By Edwina Ellicott, Community Engagement Manager at H.Parsons

Everyone has the right to a dignified and respectful farewell.  In the past we have seen this delivered predominantly through traditional funeral services, steeped in custom, religion or belief.  While many people still prefer this style of funeral, more and more we’re seeing families wanting to put a unique, personalised stamp on their funeral. In essence, they want the funeral to be a reflection of their loved one and they are getting very creative about the ways they do this.  

We encourage families to think about their loved one’s personality and what made them special. Great ways to reflect this uniqueness is through the style and colour of the coffin. From cardboard boxes, wicker baskets, right through to plush wooden caskets with all the trimmings, there are no limits to what can be provided.  

Cardboard coffins are a wonderful canvas to decorate or paint and we’ve delivered these to families’ homes, allowing them to do just that.  The outcome is beautiful, creative and often very healing. It brings friends and family together to reminisce about their loved one.   

Themed coffins are popular too. Surfing themes, favourite comic book characters, nature themes or footy team logos emblazoned on the coffin – it can all be done, as long as it’s legal. A popular choice is the Habitat Casket (pictured). Environmentally friendly, it uses dowels instead of nails or screws and features an innovative split-lid design.

Active involvement in the process is another trend we’re witnessing. The option to dress the deceased in their favourite outfit or assist with washing their loved one is a touching way to say farewell. Many families will bring in personal items to be placed in the coffin or displayed at the funeral.  There are sometimes requests for the deceased’s hair to be styled in a certain way and their favourite lipstick and makeup to be applied. H.Parsons has a mother/daughter embalming team and many families find this very reassuring. Luan and Shawnee are happy to help families with their requests where possible. 

With this trend towards more unique funerals, many people are planning ahead. While friends and family may have your best intentions at heart, no one can really personalise your funeral like yourself. Have those conversations and work together to put your plans in place. Then document your plans through a Funeral Pre-Plan, or even choose a Pre-Paid funeral or select a funeral bond.  The benefit of pre-planning is that it eases the burden for your family during a stressful time, and you get the funeral that you want. 

Ensuring your service is personalised and reflects your wishes, is what we do at H.Parsons. We’ll do our best to make sure it is absolutely special. Come in and say hi to Wes at Bulli, or visit us in Wollongong, Warilla or Dapto.

Bulli: 278 Princes Highway (ph 4284 3163)

Wollongong: 34 Belmore Street (ph 4228 9622)

Warilla: 10 Woolworths Ave (ph 4296 7834)

Dapto: 4 Princes Highway (ph 4262 0400)