For accurate pricing and package details, let us know where you would like to arrange the funeral.
A funeral gives you the chance to capture your loved one’s spirit and honour their memory. It’s a time for family, friends and communities to come together. To laugh, cry and cherish the moments you shared.
If you’re planning a funeral for a loved one, this guide will step you through the process. And if you and your family need support, we’re always here to help.
Where to start when someone dies
We all respond differently when we lose someone close to us. There’s no right or wrong way to feel, so be patient with yourself and those around you. When you’re ready, there are some things you’ll need to
Let your loved ones know
Let your family and your loved one’s close friends know. You might ask a family member or close friend to help with this.
Reach out to us
Our Funeral Specialists can explain what to do now. They will also organise a time for our caring and experienced team to collect your loved one. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Notifying professionals
If your loved one has died at home, contact their doctor to issue a cause of death certificate. If you can’t reach them, call the police or paramedic who can issue an interim certificate. If they've died in a hospital or nursing home the staff will take care of this for you. Our experienced team can guide you through this process.
Steps to plan a funeral
Here’s how the women of Mareena Purslowe Funerals can help you plan a meaningful farewell.
Step 1
Make an appointment with your Funeral Specialist
Call us whenever you’re ready to begin planning the funeral. We’ll organise a time to meet in person and answer any questions you might have. Your loved one may have pre-planned their service with us. If so, we’ll have everything we need to begin the process.
Step 1
Find a venue
We can organise a funeral at just about any location – a place of worship, a beach, park or even your home. You might also choose to hold the service in one of our chapels, or at your loved one’s burial site. Your dedicated Funeral Specialist will help you choose the option that’s right for you and take care of all the details from there.
Step 1
Create the service
Your loved one’s service should reflect their unique personality and honour their memory. We’ll work closely with you to create a bespoke farewell that does just that. We’ll explain the various service options and ask you about your loved one’s wishes – things like whether they wanted to be buried or cremated, and any other requests for their funeral like their favourite music or flowers. Your Funeral Specialist will help you make the decisions that feel right for you.
If you need some time to think, we can organise a follow-up meeting to confirm the details. We will provide itemised costs so you can understand our fees, as well as payment options available to you.
What to expect on the day
Funerals can look very different across cultures and religions. However, here are some of the common things that can be included:
Before the funeral
- Viewing – a special moment for close family and friends to say a private goodbye, with or without an open coffin
During the funeral
- Arrival – a chance to spend some time with friends and family before the service
- Pallbearing – an opportunity for family and friends to accompany their loved one on their final journey
- Ceremony – the formal proceedings may involve readings, rituals, prayers and/or music
- Eulogy – an opportunity for close family members or friends to express their love
- Burial or cremation – you may like a final moment to say farewell before your loved one is laid to rest.
After the funeral
- Reception – a chance for guests to gather after the service to share memories and reminisce.
Other questions you might have
What should I bring to the first meeting with my Mareena Purslowe Funeral Specialist?
You might like to bring a supportive friend or family member along. Here are some other things that will be helpful:
- Information for the Death Certificate, including significant dates and home address.
- Clothes, accessories and jewellery you would like your loved one to be dressed in.
- A recent photo of your loved one to help our team do their hair and makeup, if you would like us to.
- Prepaid funeral plans, if you have them.
- Burial site reservation documents, if you have them.
What happens if someone passes at a hospital or nursing home?
If your loved one is at nursing home or private hospital, the staff will contact the family as soon as possible. They will also help to organise the Cause of Death Certificate. Then, you can get in touch with us to organise the next steps. In some cases, your loved one might have pre-planned their funeral. If so, the hospital or nursing home may contact us directly to come and collect your loved one.
What happens if the doctor can’t issue a Cause of Death Certificate?
In some cases, a doctor may not be able to issue Cause of Death Certificate, and they will need to refer the death to the coroner.
There are a number of reasons for referring a death to the coroner, including:
- Death other than by natural causes, including violence, accidental or unusual causes.
- Death during or following a health-related procedure.
- Unexpected death.
- Death of a person in an institution, a prison, in police custody or a drug or alcohol rehabilitation centre.
- When the cause of death is unknown.
What is the difference between a Death Certificate and a Cause of Death Certificate?
A Death Certificate is the official document that registers your loved one’s death with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state. Our team will help you organise the Death Certificate and any other relevant paperwork.
The Cause of Death Certificate is issued by a healthcare professional (usually a doctor) and records a person’s date and place of death. All funeral directors need this document before they can collect your loved one and start planning for the funeral. This certificate is also required to register the death after the funeral service has occurred.
Your guide to funerals and grief
Eulogies
Simple tips from our experienced Funeral Specialists to help you write a tribute to your loved one’s life.
Grief
We’ve put together a list of resources to help you process your loss and begin to heal.
Burial
A short guide to help you understand what happens when you bury a loved one.
Cremation
Understand cremation and why it might be the right choice for you and your family.