If you have had any prior discussions with your loved one about funeral preferences and have documented them, please bring the notes with you. If you have a budget in mind, please let us know, we are committed to working with you to ease financial concerns.
The following checklist is designed to assist you in gathering the necessary 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. This will qualify you for our special rate on full-service options. (Excluding direct cremations or small private services).
At Gentle Touch Funeral Services, your comfort is our top priority. We know that planning a funeral can be a difficult and emotional experience, and we are here to guide you through every step with care and understanding. During our time together, we will have an open and compassionate conversation to ensure we fully understand your wishes and the needs of your loved one. Together, we'll explore a range of options, from flowers and venues to caskets, catering, and necessary paperwork. We'll also assist you in deciding whether your loved one will stay with us or be taken to rest at home.
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We offer a diverse range of caskets, from traditional to painted to eco-friendly options. We are committed to accommodating your preferences with the utmost care and respect.
An important part of the service is knowing what your loved one wants.
Many people choose to be cremated because they want their ashes to be scattered at a place they cherished. Others may prefer to have their remains interred into a family plot.
Many others would prefer to be buried, if a plot is not already purchased we will take care of this for you. It is important to know that you can only be buried in New Zealand at appointed cemeteries and Urupa.
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Our floral arrangements are provided by Beaukayes in Taradale. They are dedicated to creating thoughtful and meaningful floral tributes that beautifully reflect the life and memory of your loved one.
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We are pleased to arrange refreshments for after the service. Our catering team is here to ensure that your needs are met and takes pride in the quality and presentation of the food provided.
Viewing is an important aspect of honouring the life and memory of a loved one, friend, or colleague. This can be organised at either your home or in our private viewing room, offering you a peaceful environment where you can take the time you need to reflect and remember your loved one.
Our in-house celebrant, Hope, will meet with you to create a truly meaningful and personalised farewell that reflects the life and memories of your loved one. Alternatively, if you prefer to have a minister, we are happy to make those arrangements for you.
Music has the power to reflect the essence of your loved one—who they were, their passions, and their emotions. It can evoke memories of significant moments and events, it can also serve as a meaningful expression of what words cannot convey during this difficult time.
Photo Montages offer a beautiful way to reflect on the cherished memories of the past. They often bring to light heartfelt stories and humorous moments, celebrating the life and legacy of your loved one.
Live streaming provides the opportunity for family and friends who are unable to attend in person to participate in the service remotely. This allows them to witness and share in the important moments, regardless of distance.
Service sheets are often treasured as keepsakes, providing a lasting reminder of your loved one. They typically feature important details such as the service date, location, and a photograph, adding a personal touch to honour and celebrate their life and memory.
A newspaper notice is a thoughtful way to inform friends, colleagues, and the wider community of a loved one's passing. While also providing important details about the location and arrangements for the farewell.
When selecting clothing, it is important to consider what your loved one would have chosen. Whether formal or casual, the decision should reflect their unique style and personality.
Embalming is a process that many people aren’t fully familiar with and is often misunderstood. It plays a vital role in preserving the dignity and appearance of a loved one after death. Additionally, embalming helps relieve the time pressures families often encounter when making arrangements. This gives them more time to travel, gather, and make thoughtful decisions during an emotional and difficult time.
There is a common misconception surrounding embalming, with many believing it involves the use of harmful chemicals. Our modern embalming products contain over 95% water and are designed to be eco-friendly, ensuring both safety and sustainability.
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.
