to the funeral home, caring for the body, a plain MDF casket, cremation, death certificate and return of the ashes to the family. The body is not embalmed and there is no option for the family to view the body. A small gathering might be held at the deceased’s local sports club with a bar tab to toast the deceased while his/her favourite song is played.
