Can I Have a Memorial at Home?
Can I Have a Memorial Service at Home?
When someone dies, most people think of the funeral as a sombre event that takes place in a funeral home. However, an increasing number of people are choosing to have the funeral at their own home instead. There are several advantages to this option:
First, it can be more comfortable for mourners to have the funeral in a familiar setting. This can make the event feel more personal and intimate.
Second, it will save money. Funeral homes can be expensive, and holding the funeral at home can help to keep costs down.
Finally, it can be a way to involve the community. Inviting friends and neighbours to the funeral can help to create a support network during this difficult time.
Having a funeral at home is not right for everyone, but it is an option that should be considered. If you are considering a home funeral, there are some things you should keep in mind.
Check with your local regulations to see if there are any restrictions on home funerals.
Decide if you want to have the coffin present or possibly just the ashes.
If a coffin is preferred is there easy access to the site where the service is to take place and who will transport the body to that spot?
You will need to decide who will lead the service.
Make sure that you have enough space to accommodate all of the mourners.
Think about who can help you prepare the place where the service will be held.
Who will be speaking at the service? Do you have a PA system with microphones?
Will you be having an Order of Service printed and, if so, who will design and print that?
Will you have flowers? Who will provide those?
Will you have music? Will this be live or recorded and who will provide this?
You will need to put together a list of guests and arrange for an RSVP system so you know how many people are likely to come - important if you are providing food and drink.
Who will arrange catering?
Who will provide seating, especially if elderly people are attending the service?
Will you be arranging for a newspaper notice advising a time and date for the service? A phone number for people to RSVP to will be essential. Alternatively, if space is limited you can announce the death without advising a time and place for the service.
Will you be webcasting the service? Who will arrange that?
Having the service at home also opens up all sorts of possibilities for creating a really personal and memorable celebration of life, such as:
Having friends and family paint and decorate the coffin with messages, poems, photographs, illustrations, or anything else that paints a picture of the life being celebrated.
Enjoying a toast and loving memories standing around the coffin.
Placing personal items on the coffin or on a table nearby - think photos, handbags, hats, clubs or racquets, favourite food and drink, or anything that recalls their life.
Handing out a little memento to everyone present - maybe a favourite chocolate, or something representing their favourite sport or sporting club perhaps?
A home funeral can be a beautiful and intimate way to say goodbye to a loved one. With careful planning, it can also be a cost-effective and community-oriented option.
It may be that you are not feeling up to managing all these functions at such a stressful time in your life - maybe you have friends who can take on those tasks, or you can call me and I will be happy to ease you through all the arrangements.
Please call me if I can assist you in any way.
Philip Holland
Narrabeen Funerals
0414 450 460