Flowers, Music & Readings

Symbols
You may wish to consider the following as possible symbols to include in the funeral service:
- Candles: generally recognised as a universal symbol of love, light and hope. Candle lighting during the service is always a poignant ritual.
- A flag: draped over a casket, the playing of the last post, and the red poppies used in the returned services tribute speak to us of a person's contribution to his or her country. A flag may also be symbolic of the person's country of birth.
- Academic, sporting, or community achievement awards: these tell us of other achievements in a person's life.
- Art, craft, other artifacts, and hobbies: show additional dimensions of the person whose life is being honoured.

Music
Music speaks to our hearts - especially in a funeral service. The music selected and the way it is used sets the emotional tone of the service.
Music can be played from a iPod you supply, or from our extensive music collection. Choirs, singers, and soloists can also be arranged for a service if you wish.

Donations
Although the tradition has been for friends to send flowers, some families prefer to invite them to make a donation to a charity or community service in memory of the person who has died.
If you choose this option we will ensure that a box for donations is available at the service and that the money collected is delivered to the organisation after the funeral.

Flowers
We can arrange flowers for the funeral from a professional florist on your behalf.
Families are welcome to use a florist or provide flowers of their own choice. We are happy to recommend a florist. You can usually choose a favourite flower or combination of flowers and colours for a casket spray, single flowers, or a bunch of flowers tied with ribbon. Some people have used baskets of vegetables, sports equipment, or other goods to personalise the floral tribute.