A memorial service is a time to remember and gather support — in a way that may better suit your family.

Unlike a funeral, a memorial takes place without the coffin present. Some families find that makes the gathering feel more uplifting. Others prefer a funeral for the sense of finality it brings. There’s no right choice — only what helps you come to terms with the loss.

A Flexible Way to Gather

A memorial service can be held almost anywhere — in a church, a crematorium chapel, a garden, or any place of meaning. Some families hold a memorial after cremation, with or without the urn present. Others may gather after a private burial.

There’s no set timing. Some wait a few weeks or months, especially if loved ones need to travel. Others may hold the service soon after, or once the ashes are returned to a special place. A memorial can be just as meaningful as a conventional funeral — offering time to reflect, honour, and remember in an appropriate setting.

Having a Focal Point

Some families find it comforting to have a focal point during the service. This might be a photo of your loved one shown on screen.

Or it could be a table at the front of the church or chapel, thoughtfully arranged with a cloth, a framed photo, a floral tribute, and personal items or memorabilia.

If the memorial takes place after cremation and you would like the ashes present, we’ll return them in an elegant urn — included as part of our standard service. You may also wish to place a shawl, blanket, or jacket that belonged to your loved one around the urn, to make it feel more personal.

How We Can Help

We offer different kinds of help, depending on what is required.

We can provide general guidance as you make the arrangements. Or you can engage us to take care of all the necessary details and assist on the day. Alternatively, you may prefer to organise everything yourselves — and have us there simply to support you on the day of the service.

Some families feel more at ease knowing someone will be there to welcome guests and coordinate quietly in the background. Others just appreciate having someone to talk things through with.

If you're unsure whether a memorial or funeral may suit your family best, we’re here to talk it through — gently and without any pressure, whenever you're ready.

Optional Support

Expenses — costs paid to those we work with

• Guest book | $50

• Civil celebrant, minister, pastor or priest — normal fee or suggested donation | from $450

• Church — where a church is chosen, a suggested donation is sometimes requested. Civil celebrants don’t usually lead services in churches | from $200

• Crematorium or cemetery chapel (cost depends on location) | from $620

• Flowers in a large vase | from $250

• Orders of service | from $352

Our Fees — including our margin

• Professional services — arranging all services, one to two staff at the service, guest book, music, visual tribute, and contribution to Subsidised Funeral Support | $1,799

  OR

• Assistance at the service only — welcoming guests and coordinating quietly in the background | $300