Helpful considerations before meeting with us.

The following check list can help you gather some information for the funeral arrangements. If you are a member of the National Service Club, Clubs Hastings or hold a Gold Card please bring this with you as this entitles you to our special rate on full service options only (not direct cremations or small private services). 

  • Does your loved one wish to be buried or cremated?
  • Does your loved one wish to have a service or prefer a private cremation/burial?
  • Where and when would you like the service to be held?
  • The type of Service – public, private, simple, traditional or alternative.
  • Who will officiate – A Celebrant, Minister or family friend?
  • Will there be refreshments?
  • Do you wish your loved one to be viewed?
  • Will your loved one rest at home or remain in the care of the funeral home?
  • Birth, Deaths and Marriages information
  • Does anyone in the family have any special requests such as music, a DVD montage, balloon release, video or photographs?
  • What clothing would you like your loved one to rest in?
  • Would you like service sheets – would you like these with more then one photo?
  • Would you like newspaper notices inserted into papers.

Arranging a funeral

What is easiest for you. We can come to your place.

At Gentle Touch Funeral Services, your comfort is priority. We understand that arranging a funeral can be a challenging and emotional process, and we are here to support you every step of the way. When we meet with you, we will engage in an open discussion to understand your preferences and the needs of your loved one. We will explore various options together, including flowers, venues, caskets, catering and necessary paperwork. We will also help you decide whether your loved one will remain with us or be taken home.

At Gentle Touch Funerals, we hold deep respect for everyone and celebrate their uniqueness and freedom of choice. 

  

Caskets

We have a number of Caskets available. Whether you wish to choose a traditional, painted or eco-friendly option we are able to accommodate your requests.    

Cremation or Burial

An important part of the service is knowing what you loved one wants.

Cremation: Is often chosen as many people want their ashes scattered at home, on the family farm or in a place that they visited and liked to be. Others would like them interred in a family plot. It is important to let you family know what you would like. 

Burial: If a plot is not already purchased we will take care of this for you, it is important to know that in New Zealand you can only be buried at appointed cemeteries and Urupa.  

Flowers

At Gentle Touch Funeral Services our florist is Beaukayes in Taradale, they are helpful and able to design a floral tribute that best reflects your loved one.

Catering

We are pleased to arrange refreshments for after the service. Our caterers offer a selection of high-quality food to ensure a comforting and satisfying experience for your guests.

It is important to also consider other options

Viewing. This is an important part of acknowledging the death of a loved one, friend or colleague. Spending time with your loved one is an important part of grieving. This can either be done at your home or in our private viewing room, this will ensure you get the time you need.

Celebrant. We have our in-house celebrant Hope that will come and see you and make this farewell very personalised. However, if you wish to have a Minister we are able to organise this for you too.

Music.   Music can reflect your loved one, who they were, what they liked and how they felt. Often chosen music will bring back memories from a special event or sometimes it can also be used to replace what cannot be said at this time.

Photo show.   Photo shows are an amazing way at looking at the memories of years gone by, often these can bring funny moments and stories about your loved one to light. 

Live Streaming. This enables those who are not able to attend to watch the service.

Service Sheets. Often service sheets are kept as keep sakes, they include dates, where the service was and a picture of your loved one.

Newspaper Notices. A newspaper notice is a way of letting friends and former colleagues know of a death and where the farewell will take place.

Embalming. This is a medical procedure that enables family and friends to have a more positive experience, this can restore a natural appearance, while also giving time for family to arrive for a service.

Clothing. When choosing clothes, it is important to consider what your loved one liked to wear. This could be informal or formal the choice is yours.  

Consider Planning a Funeral Ahead of Time

At this stressful time, family members are suddenly forced to make many important decisions alone. We can help when planning your funeral ahead of time.