At Gentle Touch Funeral Services, we are committed to ensuring that every service honours and reflects an individual's personal wishes and beliefs, while celebrating the unique life they lived.
A full-service funeral offers the option of either burial or cremation, providing families with a meaningful way to say goodbye and honour their loved one. By celebrating the achievements, milestones, and personal stories of the individual, the service creates a heartfelt space for friends and family to gather, during a challenging time.
During the planning, our Funeral Director will guide you through a range of venue options, ensuring the service reflects the individual’s life and legacy. With numerous choices available, a full-service funeral typically includes a Minister or Celebrant, service sheets, a photo montage, music (live or recorded), casket flowers, catering and newspaper notices. Additionally, we offer options for live streaming or recording the service, ensuring that those who are unable to attend can still be part of the tribute.
Private services have become increasingly popular as a meaningful way to honour loved ones in an intimate setting with family and close friends. These services are typically held prior to any public announcement, allowing for a more personal and reflective gathering. Families may choose to host a public memorial at a later time, offering an opportunity for extended friends, as well as organizations or clubs the deceased was involved with, to pay their respects. This approach is ideal for those who desire a more simplified arrangement or when family members are unable to attend immediately due to distance.
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Direct Cremation is a no-viewing option typically carried out promptly, usually the day after a loved one’s passing. This choice is often selected due to personal beliefs or when family members are not nearby. A memorial service is frequently held a week or so later. It is important to discuss this option with family members ahead of time to ensure it aligns with everyone’s preferences.
Burial services are becoming less common in recent years. These services can be held at a location of your choice or at the graveside, with the option of a direct burial without a service if preferred. However, due to rising costs, many individuals opt for cremation. The ashes may then be interred in an ashes plot, a family plot, or an Urupa. For those seeking an eco-friendly option, the natural burial ground at Mangaroa is available. This requires that the deceased not be embalmed and be dressed in natural clothing, with the casket made of solid timber or wicker. If you would like to explore these options further, please don’t hesitate to visit or contact us.
We strongly believe that a funeral service should honour the person that has passed. We always try to do so in a way that best reflects their passions and beliefs and celebrates their time here.
