Funeral Plans

Planning a funeral can be a difficult and daunting process, especially as it’s so personal. If you’re committed to planning your loved one’s funeral, this burial planning guide and checklist will help make the process easier.

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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 a funeral home, 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 is usually 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?

If certain hymns are desired for the funeral service, make sure they’re on hand, or any songs that were special to your loved one. Many funeral homes have a wide selection of songs for funerals and memorial services.

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. It can also be helpful to print off a service plan and organise a memory book or signing book people can leave their best wishes in. You may also want to consider catering if it’s going to be a longer event.

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.

Funeral Costs to Consider

Funerals can easily become expensive, with funeral costs adding up quickly. If you’re planning a funeral, you should establish what funeral expenses are essential, and which ones are included by your funeral director. Many funeral directors will include a range of services in the overall cost of a funeral. They may help you organise services that aren’t included in the overall price, or you’re

There are other ways you can cover the funeral costs, including funeral bonds or a prepaid funeral plan. While

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.

Funeral Planning Services

Kingston Funerals offers comprehensive funeral pre planning services. Our team is here to support you throughout the funeral planning process and give you the support you need during this time. Our funeral plan management services are available for both standard and pre paid funerals.

Pre Paid Funeral Plans

Pre paid funeral plans allow you to organise and pay for your own funeral or the funeral of a loved one in advance. While it may be a bit morbid to pay for your funeral, it’s important to consider. A pre paid funeral will allow you to take a lot of the burden off your family, and allow you to make decisions about the funeral with the input of the whole family. They’re an excellent way to give your family peace of mind knowing everything is paid for.

Standard Funeral Pre Planning

If you’re just looking to plan your funeral and create instructions for when the time comes, Kingston Funerals can sit down with you and plan out every aspect of your funeral. Our general funeral planning services are for those who want to lay out their plans without putting down a complete funeral deposit, ensuring you can have input while you can. We offer funeral planning for all funeral options, including cremation and burial.

Kingston makes it as easy as possible to plan and direct your funeral. In what can be a difficult time with tough decisions, we aim to bring you clarity and peace of mind, taking the stress out of it all. For more information on funeral planning or prepaid funerals Melbourne, discuss your needs with our team today. We’re available when you need us most to provide guidance on all things funerals.