Funeral Director Joshua Paul from Wagga’s Alan Harris McDonald said a conversation now avoids added stress during a time of grief. Photo: Supplied.
Few words can truly describe the passing of a loved one. The sense of grief and loss is simply overwhelming, let alone dealing with the practicalities of what comes next. For many, the organisational tasks that come with placing our departed to rest are simply too great to bear.
If you have suddenly found yourself planning a funeral, the support of a dedicated service can help. Funeral and cremation services offer the helping hands needed to plan, coordinate, and execute funeral arrangements. The assistance they provide is certainly wide-ranging, though ultimately, they aim to ease the emotional toil during this difficult time.
If you are recently bereaved or are preparing ahead of time, finding the right funeral and cremation service is key. As always, ensure you are properly informed before making any final decisions. For those ready to explore further, see below for our shortlist of Wagga Wagga’s best funeral and cremation services.
What makes a great funeral and cremation service?
Great funeral and cremation services respectfully honour our departed, in a fitting and memorable way. When considering options, the following considerations may help:
- Compassionate. In delicate times the best service providers deliver sympathetic care. Here genuine compassion and sincerity is what really separates the best from the rest. Often, the only way to assess this is to see for yourself and meet with a few potential providers. Reflect on their connection, natural ability to build rapport, and whether they instinctively put you at ease. Ultimately the right service will make you feel the most comfortable of all.
- Reputable. In the absence of government regulation, the funeral industry remains largely self-regulated. In industries devoid of such standards, the best way to assess providers is often by their reputation. Generally, the leading providers are also the most reputable and esteemed. Moreover, reputable services are also likely to have been in business for many decades, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. Many are also members of peak industry body, the Australian Funeral Directors Association.
- Personalised. While a funeral or memorial service is not essential, many elect to acknowledge their dearly departed in this way. Whether to honour final wishes or celebrate a life well lived, a personalised touch is key. Here, the best funeral or cremation services work hard to devise custom options and tailored solutions for clients. Therefore, reflect on your requests and find a provider willing to support them.
- Clear costs. Any funeral or cremation no matter how large or small bears a cost. From professional fees and disbursements through to product and services charges there is much to consider. Inevitably, the best providers devise service plans befitting both budget and need. Importantly, they exercise fully transparent over costs, providing itemised breakdowns, ins and outs, along with contractual terms. Given the investment, be sure to review carefully.
- Flexible. In times of grief and loss, a little flexibility and understanding goes a long way. The best funeral and cremation services are only too happy to oblige, orchestrating all in their power to help. Whether it be tweaks to finer details, time changes, or additional viewings, each request should be met gracefully. Finally, be sure to understand your consumer and contract rights and the impact these may have on changes.
The best funeral or cremation services in Wagga
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Wagga series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars on both Google and Facebook reviews.
Alan Harris McDonald
With a reputation for considered, compassionate, and comforting funeral care, Alan Harris McDonald stand as one of the regions premier funeral and cremation service providers. Having played an integral role in the local Wagga Wagga community since 1928, lead funeral directors, Joshua Paul and Gemma Lamont, assist in each and every aspect that comes with organising and conducting a funeral service.
For a service befitting your beloved memory, look no further an Alan Harris McDonald.
Kieran Krause shared this sentiment on Google, “We recently lost an amazing person in our life. Michael was an absolute pleasure to deal with. Nothing was too big or small he just made it happen. He made the celebration absolutely perfect. We as a family cannot thank you guys enough.”
Bance Funeral Services
Since first opening their doors in 1974, Bance Funeral Services have remained local, independent, and committed the community they service. Now in their second generation of service, they take pride in creating funeral services that both honour tradition and reflect contemporary ideas.
With full transparent pricing and the ability to tailor a service befitting the individual, Bance Funeral Services can deliver the simplest service through to the most elaborate celebrations of life.
Lydia Pettit had this to share on Google, “So much compassion and they took care of everything. Thank you so much.”
Daniel Woods Funeral Care
Known for their unwavering commitment to the Wagga community, Daniel and Rachel Wood of family-owned Daniel Woods Funeral Care, have assisted countless families in their time of need.
As gentle guides they navigate families through the journey of funeral preparation in a way that both honours loved ones whilst caring for the wellbeing of their bereaved. Offering a range of helpful services and round the clock support they are an excellent choice.
As Stacey Ratliff shared on Google, “We planned our uncles funeral with Daniel Woods and it was such an amazingly smooth process! They went above and beyond to ensure we had a perfect service to send off our uncle.”
If you or a loved one need help with grief and loss contact The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement on 1800 642 066. For round the clock support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Your experience with funeral and cremation services in Wagga
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the funeral and cremation services listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there a variety of service options are available?
Yes, with the most common service options include a direct committal, single service, and dual service. A direct committal is essentially a cremation or burial without a service. Here, a funeral director carries out all arrangements on behalf of the family. For a single service, arrangements are made for the bereaved to attend either a funeral or committal service. Finally, a dual service includes attendance at both a funeral and committal. For further details on each contact your local cemetery, crematorium, or funeral director.
What do cremations and funerals cost?
The funeral costs do vary and are usually dependant on the nature of service and selected inclusions. For example, a cremation service can start from about $4,000, with an elaborate burial being upwards $15,000 or more. There are many elements to consider so be sure to research accordingly.
What types of costs are typically involved with a funeral or cremation?
When arranging a funeral or cremation the final cost is influenced by selected inclusions. These choices include the addition of service or wake; engaging a funeral director and their fess; coffin type and transportation; death certificates and permits; whether a burial or cremation has been elected; and a cemetery plot to name a few. Other expenses encompass a celebrant or clergy, floral arrangements, catering, and public notices.
Who is obligated to pay for funeral and cremation costs?
Generally, the person organising and signing the contract for a funeral or cremation is legally responsible for payment. These costs may be covered as part of the deceased’s estate, or via planned arrangements like pre-paid funerals, funeral bonds or insurance, and life insurance. To understand this further be sure to seek professional advice.
How can a funeral director help?
Funeral directors plan and coordinate arrangements funeral arrangements in accordance with the wishes of the deceased or their relatives. Their role usually entails organising a venue for the service, liaising with celebrants or clergy; completion and lodgement of legal procedures and administration; placement of any press notices; transport and care for the deceased; preparation and viewing; and cremation or burial. Services and costs do vary between services so be sure to do your research.
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