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What are the funeral steps after death?

When a loved one passes away, it can be a difficult time for everyone. They are grieving and mourning the loss of someone, and they likely do not want to be thinking about what the next steps are when it comes to a funeral.

Memorials
That is why we have set out the funeral steps after death, to assist in this sad time and try to make things a little easier to arrange. If you would like some further information, please contact MMS Memorials at 07 3265 5433 and we can assist with any queries you may have.

What are the funeral steps after a death?

The following are the most common steps when it comes to a funeral following a loved one passing away. Each situation is different, however, so ensure you speak to a local memorials specialist who will be able to assist you further.

Choose a Cemetery

One of the first aspects to consider is what cemetery your loved one is to be laid to rest in. There is a range of different options available depending on a huge variety of factors or, alternatively, the person who has passed away may have already stated their cemetery of choice.

Either way, it is very important to speak to the cemetery when chosen and find out what rules and regulations are applicable on their grounds, as well as what types of memorials you are permitted to have. Some cemeteries can be quite strict, whereas others may allow considerably more to occur. Either way, ensure you speak to the appropriate people so you are aware of what is and isn't allowed within the cemetery before you commence any further planning.

Memorial type

Once the cemetery location has been confirmed, the next step is to consider the memorial type. This can range from lawn plaques to headstones to a full monument or anything in between, depending on personal preferences and what is permitted. If you are unsure about what is available, speak to a stonemason who can assist with what options are on offer in the circumstances, among other services.

Memorials

If you would like to know more information regarding memorial types, we have created a types of memorials page dedicated to just this to assist.

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Inscription

Once you have decided on the memorial type that is most suited to your loved one, the inscription is the next aspect to consider. From a bronze plaque to inscriptions in granite to lead-lined arrangements, the possibilities are vast depending on your needs.

A range of inscription services is available, depending on the memorial materials, including:

  • Natural stone sandblasted
  • Lead filled marble
  • Silver gilding
  • Gold gilding
  • White gloss enamel
  • Painted with your choice of colour.

These cover both traditional and contemporary lettering colours, depending on your preferences.

Once you have decided how you wish your loved one's memorial to be inscribed, you need to choose the words. This can be customised or taken from another source, whatever suits you best, and can be tricky to decide at times. If you are struggling with ideas, we have collated some options for you to help you along the way - Headstone wording ideas.

Granite

The next step is to choose the materials for your chosen memorial. This is likely granite, so you will be required to choose from subtle grains of neutrally toned granite to slabs of natural conglomerate hosting slices of large river stone - it really depends on your personal preference. Granite is long-lasting and the colour doesn't fade over time, allowing the memorial for your loved one to last without dimming over time.

If you are hoping for another material, instead of granite, speak to your local stonemason for more assistance.

Ornaments

The final aspect to consider is ornaments. When we refer to ornaments, we mean items such as vases, candle holders and burners and ceramic photos, among other choices. These can add the finishing touches to a beautiful memorial, depending on the loved one that is no longer with us, and are very personal. The person who has passed away may have already designated one or more ornaments they wish to have included, or it may be left to those close to them following their death to choose but, either way, the options are wide-ranging to ensure there is something that suits almost any need.

Questions to ask your memorial company

Here are a few questions to consider asking the parties who are assisting in the above steps:

  • Does the stonemason you have chosen service the cemetery your loved one is being laid to rest? For example, MMS Memorials service a range of cemeteries across South East Queensland - Cemeteries We Service.
  • What are the timeframes applicable (if any) to the memorial, inscriptions and ornaments that you have chosen?
  • Does your stonemason have any photos of arrangements similar to what you are hoping to organise for your loved one?
  • Does your stonemason have any other aspects they suggest you consider?
MMS Memorials

Your experienced memorial experts in Brisbane

If you have any questions regarding the above steps, or would like to know more about the memorial and stonemason services that MMS Memorials offer, give us a call today at 07 3265 5433 and we can discuss anything you may require.

Resources

Australian Funeral Directors Association (Arranging a Funeral):http://afda.org.au/arranging-a-funeral/#1487208371040-065b31ac-3388

CHOICE (What to do when someone dies): https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/healthy-ageing/ageing-and-retirement/articles/what-to-do-when-someone-dies

We serve cemeteries across the following areas:

Brisbane Cemeteries

Gold Coast Cemeteries

Ipswich Cemeteries

Logan Cemeteries

Moreton Bay Cemeteries

Somerset Cemeteries

Sunshine Coast Cemeteries