How to choose a funeral venue

When a loved one passes, along with managing the grief, there are so many things to ‘check off’. An important part of the process of saying goodbye to a loved one is choosing a suitable funeral venue, where family and friends can gather to hold a service and share memories together. Choosing a funeral venue often depends on factors such as personal preferences, religious beliefs and ease of access amongst others, there are several options such as memorial venues, funeral function rooms, funeral reception venues that can be make the location the right choice for a fitting goodbye.

However, it can often be a challenging decision to make. Some of the main factors to consider when choosing a venue are:

• Feel of the location
• Personalisation
• Religious and cultural sensitivities
• Availability
• Location
• Convenience (how far people have to travel)
• Pricing
• Amenities
• How many people can the venue accomodate

Some venues to consider:

• Churches — It has been common to have a service in a church due to the traditions of funerals (and especially due to the space and location available). There would typically always be access to audio visual systems and potentially a space to share in refreshments after the service. In a lot of instances, there would not be a requirement to be a member of the church.
• Private homes — This can be a very personal decision and is not for everyone. It can be as formal or ‘laid back’ as you like, with a structured service or something ‘authentic’. Your Funeral Director can support you through the logistics.
• Cemetery chapel — This is a popular choice, especially when a burial is taking place at the same location. With a cemetery chapel, there is the support from an attendant on the day, audio visual facilities and most cemeteries will have a location where refreshments will be available after. For a cremation, the ashes can be collected from the cemetery directly.
• Outdoor venue — Whilst there may be more work in this option with audio visual (if needed) and seating arrangements, it can be a more casual environment that meets the needs of your family and friends. This can be at a park or other outdoor setting. Some permits may be required.

Alternative funeral venues

A great way to honour a departed loved one is choosing a venue or place that may have been your loved one’s favourite location. It could be any place — from an environment that invoked a feeling of calm and comfort for the loved one, or a place that brough immense joy and happiness, or another special place that has beautiful memories or life milestones attached to it. Funeral venues such as these can often be very special for the family as well. Some examples of alternative funeral venues can be a reception place, golf club, tennis club, town hall, art gallery or community hall.

With all the above, your supportive Funeral Planner can talk through different funeral venue options with you and guide you through the process and explain what may be involved for your preferred option.