Funeral Burial Planning

Our professional and caring staff are available 24/7 to assist you with your funeral needs.

Key Details to Consider

The first step is to lay out a plan for all the essentials. There is a lot to consider, but taking things step by step will ensure your loved one’s funeral is carried out to your expectations.

What type of funeral:

Burial or Cremation?

This can be an important and personal decision, both for you and your loved one. If there wasn’t anything specified, it can be easier to go with what your family feels is more appropriate. Depending on which you choose, price, location and process can all change. It’s important to know which you want moving forward as it will affect many of your other decisions.

Religious considerations

If your loved one was religious there may be certain things that are important to have at the funeral. Things like prayers, or music that is specific to their beliefs. If there isn’t anything special that needs to be done it doesn’t hurt to still incorporate some of what they may have wanted into the funeral service.

Burial plot or crematorium?

Depending on what kind of funeral you’re planning, you may need to coordinate a burial plot or employ the services of a crematorium. If you own a burial plot already, this can be as easy as coordinating it as you plan the funeral. If not, you will need to make sure you have one organised, or an alternative such as a location for ashes.

Location or venue

If you’re planning a funeral you’ll need a location for the funeral service itself and for a memorial service should you choose to have one. Many also choose to spread ashes in a place that’s important to their loved one, so it’s important to consider that as well.

The location you choose can vary, from funeral homes, a chapel, church or place of worship, private property, a public space like a park or beach, or by the graveside. Each has different considerations, such as cost, regulations, accessibility, and more.

Planning the Funeral Itself

From here, it’s time to work out the details of the funeral itself. You’ll need to plan out the type of funeral it is, details like music, pictures, eulogies and similar, dates, how you’re going to notify people and more. While most people will know what to do in the event of a funeral, they still need to know it’s happening, when they need to arrive, and how they can get to the locations. A lot of this will depend on your loved one’s wishes, and you should consult with your family if you can to make sure things are in order.

What kind of funeral service is it?

Popular options for service structures include single services held at a single location, dual services held at a memorial location and a funeral location, graveside services, and memorial only services.

Who is officiating and speaking at the funeral service?

This can be a pastor, officiant, or family member. Funeral homes can provide support in this area as well, if the family desires. Many also choose people to deliver eulogies, prayer, poems and other readings, or to play music.

What kind of music will be played?

You can choose certain hymns for the funeral service or any songs that were special to your loved one. We can assist you in choosing and playing songs at the service. Talk to a funeral director for more information.

Who will be attending the funeral service?

You’ll need to consider things like how many people will be attending, transportation, and space available, and put together a list.

Other Essential Considerations

Finally, there are several details you’ll want to work out, including things like whether you’ll need a coffin or urn, a grave marker or headstone, transportation for your family, flower, photos, notices in local news, and more. You may also want to consider catering if it’s going to be a longer event.

Don’t let this overwhelm you though, this is what we do best! Your funeral director and our team are available at all times to assist you with all your needs.

Of course, many of the things on this page aren’t essential and it will come down to you and your family’s preferences. This can be an emotional and confronting time, so it’s important to take things only as fast as you need to and make sure everyone has the time to give their input. Discussing the details with family and family friends is important, especially when it comes to honouring your loved one’s memory in the best way possible.

Choosing the Right Funeral Director

Finding the right funeral director is important, as it can take a lot of the pressure out of funeral service planning. Kingston Funerals offer a personalised approach to funeral services, guiding you through the planning process and ensuring everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Our funeral directors are committed to delivering dignified and compassionate funeral services, as well as providing support for family members at this difficult time. If you’re planning a funeral and need assistance, our funeral directors are available to help you throughout the whole process.

Discuss your needs today for more information on anything in this article.