Choosing Clothing

You may like to select items of clothing in which to have your loved one dressed. Clothing chosen may reflect the taste and personality of the person who has died. This could be their Sunday best suit or dress, favourite yard/fishing clothes or maybe traditional clothing from their country of origin. We can collect these from you when we meet for the funeral arrangements. Where clothing is not supplied Alex Gow Funerals will provide an appropriate shroud.

The viewing

At the time of making funeral arrangements we will ask if you would like to view the deceased. Choosing to view your loved one is a decision only you as an individual can make. If you are not sure whether to view or not you may wish to discuss this with your family or friends but you should never feel pressured either way.

At the viewing the body is presented in an open coffin or casket allowing you and others to say final goodbyes and to place any small mementos with the deceased in the coffin. You may choose to have a private viewing for invited family members only or include other family and friends.

The viewing can be held in the Alex Gow Funeral Home Chapel a day or so before the funeral or it can be held at the service venue before the service starts. If the viewing is requested in a church we need to seek permission from the minister.

Remember the children

It is natural to want to protect children from the pain and sadness of a funeral however it can be a very confusing time for children if they are not included. The funeral is a significant ritual for all ages so participation will help children accept the reality of their loss and provide them with an outlet to express their grief within a supportive environment. It allows them to celebrate the life of the loved one and to understand the funeral process. You can help them by being honest and explaining what will happen before, during and after the ceremony. Depending on the age of the child, they may wish to take part in the service by placing a flower, a picture or an item of special significance to the person they loved on the coffin or they may wish to hand out the order of service sheets.

Choosing the Coffin or Casket

What is the difference between a coffin and a casket? The difference is basically one of design. Coffins are widest at the shoulders and taper in at the head and foot so the coffin more matches the form of the human body. Caskets are rectangular in shape and are usually constructed of better quality timbers and feature higher standards of workmanship.

Personalising the Coffin or Casket

If you wish you may personalise the coffin. Here are ideas others have used

. Colour the coffin a favourite colour

. Apply significant stickers or adornments

. Choose a special fabric interior

. Invite friends to sign the coffin at the ceremony

Alex Gow Funerals can show you photographs of a range of coffins and caskets. However, it is recommended that you view the actual items at our funeral home.

Additional options

Timber remembrance book

A beautifully handcrafted remembrance book can be prepared as a permanent record of the day.

Ashes Urns

Available in a range of materials and designs including bronze, ceramic and timber.

Commemorative cabinets

Within the cabinet you can include photographs and treasured mementos. In the rear of the cabinet, a sealed compartment allows the safe keeping of certificates, letters and personal documents or the ashes of the deceased.

Remembrance lockets

You may leave one half of the Remembrance Locket with your loved one and take the other half home with you to be forever remembered and cherished.

Bronze ornamentation

Standard ornamentation on caskets is plastic. However a range of solid bronze mementos is available. These mementos can be removed after the ceremony and held by the family as a permanent keepsake.

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