The funeral service is important for two reasons. Firstly, it gives people a chance to share their feelings while being supported by family, friends and others in the community who have known the person who died. As well, it is an opportunity to celebrate his or her life, to share memories: the good times, the funny moments, favourite music, unique contributions they made, and to hear tributes and stories from people of all ages.

When considering the Funeral Service, we are here to guide and assist you. 

In addition to choosing the venue, here are some of the most common questions and considerations that we discuss:

Who can lead a Funeral Service?

The short answer is ‘anybody’, but people usually choose someone who has experience in leading a service of this kind. The role of the person leading the service is to guide and manage the service, making sure that all of the things you have chosen to happen fall into place at the right time. If you have religious connections you will often choose a minister or priest to take the service.
 
Alternatively you may choose a funeral celebrant for a less formal service.

Many celebrants now take funeral services and at Legacy Funerals we can help you choose the person who you feel comfortable with. All our celebrants are compassionate and experienced and will spend the time required in the days before the funeral, getting to know you as a family and the particular wishes you have for the service. They will then lead and facilitate the service itself.

Remember: It’s important that you feel comfortable with your funeral celebrant as they are the person who will lead the service 

Music

Music is usually an important part of a Funeral Service with options ranging from traditional religious music; modern music that is appropriate (celebrants often have a list of popular choices); country; opera; traditional music from the place in the world that is important to you or your loved one; or sounds of nature such as birdsong or the sea. It is a good idea to listen to some chosen music first in case the words are not appropriate.

Please talk to us about our music collection.

Flowers

Flowers are a traditional symbol used at funerals and most often include a casket spray and a floral tribute or tributes which are placed around the venue. Legacy Funerals gives you the opportunity to specify your favourite flowers (or combination of flowers) and colours for the floral casket spray and tributes. The types and sizes of floral arrangements also can be specified.

In lieu of flowers, some families may ask mourners to make a donation to a nominated charity or community service in memory of the person who has died. We can include this in the newspaper notice so that donations can be sent directly. If you wish we can have a donation box present at the service, but cannot accept responsibility for cash donations.

Symbols

These are the things that bring meaning and a sense of what was important in the life of the person who has died. These might be objects, such as flowers from their garden, candles, shells, photographs, artworks and sports trophies for example, or actions, such as releasing balloons or scattering flowers or soil on the casket as it is lowered.

Private or Memorial Service

This is normally a service restricted only to family, or where the body or casket is not present. Sometimes families choose a private burial or cremation and a public memorial service later. If choosing a private service it is important to remember that close friends may feel excluded from supporting you or grieving themselves - we can discuss this with you and help support you to make the decision that is right for you.
Making a Lasting Gift

All profits from Legacy Funerals are distributed by the Legacy Trust to local charities.  To date, the Legacy Trust has gifted over $600,000 to the local community - generosity that is only possible because of the choice that families have made in choosing Legacy Funerals.

Legacy Funerals is a member of the Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand.