How to Plan a Funeral

5 minute read

May 22, 2024

Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of life's most challenging experiences, and planning a funeral or other type of farewell ceremony is an emotionally daunting task. There are many important decisions to make and helpful information might seem hard to come by. At Noble Coffin, we understand the importance of creating meaningful farewells, and are here to guide you through this difficult process. This article explores key considerations of funeral planning, drawing attention to differences between funerals and various other types of ceremonies, and providing insights on how to reduce funeral expenses.

Where Should I Begin in Planning a Funeral?

Embarking on the journey of planning a funeral (or other type of farewell ceremony) requires careful consideration and thoughtful decision-making, and often starts with choosing a funeral home or other farewell professional. Look for a funeral home, or other farewell professional, that aligns with your values, provides the services you need, and offers a supportive atmosphere during this challenging time. Always call around and compare itemized quotations (not estimates, if possible), and the costs of specific items to those offered by third parties.

The Differences Between Various Types of Farewell Ceremonies

Different approaches to farewell traditions highlight the human need to honor and remember loved ones in meaningful ways. Understanding these differences will help inform a decision on what's best for your loved one. Below, we summarize some of the most common types of ceremonies held. 

Funerals

Funerals traditionally involve the body of the deceased being present, providing an opportunity for family and friends to pay their last respects. Funeral services may take place at a place of worship, funeral home, or graveside, and they often follow established rituals and customs.

Memorials

Memorials typically focus on celebrating the life of the departed without the physical presence of the body. These services offer flexibility in terms of location and timing, allowing for a more personalized and unique tribute to the individual's life.

End of Life Celebrations

Unlike traditional farewell rituals such as memorials or funerals, end-of-life celebrations focus more on honoring and cherishing the memory of the departed rather than mourning, and the deceased is not typically physically present. A defining feature of end of life celebrations is their lack of rigid structure — they may take place anywhere, providing a more intimate and meaningful experience for those in attendance.

Tangihanga (or Tangi)

Tangihanga is the Māori ceremony of mourning. The deceased is traditionally present — laid to rest on the marae, with cultural customs, songs, and speeches in honor of the departed. After burial, a minister or tohunga will visit the home of the deceased to remove the tapu of death. 

Alternative Types of Farewell Ceremonies

Beyond the types of ceremonies listed above, there are various alternative farewell ceremonies that are better tailored to particular preferences. From small, intimate gatherings at home, to larger ceremonies focused on themes such as the arts or the environment, the options are vast. Arranging a unique celebration that reflects the individuality of the departed can bring comfort to those in mourning, and show respects.

Should I Plan a Funeral, Memorial, or Celebration of Life? 

Though funerals, memorials, and celebrations of life are the most commonly held types of farewell ceremonies in New Zealand, there are an array of alternatives that may be more suitable for you and your loved one. The decision on which type of farewell ceremony is best for your loved one depends on personal preferences, budget, cultural practices, and individual beliefs. Consider the wishes of the deceased and the needs of those mourning, and choose an option that aligns with the values and traditions that resonate with you and your family.

How to Save on Funeral Expenses

Funeral (or other farewell ceremony) expenses can add up quickly, but there are ways to save money without compromising the quality of the farewell. Always:

1) Request itemized quotations (not estimates, if possible) from service providers, and

2) Compare the costs of specific items to those offered by third parties, if applicable. 

Understand that all service providers are legally obligated to charge no more than a quoted price, whereas estimates give leeway to charge more. For that reason, and because purchasing goods or services from a third party may prompt service providers to inflate other prices to make up for lost profit, we highly recommend asking for a quotation, and not mentioning any potential plan to obtain products or services (such as a coffin) from a third party when doing so. 

Also consider the following:

Funeral Grants

Depending on your loved one's circumstances, they may qualify for a funeral grant from Work and Income, ACC, NZDF or Veterans' Affairs. Check eligibility to see whether grants from these organizations may be an option.  

Funeral Insurance

Check to see whether your loved one had purchased funeral insurance. Such insurance may cover part of or all funeral expenses. 

Pre-Paid Funeral Plan

Check to see whether your loved one had made arrangements with a service provider/farewell professional to prepay for a funeral. If they have not, and there is still time, doing so now may save you money on funeral expenses.

Purchasing Flowers From a Third Party

As mentioned, buying certain items from third parties can help reduce your overall funeral expenses. This can include flowers, and typically, flowers from an online retailer or grocer are cheaper than those from a florist. Other money saving tips for flowers are to choose flowers only in bloom, purchase well in-advance, and opt for more fronds than flowers.  

Note that if you prefer silk flowers, it may be possible to buy these for cheaper than real flowers, though the quality may be inferior. To receive silk flowers of similar quality to real flowers, be prepared to spend as much if not more than you would on real flowers.   

Buying a Coffin Online

There are significant savings to be had if you buy a coffin from an online retailer. At Noble Coffin, we not only stock quality coffins, we are one of New Zealand's few stockists of American-style caskets — all delivered free of charge nationwide, and saving you up to 50% compared to the cost at a funeral home. 

Save Money on Our Popular Products

Alternative Farewell Ceremonies

Typically, traditional funerals (those held in a place of worship or funeral home) are not the cheapest option. If you're on a budget, consider alternative options such as a graveside funeral service, at-home funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life. When planning a farewell ceremony, always thoroughly research your options.

Conclusion

Planning a funeral or other farewell ceremony is a deeply personal and emotional process, and at Noble Coffin, we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Whether you choose a traditional funeral, a memorial, or an alternative type of ceremony, our goal is to help you create a meaningful and respectful tribute to your loved one. By carefully considering your options and seeking guidance when necessary, this challenging time can become a little more manageable for your family.