A PERSONAL FUNERAL IN SYDNEY

What needs to be done when the death has just occurred? A medical practitioner must issue a certificate to confirm the death. If the doctor cannot determine the cause of death, the police will notify the coroner.
Whose responsibility is it to organise the funeral? The executor of the deceased's estate is legally responsible. However, family members and friends usually co-operate in the planning of a funeral.
Who is a funeral for? Of course, the funeral is to honour the life of the deceased person. But just as importantly, the funeral is to say good-bye and to bring some comfort and closure to the ones left behind. I see that my role is to create and conduct a funeral that honours the deceased but also which brings some consolation to the bereaved, and allows them a safe place to express their grief.
How do I choose a funeral celebrant? Your funeral director will be able to recommend a celebrant or you may wish to choose someone who you feel, you can relate to and who will be sensitive to you and your family's needs.
Do I have to use the celebrant whom the funeral director recommends? No, you are entitled to choose your own celebrant. Just contact me and I will contact your funeral director or you can ask your funeral director to contact me if you feel more comfortable with that.
Who pays the funeral celebrant? Normally the funeral celebrant's fee is part of the itemised fee that your funeral director charges, so they would pay me as a disbursement. If you would rather not do it this way, talk to me about your wishes.
How do you, the celebrant, dress for funerals? I dress with respect for the occasion. If you have any special wishes just let me know and I will do what I can to comply.
Do we have to have the funeral in a funeral director's or crematorium chapel? No, you can have your funeral anywhere that is appropriate. Talk to your funeral director about your options.
I would like to have a copy of the funeral service as a memento of the occasion. Is this possible? Yes, I will give you a presentation copy of the service and a CD for you to keep if you wish.
Can you help us to choose music and readings which pay tribute to the deceased? I have many ideas and suggestions for readings and music, some of which are on this site. However, each funeral is created to honour the individual who has passed away, and through discussion with those responsible for arranging the funeral, I can help with appropriate music and readings.
How long does a funeral usually last? If the funeral is in the chapel of a crematorium, it is usually expected to last for from 30 to 45 minutes. If you think there will be many tributes and the funeral may take longer, discuss this with your funeral director who can book the chapel for a longer period.. However, if you are having your funeral or memorial service in a park or at home or other venue, the length of the service is much more flexible.
Is it a good idea to include family members or friends in the service? Family members are encouraged to participate in the service by the reading of poems or readings, or reading a tribute to the deceased. Being involved makes the funeral more personal and can help the bereaved to accept their loss.
Is it appropriate for young people to attend a funeral? Attending the funeral of a loved one can help in the grieving process. A lot depends on the maturity of the child and their relationship with the deceased.
Can younger family members be included in the service? If they are willing, young people may participate by giving a short reading.
Can we include readings or symbols from our culture in the service? Yes, you are encouraged to, provided they don't contravene restrictions at your venue.
What about the use of symbols or items relevant to the life of the deceased? In creating a personal funeral, we can use sporting memorabilia, war service items, or artifacts that represent the deceased's vocation or hobbies.
Can we have a "green" funeral in Sydney? The nearest forest burial site is in Lismore. However, you may be able to arrange to purchase a coffin made from recycled cardboard.
How do we honour our family member if they have been cremated in another state of Australia or another country? A memorial service can be held and there are several options for dealing with the ashes. Some people like to scatter the ashes in a significant place, others prefer to keep the ashes, or it is possible with permission, to inter the ashes in a family plot or columbarium wall, as part of the memorial service.
What if the death occurred years ago, or for some reason, it was not possible to have a funeral at the time of death? A memorial service may be held at any time. It often helps families to accept the loss of their loved one and to gain comfort from the recognition that the memorial service gives to the life that has been lost.
What can we do to honour our deceased family member if there is no body? If your loved one's remains cannot be located for any reason, or if they have donated their body to science, a beautiful memorial service can be held. You may wish to use something of significance to the decedent to symbolise their presence in the service.
What is "Pre-Planning" and "Pre-Arranging"a funeral? Pre-planning means that you have planned your funeral and left notes with your next-of-kin, with your will, or with your chosen funeral director. Pre-Arranging involves pre-payment to the funeral provider.

If you have anything you wish to discuss regarding the planning of a funeral service, a memorial service or pre-planning a funeral, please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss your ideas and I will do everything that I can to help.

phone: 02 9979 2315, mob. 0402810062
or email: esearle@optusnet.com.au

Talk to me about your needs on 02 9979 2315, or mob. 0402810062

email: esearle@optusnet.com.au

A beautiful tranquil setting for a memorial service.