Writing A Eulogy

Preparing and delivering a eulogy for a loved one is a very rewarding, yet difficult process. To assist you in doing this we have attached some helpful step-by-step guides, and a print out with everything you might like to include in the eulogy.

Planning Ahead

At McGuiness Funeral Home we also provide for those who wish to detail their funeral requirements prior to the death. There has been an increasing trend for people to pre-arrange funerals to ensure their wishes are met and to ease their family’s burden in their time of loss. There is also provision to set aside funds to meet the costs of a funeral through the use of a funeral bond. Please do not hesitate to contact the team at McGuiness Funeral Home who can talk you through this option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of a funeral?

Funerals can vary in cost due to a range of factors. These factors included but are not limited to; if it’s a burial or cremation and the corresponding council/doctors’ fees, the location or venue, the celebrant or clergy fees, and other optional disbursements we pay directly to the supplier such as flowers, press notices, orders of services booklets

What type of funeral service can I consider?

We are proud to offer a wide range of services, depending on the families wishes. You can find a few examples below.

A Church/Chapel Service, followed by a burial or Cremation service. 

This style of funeral begins with a service at a church or funeral chapel (or other venue), followed by a procession to the cemetery or crematorium, where there is a final committal ceremony.

A Single Service Funeral

A single service funeral can take place at a funeral home chapel, church, crematorium chapel, at the graveside or a special place, such as a park or community hall. This service incorporates a final committal process, and there is no procession to the cemetery or crematorium.

A Memorial Service

A memorial service takes place after a private burial or Cremation at any of the places referred to above at a time determined by the family.

Civil Celebrants

Families who do not have an affiliation with a church, often choose a civil celebrant to conduct the service. A civil celebrant consults with the family to develop a personalised structure for the service, which he or she leads on the day.

Is burial more expensive than Cremation?

Generally a cremation does cost less then a burial.

In Cremation, what happens to the coffin or casket?

The coffin or casket is always cremated with the body of the deceased.

Is GST included in the costs of a funeral?

Yes

If a loved one dies away from home can we help?

Yes we can liaise with other funeral directors to make the necessary arrangements.

How soon after a Cremation are the ashes available?

Usually within seven days after Cremation, or as requested by the family.

Should young children attend funerals?

Young children are more then welcome to attend funerals and can often play an important part in saying goodbye and can contribute in special ways. It can also help the children learn about the impact of deaths and how we celebrate life but also how to respond to bereavement.

Can I pre arrange my own funeral?

Yes, we often organise pre-arrangements with families, and these do not have to be paid for until the funeral. Although you can organise a funeral bond, which allows you to ether pay for the entirety of the funeral at once or make incremental payments. Any amount that is not used for the funeral is refunded back to an elected family member or friend.