Funeral tips & advice
What to expect at your first meeting with a funeral director?
- Legal aspects & documentation
- Estimated costs
- Time & date of the service (depending on the circumstances of death, this may be referred to the Coroner)
- Ideas to personalise the service & alternatives to keep the cost as low as possible if money is an issue
What to expect at your first meeting with a funeral director?
- Support, either a family member or a close friend
- Death certificate
- Outfit for the departed—wedding dress, favourite suit, favourite fragrance, make-up
- Any information about funeral bonds, life insurances, pre-planned funerals
What happens next?
After your initial meeting with Michael Currie at BRUNSWICK VALLEY FUNERALS, you will need to make some decisions regarding the service and burial/or cremation.
Decide on the venue for the funeral
There are many options available from community centres to churches
- Public park or beach area
- Family home
- Deceased’s favourite outdoor location
- Church/chapel
- Funeral home
- School hall/community centre
- Function room
- Rural property
- Sporting venue
The viewing
You may opt not to have a viewing, preferring to remember your loved one the way they were, but holding a private viewing for immediate family members and close friends is a good way to gain closure. The viewing can take place in your home or at our funeral home. You can attend as a family group, or organise to have solitary time alone with your loved one.
Funeral directors are very adept at concealing injuries with clothing or make-up, but in the case of extensive injuries, we may suggest you opt for a closed casket.
Funeral etiquette
- Arrive early, at least 20 minutes before the scheduled time of service.
- Be prepared to greet people. A quick hello and thank you for coming is sufficient if you don’t feel like talking.
- Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. No one is there to judge you, they are there to offer their condolences and provide support.
- The front two seats are reserved for family. If you find yourself sitting alone, invite other guests to join you at the front.
- If you are driving in a funeral procession to the cemetery drive with your headlights on.
- Don’t worry about crying in front of people. It’s perfectly fine, no one expects to be stoic.
- If you’re not a hugger and don’t want to be embraced and comforted by people as you exit after the funeral service, organise for an escort to take you straight to the graveside or crematorium.
Scattering Ashes
Choosing a significant spot to scatter ashes is important and requires some thought. Scattering ashes in your yard may seem like a good idea, but circumstances change. You may move house and have restricted access to any memorial you’ve built.
You will require permission to scatter the ashes in NSW, depending on your preferred site.
Private land: Permission is required from the owner or Trust of Parks & Reserves Beaches, Parks & Sporting Fields: Contact the local council.
Disposal of ashes without consent may result in fines.