While an increasing number of people make long-term arrangements for their funerals with their next of kin and their chosen funeral director, it’s often the case that the funeral of a loved one is something that comes unexpectedly and it can be a daunting responsibility. Our team here at Lakelands are on hand seven days a week to help you at this difficult time to guide you through all the necessary arrangements. Whether it’s a Funeral Mass or Church Service, a Civil or Humanist service or something completely unique and intimate, our team will work with you to fashion a dignified and fitting farewell for your loved one.
Our Main Office is open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (049 4362200) and outside of these hours, our staff is always available on the phone at 086458489 to speak with you. We understand that this is not easy, but we will work with you in a calm and thoughtful way to guide you through each step towards the funeral and beyond. We aim to take some of the stress out of what are already difficult days by doing what we can for you in arranging the funeral.
Planning a Funeral
Most of us are not prepared to plan and carry out a funeral ceremony for someone we love. And so much of the information available on this critically important subject fails to focus on what is most important: having a personalised, meaningful funeral that helps families and friends begin the healing process of mourning after the death of someone we love.
This section includes information that will help provide insights necessary to help you and your family create a meaningful funeral experience that both honours the life of your loved one and starts you on the path to healing from your loss.
Where to Start
Designing a Service
Whether it’s formal or informal, traditional or offbeat, a funeral provides an opportunity for family and friends to gather and support one another in taking the first steps of their healing journey. A service can take place in any setting – at your home, church, or at our facilities, for example – and can incorporate music, poetry, or art in the celebration of a life well-lived. There are endless possibilities for what the service can be, and we’re honoured to go above and beyond in our duty to meet your personalized and specific requests.
Our staff is experienced in understanding and graciously accommodating the needs of all beliefs, faiths, lifestyles, and relationships. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through the decisions you’ll need to make, and will encourage you to take your time to figure out the most meaningful and fitting way to honour your loved one and incorporate the elements that you and your family find meaningful.
Caring for a Loved One’s Physical Remains
Once you’ve chosen how you’d like to celebrate your loved one’s life journey, the next decision you’ll face is about how you’d like to care for their physical remains. This can be a difficult or emotional choice for you and your family, and we’ll provide you with the information you need as we help you to consider your options and make the decision that is right for your loved one and for your family. Once you’ve chosen between burial and cremation, there are a few additional decisions you’ll face:
For a burial, you’ll need to select a coffin and a cemetery.
For cremation, you’ll need to select an urn and choose whether to bury, entomb, or scatter the cremated remains, as well as where you’d like to do so.
No matter which path you decide to take, we’ll be there to support you and assist you in exploring your options and making an informed decision that feels right for you and your loved one.
