One of the first decisions when organising a funeral service is whether the service will be a burial or a cremation. This choice will directly impact the type of funeral service being organised, and will include deciding which cemetery, memorial park or crematorium that will be used.

After making this decision, you can be creative and add many unique, personal touches to the ceremony if you choose. Even a religious or traditional funeral service can still have a very personal touch.

Funeral Service Formats

There is not set way of remembering and celebrating a person’s life, but below are the common service types.

Classic Funeral Service

A classic funeral can look different to many different families, you can lean more towards traditions; whether cultural or religious and follow those customs and may include viewings, processions, and formal ceremonies or create a “Celebration of Life” service, that is a heartfelt tribute focusing on joy, accomplishments, and shared memories.

The service can be held in our modern funeral home chapel, a church, crematorium or cemetery chapel, or at a venue such as a local golf club, park or private residence. The service is then followed by a cremation or burial.

If you choose to hold the service in a church a clergy member will conduct the service. Alternatively, a clergy member, family member or celebrant can conduct the service at any other location.

Following the service a wake may be held to provide family and friends a chance to recall memories, share stories and come together over light refreshments.

A memorial service provides a less traditional style with no coffin present and provides an opportunity for creativity and can be tailored to more closely reflect your loved one’s personality and preferences.

ON OVERVIEW

The Coffin: A memorial service is a service where the coffin in not present, and the cremation or burial may have taken place prior to the memorial service. If a cremation has taken place, you may wish to have your loved one’s ashes to be present at the service.

Ceremony: Memorial services tend to be more flexible and can vary greatly in format. They may include speeches, readings, music, and sharing of memories by family and friends.

Location and Style: A memorial service can be held almost anywhere, including at the family home, a park, community centre, function venue, or places that had special significance to your family. We encourage you to celebrate your loved one by personalising the service to suit their style and personality.

Timing: Because they are not tied to the burial or cremation process, memorial services offer more flexibility in scheduling and can be held day, weeks or monthly after their passing.

If your loved one had a wish for ‘No Fuss’ then you may wish to consider holding no funeral service at all.

Again, each family and loved one is different, and it may be best to continue with their wishes, however, research shows the importance of a service in the grieving process to assist with closure.

CREMATION ONLY:

Direct or private cremation is a process where your loved one is cremated soon after death without a preceding traditional funeral service. As a family you may wish to hold a private viewing or visitation which we can arrange.

It is a gentle and straightforward way to honour your loved one’s passing.

BURIAL ONLY:

Burial only is where your loved one is laid to rest soon after death without a preceding funeral service. This burial plot may have been pre-arranged, but if not we will assist in the purchase of a new grave.

Our helpful staff will guide you through this process to ensure the correct paperwork is completed and legalities are met.

At Sylvan Funerals, we are all inclusive and cater to each and every cultural and religious beliefs and will always do our best to ensure these requests are met in an appropriate way.

Our team will work with your family to understand and adhere to specific traditions and beliefs in creating a meaningful service for your loved one.

Please feel free to call us and speak with one of our friendly funeral consultants for further information on any of our services or to request a free no obligation package or quote