Simply call us. Initially, you don’t need to do anything else. We will make all the arrangements to take your loved one into our care. We will then make an appointment to come to your home to make arrangements for the service of your choosing.

You will need to advise as to whether the deceased is to be cremated or buried, so the appropriate medical certificates can be issued. In the case of a nursing home, you will need to advise them of the nominated funeral director as soon as possible.

You should call 000 for emergency services first. Where the death is accidental, is due to a sudden medical condition, or involves suspicious circumstances, the Coroner’s Court will also be involved. Once you have appointed us, we will liaise directly with the Coroner and keep you informed through each step of the process.

There are many groups, organisations and individuals who, in the fullness of time, will need to be notified. However, most of these do not need to be contacted immediately. So don’t feel pressured to compile an exhaustive list right now; just concentrate on a few essential people. Firstly, family and friends. Also, the Executor of the estate should be informed as soon as possible. When the person is of strong spiritual belief, perhaps a member of the clergy. You should also contact your funeral director and allow them to start making arrangements for you.

This is a chemical process primarily used to preserve the body and is performed by qualified morticians. Whilst not always necessary, embalming may be required for repatriation, when there is a significant delay between death and burial or cremation, or if the body is to be interred above ground, e.g. in a crypt.

Most people will base their decision on family, cultural or religious tradition. The most significant consideration is one of cost, which centres around the burial plot and additional cemetery fees. Cremation options include non-attending service, memorial service or chapel/church service, which will affect the overall cost.

• Non-attending – usually for cremation and where a separate function is to be held as a memorial or celebration of life.
• Memorial – this can be held at any time and place, sometimes after cremation as part of an ashes-scattering ceremony.
• Church/chapel – traditional services held prior to burial or cremation. Chapel services can be religious or secular.

Funeral services are commonly held in a church, usually the family church, or a chapel located within the cemetery or crematorium. Secular and memorial services, however, can be held almost anywhere. Some families have chosen the family home as a venue. Memorial services have even been conducted on a boat on the Hawkesbury River over a favourite fishing spot. Services can also be held at any time on any day, and twilight services are increasingly popular. We will provide any guidance you need to decide the best way of celebrating your loved one’s life and the flexibility to arrange to hold the service in any location you desire.

Usually, a member of the clergy will officiate when the service is in a church. In a chapel, a clergy member, civil celebrant, or even a family member or close friend may officiate. You can, however, have a number of people participate directly during the service.

There really is no single answer, as cost varies greatly from a simple non-attending service to the most elaborate burial ceremonies. Variables include choice of coffin, cemetery fees, flowers, audio-visual presentations, stationery, location, duration of the service, additional vehicles, etc. With Something Beautiful Remains Funeral Services, you can include or remove any aspect of the service, giving you control over costs.

Pre-paid funerals offer three key benefits:

• Your wishes are met regarding the content and manner of your service.
• Arranging your own funeral in advance will ease the stress for your family during a difficult time.
• You will lock in today’s prices to protect against inflation. Also, pre-paid funerals may have tax or Centrelink advantages, with the peace of mind that your money is safe with a capital-guaranteed fund manager.

There are many resources available to assist families to deal with the loss of a loved one. If you are unable to find a counsellor, we can recommend specialists for both adults and children.

Something Beautiful Remains can arrange a funeral service in any city or town in Australia, to your personal requirements. However, our team is located near Sydney, Australia, and can therefore offer face-to-face services in certain Sydney locations. For exact suburb details, visit our contact page.

If you are located outside of this area, don’t despair, we are still able to offer you our full range of personalised funeral services.

You can choose every single detail and have it in writing. Everything from the flowers to the music you would like played. You can put a copy of your wishes away safely with other important documents and let your executor or Next-of-Kin know that you have everything in order. In addition, you may also choose a Prepaid Funeral, in which case you also lock in an exact price. Your arrangements can then be lodged with the funeral director to action when the time comes.

Advance planning is possible and highly recommended. Having a plan and a contact number to call when the time comes not only gives you peace of mind, but encourages open communication regarding the individuals wishes.

You only need to call and we can discuss your concerns and any questions you may have. We will provide sound, obligation-free advice. You may also like to schedule an appointment where your loved one is present for the discussion around their own wishes. Knowing what to do or who to call, regardless of the time of day or night, means you have a plan.