We tend to avoid our own wake and mortality. It may seem a little morbid, superstitious, sad or non-urgent, however, giving some time to reflect upon our final farewell can be cathartic, rewarding, amusing and satisfying. Especially when considering the elements that help ensure a truly custom celebration of life.
“Whether you want to support your favourite charity or insist guests pay tribute to your football team, funeral personalisation ensures send-offs embrace the unique life of your loved one,” says Karen Bielak, Simplicity Enfield Location Manager who said her team were even asked to adhere to the dress code and wear Hawaiian shirts to honour one gentleman’s wishes.
PERSONALISATION
The Simplicity South Australia team have certainly heard it all!
“Personalisation is limited only by your imagination and the law,” says Karen who goes on to explain Simplicity will also not disrespect people who have died.
“We have had some unusual requests over the years. For example, we won’t pull out teeth to return gold fillings, surgically remove tattoos nor cut off fingers to obtain rings. Upon request, we will cut the ring to return to family.” But you can instill some fun, uniqueness and laughs
CUSTOM REQUESTS
For those craving uniqueness, you can also have custom coffins printed in your favourite montage, sporting team colours or pastimes.
Think about your biker mate whose Yamaha proudly stands by his motorbike printed coffin, dressed in his leathers and Kevlar jeans and helmet proudly atop the wreath. And although losing a loved one is a sad time, many prefer to include some light humour and celebration to their ‘last hoorah’.
“We’ve seen the Nutbush, a flash mob and shots of spirits handed out to honour traditions,” says Karen who also recalls a wake where Bundaberg rum flowed freely for mates who had shared many with the
man throughout his life.
“To this day you can still find a Bundy can by his headstone!”
INCLUDE YOUR FURY, SCALY AND FEATHERED FRIENDS
Pets are such a significant part of our lives and are welcome guests to your funeral. Simplicity will even hold private viewings for pets to farewell their ‘person’ away from the large crowd, with animals of all shapes and sizes welcome.
“From Dachshunds to Golden Retrievers, we’ve also had other animals. My personal favourite was two macaws,” says Karen.
LATE, LATER AND LATEST
And although we all hope to be late to our own funeral, if your special somebody was notoriously late for everything, or perhaps like to make a grand entrance, you can also arrange for the coffin to arrive after the guests.
“The immediate family, funeral director and celebrant would need to be ‘in the know’ to make the bit work, but it is bound to bring a chuckle when explained,” says Karen.
“Funeral planning may not seem like a priority, but for many it’s a cathartic reflection upon life, filled with some laughs and quirks to keep guests guessing,” says Karen who encourages us all to at least chat to your family about what’s important to you. For others, they’d prefer to chat to their local Funeral Director.
“We provide a safe place where there is no judgement. We encourage questions, discussion, laughter and tears,” says Karen.
“We also encourage you to be honest about your budget. Personalisation, Celebration of the life lived, and creating a memorable and reflective occasion does not have to be costly.”
When thinking about how to customise a funeral, some questions you may want to consider include:
- What special wishes do you want honoured?
- What are your favourite songs, colours, sayings and outfit?
- What’s your funniest memory?
Whatever you decide, Simplicity are here to help.
From Victor Harbor to Salisbury, Valley View, Enfield, Rosewater, Plympton, Morphett Vale, Old Noarlunga and Aberfoyle Park, our experienced and caring funeral professionals are just a phone call away.
Call Simplicity Funerals on 1300 556 222 to get the conversation started or go to simplicityfunerals.com.au
