Pre-arrangements
The funeral is our final opportunity to say goodbye to a loved
one, an occasion for family and friends to come together to support
one another and an important element of the grieving process. The
funeral is also important as a reflection of the person who has
died, and it may be important that the funeral is meaningful to
them. Bereavement Services is aware that this can only be achieved
through the completion of a pre-need funeral arrangement document
describing the funeral arrangements you will require.
Funeral wishes, whether in a Will or as described below, are not
legally binding after death. It is, therefore, sensible to identify
who will give instructions for your funeral, so you feel confident
that your wishes will be followed. It is also helpful, and often
therapeutic, if your family and friends can follow your wishes
after death.
Download Pre-Arrangement Form below (Word version) -
You can amend the form however you wish and pages can be added
should you need to do so. Please delete the sections that do not
apply. This form can be photocopied.
This document will enable you to price the various options, to
see what costs may arise. The costs will arise in two areas. The
first is "disbursements"- the sums you will pay to doctors (for
cremation), the cemetery or crematorium and the minister. The
second is for the "funeral" arrangements by the funeral director.
These include the cost of collecting and handling of the body, the
coffin, hearse and cars, and all arrangements. If you are using a
funeral director, obtain some quotes as soon as you have decided
what you require. In general, the more you use the funeral director
the more expensive it will become.
Keep the completed document with your Will or somewhere that is
known to the person arranging your funeral. This point is
important! We have already experienced an incorrect burial, which
arose because the Will, that contained funeral directions, was not
read until after the funeral. As the family owned a number of
graves, they realised that they had chosen the wrong one.