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FUNERAL SERVICE PLANNING

Worksheet​

A guide to planning a loving, life-affirming Funeral Ceremony that will respect your loved one's wishes and comfort those who mourn.​

Joyce Mathers Celebrant

tel: 0415 449 894
web: joycematherscelebrant.com

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Introduction


The last thing anyone needs on the death of a loved one is to be plunged head-long into a tsunami of preparation, arrangements and logistics.

But, that is exactly what happens.

This worksheet is designed to guide you, step-by-step, through the complex and often confusing process of planning a funeral service.

The end result I am aiming for is a memorial that not only respects your loved one's wishes but is meaningful and comforting to you and those who mourn with you.​

I truely hope you find it helpful in this most difficult time for you.​




Joyce 

Joyce Mather​s

Funeral Celebrant

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About The Author

Joyce is one of Perth's most highly rated and best-loved Celebrants. 

She is widely regarded, by both peers and clients alike, as a caring, compassionate person,  and a consummate professional.

​Joyce is no stranger to grief. As an experienced Funeral Celebrant Joyce has helped comfort and guide numerous people in their time of loss. 

In this guide, Joyce shares some of the wisdom she has gained - both from comforting others and from being comforted herself in times of grief. 

Inside, you will find useful resources and proven practices that will help guide and support you as you grieve the loss of your loved one.

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"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

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​

Dr. Seuss​ 

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​​FUNERAL SERVICE  PLANNING

Worksheet

IMPORTANT

Only once you have answered the questions in this worksheet and you are clear on the funeral service you would like to arrange, should you begin the process of selecting a funeral director.​​

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Funeral Service Planning Worksheet

1. Key Details Checklist

These are the most basic questions you will need to answer and they should be answered BEFORE planning the details of the funeral service and arranging any funeral items.

Burial or cremati​on?

  • Burial
  • Cremation

 Religion of the Service


Do you own a grave plot?

  • Yes
  • No

If no, preferred cemetery or crematorium


How will costs be covered?​

  • Pre-Paid Funeral
  • Insurance
  • Other

What would you like to do with your loved one's remains?

If a burial:

  • Grave
  • Crypt
  • Private property

What would you like to say on the headstone?




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If a Cremation:

  • Cemetery lawn or rose garden
  • Wall niche
  • Family home
  • Scattering    If so where?


At which location(s) would you like the service to take place?

  • Funeral home chapel
  • Place of worship
  • Cemetery or crematorium chapel
  • Private property
  • Public space (i.e. park or beach)
  • Graveside

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2. The Structure Of The Funeral Service

There are many options available when it comes to planning a funeral service. These questions will help you decide on the type of service that is most appropriate and how you can it can be personalised for your loved one. 

Pre-service​ preference

  • Viewing
  • Visitation
  • Wake

Location(s):

   


What type of service would you like?

  • Single service at one location i.e. chapel or church
  • Dual service i.e chapel followed by cemetery
  • Graveside service only
  • No service (also known as 'direct committal')
  • Memorial service (held after the burial or cremation)

3. Personalising The Funeral Service

Who would you like to officiate

  • Celebrant
  • Priest
  • Clergy
  • Minister

Name & contact details:

   


Who would you like to serve as pallbearers?

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Who would you like to deliver eulogies?

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Who would you like to deliver readings?

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3. Personalising The Funeral Service (cont.)

Prayers, poems or readings you would like.

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Songs or hymns you would like sung.

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The music you would like to be played.

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Family customs to be followed.

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Special role(s) for children to play.

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Should people send flowers?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Donate to a charity.

Charity details:




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3. Personalising The Funeral Service (cont.)

Are there favourite photos to be displayed?

  • No
  • Yes

If yes, details:

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Who will the service be open to?

  • Everyone
  • Family and friends
  • Close family only


Will there be a reception post service?

  • No
  • Yes

If yes details of location:

Will someone help you notify people?

  • No, I'll do it myself
  • Yes

If yes who:

Clubs or organisations to notify and invite

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Where will you place obituaries?

  • ................................................................................
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Any other requirements:

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4. Items For the Funeral Service

There are a number of items required to carry out a funeral service.
Your funeral director will usually help you source and arrange these items.

Mandatory items to be arranged:

  • Casket

Supplier:

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  • Cremation Urn

Supplier:​ 

  • Gravemarker

Supplier:​ ​

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  • Headstone & inscription

Supplier:​ ​

Optional items to be considered:

  • Transportation for the family

Supplier:​​ 



  • Flowers

Supplier:



  • Photo display

Supplier:



  • Obituaries

Supplier:



  • Order of service

Supplier:


  • Thank you cards

Supplier:



  • Memorial Book

Supplier:



  • Musicians

Supplier:



  • Musicians

Supplier:



  • Other: .............................................​

Supplier:

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Arrange A Chat With Joyce

Join me for a friendly chat over a cup of tea or coffee to talk about your ceremony and find out if we are a good fit for each other.​

Click here to

ARRANGE YOUR CHAT WITH JOYCE

No Pressure. No Obligation.

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JOYCE MATHERS CELEBRANT

​Tel: 0415 449 894
Email: joyce@joycematherscelebrant.com​​

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