ARRANGING A FUNERAL
We’re here for you before, during and after the funeral
We want to achieve the best outcome for you and your loved one. You are at the centre of what we do and we will support you in the way you want the funeral.
WHEN A DEATH OCCURS
Depending on whether the death was sudden or expected, you may experience a range of emotions such as shock, disbelief or numbness. Botanical Funerals’ staff will guide and support you through the steps to be taken after a loved one dies and are available 24 hours, 7 days.
At Home
If the death occurs at home with family or friends present a family member should contact the person’s Doctor. Their Doctor will usually issue a death certificate (required by law) if the deceased has been treated by them in the past and they can confirm the cause of death. However, if the death occurs in a home and no one is there at the time of death, the police will need to be notified and respond to the home before the deceased can be transferred from their home.
If in any case you are unsure of who to notify or what to do, you may call us on (03) 9706 3136 and we will assist you in notifying the appropriate services.
While Under Supervised Care
When a death occurs in a care facility such as a hospital or nursing home, the professional staff will notify you and the necessary authorities. If the name of the funeral director has been left with them they will notify the nominated funeral director at the time of death.
We are also happy to provide you with a quote over the phone 24 hours/7 days based on your needs.
View Packages Pricing ToolOur experienced and qualified staff prepare, wash and dress the body as required and place the deceased in a casket or coffin. Families sometimes participate in this process for religious or personal reasons and we are happy to accommodate where possible.
However, if the deceased has not expressed any wishes about their funeral, you will need to make these decisions in their honour. Your funeral consultant can guide you through all the options available and provide you with creative and personalised solutions.
To make this process easier for you, we have made the form available to be filled online. Simply click on the button below to be taken to the Births, Deaths and Marriages form where you can provide us the necessary information to begin this process.
Births, Deaths & Marriages FormPlease click here for more information on the role of the Coroner from the Coroners Court of Victoria website.
DECISIONS TO BE TAKEN
We want to achieve the best outcome for you and your loved one and we will support you in the way you want the funeral. Below are some decisions that will need to be considered in planning the funeral of your loved one.
While burial is a more traditional option, commonly chosen for cultural or religious reasons and often involves a graveside committal service, cremation is usually done privately with no attendance and the funeral is completed in a single location. Our staff will provide you all the available information and options so you can make an informed decision.
A Coffin Or Casket?
We are often asked the difference between a coffin and a casket; a casket is rectangular and uniform in shape and usually wider and longer than a coffin, while a coffin tapers at the head and the foot.
In choosing a casket or coffin people often look for a particular shape, colour, type of wood, fitting or interior. The shape can vary as well as the type of lid from flat, tiered or domed. Also, light to dark shades, gloss, matt or satin finish are all options available in our range.
Our caskets and coffins are derived from sustainable timber and include composite timber, pine, oak, blackwood or mahogany. Fittings and interiors also greatly vary depending on your needs, whether you prefer gold, silver or wooden handles and particular symbols added to the casket etc. Our friendly team, will provide you with suitable information in order for you to make the right choice that best reflects the personality of the deceased.
You can view our wide range below (simply scroll through using the arrows).
Why have a viewing?
A viewing is an opportunity for family and friends to see the deceased for the final time. Gail Rubin, a leading death educator, believes the bereavement process starts with the recognition and realisation that someone has died. To come to terms with the reality of death, someone has to stand up and say, “Yes, so-and-so has died,” or if you prefer, “passed on.” The viewing of the deceased can help loved one’s with the realisation that the death has occurred.
Viewings at Botanical Funerals
Botanical Funerals can provide you and your loved one’s with an intimate and personalised viewing experience. We can hold viewings in certain religious and non-religious venues throughout Melbourne or even at the family home. For your convenience, we can provide a viewing either during normal business hours or after hours.
For those wanting to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment, Botanical Funerals offer the EcoFuneral Package and can also provide you with tailored eco-friendly options. Please ask our friendly staff for more information on our environmentally friendly offerings.
In addition to your complimentary eTribute, digital notice, you may also wish to advertise the funeral in the Age or Herald-Sun or in rural community or interstate newspapers. Our staff are able to assist you in placing the details of the funeral in the print media on your behalf.
FLOWERS
Flowers can be important in accompanying the coffin during religious, civil or cremation funerals.
Botanical Funerals, in partnership with Grandiflora, offers a high quality collection of flower options that can be tailored to suit your requirements and budget. To scroll through our range please use the arrows.
Below are some of our commonly used venues, however please ask us for local venue options in your area for holding a beautiful and personalised funeral.
SPRINGVALE BOTANICAL CEMETERY
BUNURONG MEMORIAL PARK
Funeral By The Bay
Beautiful Garden View Funeral
Native Garden View Funeral
Vineyard Funeral
Heritage Chapel Funeral
We have a range of family car options available in a range of sizes. You may view a sample of our range above.
PERSONALISATION OF THE FUNERAL
As you are at the centre of what we do, the possibilities of personalising the funeral are endless. Whether you would like live music, the chapel styled a particular way or personal items displayed, Botanical Funerals will be flexible to your needs and can help find tailor-made solutions for you.
Botanical Funerals has a collection of funeral stationary to help families celebrate a life and capture lasting precious memories that can be passed on to future generations.
The products include Order of Service Booklets, Bookmarks, Thank You Cards, Prayer Cards and more. To view the range available please use the navigation arrows above, or view our ‘Tribute Collections’ booklet by clicking the button below.
View Entire Range
Gathering together, sharing memories and re-connecting with family and friends is often an important part of the funeral. If you would like us to arrange the catering, we have an experienced caterer who provides fresh food and can cater for specific dietary requirements, please click here to download a copy of the menu.
Poems
Memories of you
I remember everything about you,
your voice, your smile, your touch,
the way you walked, the way you talked,
the way you looked at me, meant so much.
I remember all the words you said to me,
some funny, some kind, some wise,
all of the things you did for me,
I see now with different eyes.
I remember every moment we shared,
seems like only yesterday,
or maybe it was eons ago,
It’s really hard to say.
You are gone from me now,
but one thing they can’t take away,
your memory resides inside my heart,
and lights up my darkest days.
True love
True love is a sacred flame that burns eternally,
And none can dim its special glow or change its destiny.
True love speaks in tender tones and hears with gentle ear,
True love gives with open heart and true love conquers fear.
True love makes no harsh demands It neither rules nor binds,
True love holds with gentle hands the hearts that it entwines.
You were a precious gift
You were a precious gift,
Our joy, our dreams.
You were a sparkle through the darkness;
Our hope for a brighter tomorrow.
You warmed our hearts, gave light to our minds,
And beauty to our spirits.
We gave you our love, wrapped you in our care,
caressed you with our smiles.
Now you are gone.
We grieve. We miss you so much.
The loving memories of you will keep you
Forever close to us – in our hearts,
our thoughts, our souls….
Do not stand at my grave and weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Author Mary Frye
Four candles for you
The first candle represents our grief.
The pain of losing you is intense.
It reminds us of the depth of our love for you.
This second candle represents our courage.
To confront our sorrow,
To comfort each other,
To change our lives.
This third candle we light in your memory.
For the times we laughed,
The times we cried,
The times we were angry with each other,
The silly things you did,
The caring and joy you gave us.
This fourth candle we light for our love.
We light this candle that your light will always shine.
As we enter this holiday season and
share this night of remembrance
with our family and friends.
We cherish the special place in our hearts
that will always be reserved for you.
We thank you for the gift
your living brought to each of us.
We love you.
We remember you.
I am always with you
When I am gone, release me, let me go.
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears,
But be thankful we had so many good years.
I gave you my love, and you can only guess
How much you’ve given me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
but now it is time I traveled on alone.
So grieve for me a while, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
that it is only for a while that we must part,
So treasure the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away for life goes on.
And if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then, when you come this way along,
I’ll greet you with a smile and a “Welcome Home”.
Remember me
Remember me when I am gone away,
gone far away into the silent land;
when you can no more hold me by the hand,
nor half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
you tell me of our future that you planned;
only remember me, you understand
it will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
and afterwards remember, do not grieve;
For if the darkness and corruption leave
a vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
better by far you should forget and smile
than that you should remember and be sad.
Author Christina Rossetti
Miss me but let me go
When I come to the end of the road
and the sun has set on me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room,
why cry for a soul set free.
Miss me a little – but not too long,
and not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love that we once shared,
miss me – but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take,
and each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the Master’s plan,
a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
go to the friends we know.
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,
miss me – but let me go.
Readings
An Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God be with you and bless you:
May you see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
rich in blessings.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the land of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
Psalm 23
The Lord’s my Shepherd, I shall not want,
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,
He leadeth me beside the still waters,
He restoreth my soul, He leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness, for His name’s sake,
Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thou
art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Though preparest a table before me in the presence
of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil.
My cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house
of the Lord forever.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
There is a time for everything,
And a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born and a time to die
A time to plant and a time to uproot,
A time to kill and a time to heal,
A time to tear down and a time to build,
A time to weep and a time to laugh,
A time to mourn and a time to dance,
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain,
A time to search and a time to give up,
A time to keep and a time to throw away,
A time to tear and a time to mend,
A time to be silent and a time to speak,
A time to love and a time to hate,
A time for war and a time for peace.
Gaelic Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until
we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Psalm 103: 8-17
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
Slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
Nor will he harbor his anger for ever;
He does not treat us as our sins deserve
Or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is his love for those who fear him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
So the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
For he knows how we are formed,
He remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass,
He flourishes like a flower of the field;
The wind blows over it and it is gone,
And its place remembers it not more.
But from everlasting to everlasting
The Lord’s love is with those who fear him.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen.
In reflecting on your loved one’s life, you may wish to talk about important milestones, tell stories and discuss what the deceased meant to you.