Steps to Take & Things to Consider
Burial or Cremation
In the case of burial, an officially designated cemetery is required according to New Zealand Law. There will also be fees for the plot purchase and for the interment. If you would like to purchase a double-depth plot to allow for a second interment, then this is also a possibility. If you choose this option, keep in mind that an opening fee will apply for the second interment. Burial plot fees will also vary, as they are set by local councils.
In the case of cremation, people will often decide to keep the ashes. This way, they can distribute or bury them at a time & place that is special. Alternatively, you can choose interment in a cemetery, (for which fees will apply). While some crematoria are privately owned, their fees for the cremation process itself are usually on a par with those run by councils.
Keep in mind that none of these fees include headstones, plaques or similar memorials. For more information, visit the Burial & Cremation Options section of the website.
Funeral Venues
It is very common for people to choose a church as the venue for a funeral service. This works well because churches often have a main hall, as well as a reception area where friends and family can get together after the service. The church may also have some significance to the family, which makes the occasion more special.
Alternatively, funeral homes will often provide their own funeral venue with a chapel and reception area. Other popular funeral venues include local clubrooms, or outdoor locations such as parks or sports grounds. Rosetown Funeral Home can help you explore all of the options available to you. If you have any particular ideas, let us know and we will do our absolute best to make it happen. Keep in mind that a fee or donation may be required for some venues, though we will be able to advise on this.
Ministers or Celebrants
Celebrants or ministers will commonly lead funeral services. You can choose someone you know to lead the funeral, or one of our team. A celebrant’s fees simply reflect the time they spend with the family to become familiar with the deceased and prepare and conduct the service.
Caskets, Coffins & Urns
We have a wide range of caskets, coffins and urns available, including traditional and contemporary styles. Some can even be painted with a personalised colour or design. You can visit the Caskets & Urns page to help with your selection, or ask for one of our illustrated catalogues.
Registering the Death
When registering a death, there are some legal requirements which will be arranged by your funeral director. For a death certificate to be issued, there is also a fee payable to the government. The death certificate is also necessary to apply for funeral grants. It is also sometimes required to settle estate legalities.
Newspaper Notices
While newspaper notices are not strictly compulsory, they can be quite useful. A funeral notice in the newspaper formally advises people of the death, including friends of the deceased and the wider community. It also informs people of when and where the funeral service will take place. Rosetown Funeral Home can help write the funeral notice and organise publication. Newspapers charge on a cost-per-line rate, so this will be included in our considerations.
Service Sheets
Printed service sheets help the funeral to run smoothly, and can also serve as a memento of the service. They will usually contain a photograph of the person, information about the service, and words to hymns, songs or poems. Rosetown Funeral Home can organise service sheets for you if you wish. There are varying options of card or paper available to you.
Catering
These days, it is very common to have a gathering after a funeral service. This often serves as a rare opportunity for family and friends to get together. Funeral homes and churches usually have reception areas that are ideal for such gatherings. We have a range of catering options available to you, which your funeral director will be able to advise on. If a church or chapel is not used for the service, we can also provide details of other suitable venues for a post-service gathering.
Flowers
Floral tributes are commonly used as an expression of affection for the deceased. This can include things like a family bouquet, or petals to place on the casket. Rosetown Funeral Home will be able to supply you with more information and options from a local florist.
Music
These days, it is rare for a funeral to be conducted without some form of musical tribute. Common options include CDs, DVDs or organ music. Many churches and funeral homes will have a resident organist available for a fee if required. Funeral homes mostly offer sound systems for playing CDs or DVD tributes.
Video Recording
At Rosetown Funeral Home, we are able to arrange a video recording of the funeral service as a memento. Some families like to have this to send to others, such as family members who are unable to attend the funeral on the day.
