Before you meet with your Funeral Director
Whilst it is important to notify Fry Bros that the death has occurred, there is no urgency to discuss funeral arrangements. It is important to take time to absorb the enormity of your loss, and to be with and support one another.
This is also a time to establish if your loved one had a funeral plan, funeral bond or prepaid plan. These plans may outline their preferences and assist families with funeral arrangements.
During the initial meeting
The initial meeting with your Funeral Arranger usually takes 1 to 2 hours. We will ask personal details about your loved one’s birth, marriage, occupation and children. This information is required for the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages.
Your Funeral Arranger will also ask about the type of service you wish to have, along with any personal tributes you wish to include.
It is important to understand that each person experiences grief differently and to be respectful to each others needs and wishes. You may find yourself needing to balance the wishes of your loved one with those of the family. It is okay to put the needs of your family first. Look towards fulfilling the essence of your loved ones wishes, rather than each specific detail.
Involving family members, including children, in the planning of a loved one’s funeral can help them to feel a valued part of the Funeral Service and can also aid in their grieving process.
This is also a time to establish if your loved one had a funeral plan, funeral bond or prepaid plan. These plans may outline their preferences and assist families with funeral arrangements.
Allow yourself time...
It is helpful to understand that the loss of our loved one has caused the pain we are feeling and the funeral service symbolises the start of our healing.
When deciding on a day and time for the service, be sure to consider the aspects that are important to you. Allow sufficient time to carry out all of your preferred requests:
- Do relatives or friends need to travel?
- Is the venue for the service available?
- Would you like some quiet-time, or an opportunity to view your loved one?
- Clothing: How would you like your loved one to be dressed?
- Do you need a notice in the newspaper?
- Allow time for preparation of the Order of Service Booklets and/or Photo Slideshow
- Do you need to organise a Memorial Display?
- Allow time to write a Eulogy
- Are you having refreshments after the service?