The passing of a loved one is an especially difficult and emotional time for family and friends. That’s why it’s important to give yourself some time to think carefully about how you’ll remember and celebrate your loved one’s life. When it comes to meeting with your funeral director, it might help to know some of things you’ll need to decide, as well as some of the information you’ll be asked for.

 

Allowing 1-2 hours to meet and talk with your funeral director will give you time to cover all the details that will make the funeral a special goodbye that honours your loved one. If you are not having a formal funeral service, then your meeting may take less than an hour. While you don’t need to make every decision in that first meeting, there are some details that need to be finalised, such as:-

 

1. The kind of funeral services you require. Some families choose not to have a formal funeral service at all. For others, they will need to decide the day, time and location for the ceremony. This helps family and friends to plan their time if they need to travel or take time off work. If required, we can provide a ‘Letter of Compassion’ for employers or educational institutions.

 

2. Your preferences for the funeral itself. There are many decisions to make when it comes to planning the ceremony. You’ll need to think about music choices, flowers, catering, printed booklets, video tributes, and who will conduct the service on the day – along with anything else you would like to do to personalise the service.

 

3. Signing documents. There are several documents that need to be completed and signed including the Death Registration Application. Here are some other things to bring to the meeting:

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• a supportive family member, neighbour, or friend.

• information for the Death Certificate, details about the deceased’s parents (including their mother’s maiden name, if applicable), place of birth, etc.

• clothes for the deceased to be dressed in, including perfume, make up, or aftershave if you require these.

• prepaid funeral plan documents, or burial site reservation details, if applicable.

• the Medicare number or Centrelink number of the deceased, if you would like us to notify Medicare or Centrelink on your behalf.

 

To make things easier for you, we liaise with all service suppliers so you don’t need to make contact with them yourself. This includes making all the necessary arrangements with crematoriums or cemeteries as required. Evermore Funerals will pay all the suppliers on your behalf so you will only receive one account, with the exception of some burials at private cemeteries. If you are choosing a burial site, you may wish to contact the cemetery to see what burial plots they have available.

 

At the end of the meeting, you will be provided a copy of the funeral arrangements so you know what you have decided and agreed to. Our funeral directors will also explain the costs involved and provide you with a fully itemised estimate of fees as well as explaining the payment options. No payment is required upfront.

 

We trust your meeting with our caring funeral director will be a helpful step in remembering and celebrating your loved one. If you have any questions at all, please contact our main office any time on 07 3544 6880.

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