Attending a funeral is a deeply meaningful act of support. This schedule gives you a clear picture of the day so you can arrive at the right time, move through the service with confidence, and focus on being present for the family rather than wondering what comes next. Please silence your phone before the service begins.
Please arrive a few minutes before the service begins. Funeral staff will guide you to seating. The front rows are reserved for immediate family.
The service begins as the coffin is carried into the chapel by the pallbearers to a piece of music chosen by the family. Please remain seated.
The celebrant welcomes guests and opens the service with a brief reflection on the life being celebrated.
A favourite piece of music chosen by the family is played as a moment of reflection.
A close family member shares personal memories, stories, and a tribute to the person's life.
A friend or family member shares a second reflection, poem, or reading.
A slideshow of photographs celebrating the person's life plays to music — a moment to reflect and share in memories.
A selected reading or poem is shared by a family member or friend.
The celebrant offers closing words and the formal committal — a final acknowledgement and farewell.
A final piece of music is played as a moment of quiet farewell. Guests are invited to remain seated or bow their heads.
The pallbearers carry the coffin from the chapel. Guests are invited to remain seated until the family has followed.
Guests are welcome to view the floral tributes in the garden area and speak with the family.
Guests are invited to join the family for light refreshments at the reception venue. The family will be there to receive you.
Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin. This gives you time to be seated comfortably before the coffin procession marks the opening of the service. Arriving late during a funeral service is distressing for both yourself and the family.
For most funeral chapel services, no RSVP is required — guests are welcome to attend. For a smaller or private celebration of life at a venue, the family may request an RSVP to manage catering. Check the funeral notice or contact the family if you're unsure.
Simple, heartfelt words are best. "I'm so sorry for your loss" is always appropriate. If you knew the person well, sharing a specific memory — "I'll always remember how she..." — is a meaningful gift. You don't need to say anything profound. Your presence and a warm handhold or hug says more than words.
If you were invited or the notice says all welcome, attending the wake is a kind gesture of support for the family even if you weren't close to the person who passed. The wake is informal and your presence shows you care about the family. A brief visit is entirely appropriate.
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View Schedule →Build a polished, shareable order-of-events for your guests in minutes. Run Sheets makes it easy to create, customise, and share your event schedule — no spreadsheets required.