What services do funeral directors offer?

The process of planning a funeral is challenging for any family. Stress may be both physically and emotionally draining. The funeral directors at Alex Gow Funerals are here to assist for that reason. We will meet with you in the comfort of your own home so you can be surrounded by those helping with the decisions. No matter where you live in South East Queensland, our Alex Gow staff will be with you quickly to help create the perfect farewell.

We are experts in funeral care, so let us help you

There are a lot of steps to planning a funeral and it is certainly not a job you want to hand to amateurs.  Alex Gow Funerals have been helping Queenslanders since 1840 and we know what needs to be done and how to make it as uncomplicated as possible to lift the stress off your shoulders. Because we tailor each funeral to the needs of the family, there are no right ways or wrong ways, just your way.

Here is a list of the professional funeral services we offer. This is what sets us apart from others.

• Offer to meet with Families to assist with Pre-Planning Funerals
• Assist families with imminent circumstances with a loved one 
• Transfer your loved one into our care after they pass.
• Meet with family to discuss your preferences
• Explain guidelines and time frames for requests
• Liaise with the doctor or hospital to obtain a Cause of Death
• Prepare a Funeral Notice for the media
• Supply a list of who to advise
• Prepare the body for cremation or burial
• Arrange a viewing if needed
• Help select a suitable coffin or casket, including personalization
• Help choose a location for the funeral
• Help secure a burial plot if required
• Help select a location to memorialize the ashes
• Help arrange clergy or celebrant
• Prepare Orders of Service
• Help you choose readings or poems to be included in the eulogy
• Prepare music, images, and video for the service
• Help with the selection of urns or memento jewelry for storage of ashes
• Transport the deceased to the church, chapel, or location of the funeral service
• Personally greet family & friends at the service
• Conduct the funeral service.
• Arrange for refreshments following the service
• Conduct the cremation and return the ashes
• Register the Death with Birth, Deaths, and Marriages (BDM) 
• Check the Death Certificate is correct and then post to Families.  
• Supply information and support on dealing with grief

Understanding the purpose of the funeral

There are 2 basic elements to a funeral, firstly there is the physical funeral where the body is collected, prepared, and buried or cremated in line with family wishes, and secondly, the farewell service or memorial, where you can gather together to support the bereaved, pay your respects and say your goodbyes to a loved family member or friend.

The physical funeral has essential components that must occur by law and the funeral director will ensure this is done correctly. The farewell service is very flexible and can be tailored to whatever you want. The funeral director will present a wide range of options that can be traditional or not so traditional, it is all up to you. Naturally, if there are specific customs or cultural practices that need to be included, be sure to mention this to the Funeral Director.

Take your time

Understand that there is generally no rush in planning a funeral. If you need time to check Wills for specific requests or consult with family, take your time, and get it right. This also allows for some of the initial grief to subside allowing you to think more clearly. Some cultures do require burial quickly and if you are aware of that need, be sure to discuss it with your funeral director.

Alex Gow Funerals is here to help you at every step and stay with you in your time of need. If you need any advice or assistance, feel free to reach out to our team of experts today on (07) 3851 7800.