
Myth: There are lots of rules and regulations for funerals
While there are some important tasks to be completed such as registering the death and other paperwork there are actually very few rules that come

Myth: People find out details of a death and funeral in the newspaper
The reality is we now live in digital age and most of our news and communication is delivered online. Many of us will never read

Myth: A funeral needs to be held within a few days
Death overwhelms us. In the midst of our grief there is suddenly a lot to do, and many decisions to make. Before you rush into anything

Myth: A funeral will be expensive
It doesn’t have to be. Even if you don’t care about spending less, you may wish to save costs in some areas so you can

Myth: Funerals can’t be environmentally friendly
There is no doubt that traditional funerals are hard on our planet, but there are earth friendly options we can choose from when we die.

Myth: You must embalm the body
If there is any decision people are more likely to delegate to the funeral director, or make no decision at all (only to find that

Myth: The deceased can’t be kept at home
It wasn’t so long ago the only place you’d be found when you died was home. Your family would wash and dress your body and

Myth: Instructions for burial or cremation are clear
Following death, the question to cremate or bury is one of the earliest the family will face. It can be a confronting, coming so quickly

Myth: Funerals should be held inside a church or funeral home
The law allows holding a funeral service almost anywhere. In your own home or Grandma’s garden. At the beach or the local football club (ask

Myth: The body must be transported by the funeral director
The final drive; it is one of the more moving and solemn parts of the funeral. Transport is required to the place of service, and

Myth: People will know what to do with the ashes
Often, they don’t. You’d be surprised how frequently ashes are not collected at all and are eventually disposed of years later by the crematorium. There

Myth: The funeral service must be conducted by a registered celebrant or officiant
It surprises many to learn that a funeral is not a legal event, and therefore no law requires you to have a registered celebrant or

Myth: Food and drinks come after the service, and no alcohol
Why? Because it would be disrespectful to eat and drink while we celebrate and say goodbye? We probably ate and drank often together throughout life

Myth: A funeral is not an appropriate place for children
There are a number of meaningful and appropriate ways to involve children in a Great Goodbye. Readings and poems. A musical item. Decorating the casket.

Venue
It’s one of the first questions we get asked when someone has died. Where is the funeral? And when will it be? Nothing sets the

Music
When it comes to creating a Great Goodbye, the only music that’s inappropriate are sounds that have nothing to do with the life of the

Flowers
Funeral flowers were originally used in pre-refrigeration era use to mask odours. Alongside scented candles and incense, flowers were selected for the strength of their

Personalizing the casket
While it’s become custom to have a casket spray. there is no rule that says you have to have to purchase a floral arrangement to

Food and beverages
As people approach end of life celebrations with more thought, the food and beverages being served are becoming an increasingly important element in the overall

Eulogies and Speeches
A lot of moving and meaningful moments typically happen at the funeral service. That’s because it’s the time we take to speak of our love,