Funeral services can vary significantly in terms of complexity, duration, and cost. On average, a funeral can range from $4,000 for a basic cremation to over $15,000, depending on the specific services required.
While life insurance can help cover some of the financial aspects, one effective way to prevent burdening your family with funeral costs is to prepare and prepay. By doing so, you not only save money but also spare your loved ones the stress of organizing your funeral during an emotionally overwhelming time.
Keep in mind that funerals are highly personalized, and there is no fixed fee or standard price. However, here’s a basic breakdown of what you might anticipate paying.
Traditional Burial or Cremation?
If you opt for a traditional burial, the cost of the casket significantly impacts the overall expenses.
Depending on the type of casket you select, you could spend anywhere from $800 to $6,000. Additionally, there’s an additional cost of $9,500 to $20,000 for the burial plot (please note that these estimates are based on cemeteries within Sydney as of June 2021).
These costs do not include the funeral director’s fees, professional service charges, floral arrangements, transportation, or other personalized elements.
Choosing cremation is a more economical alternative and has become the preferred funeral service in Australia. With a direct cremation costing around $2,900 or even less, it provides a respectful way for mourners to bid their final farewells while saving a significant amount of money.
Burial Location
Funeral expenses also fluctuate based on the chosen burial location.
Generally, the cost of living in a specific area directly influences the expenses associated with burial. Consequently, in major cities where the cost of living is elevated, the burial costs are correspondingly higher.
The Extras
In addition to the funeral service and casket, there are several additional expenses that can contribute to the overall cost.
These include the fees associated with transferring the body to and from the funeral home, the preparation of the deceased, floral arrangements, funeral vehicles, obtaining the death certificate, and publishing death notices in newspapers or online.
While many funeral services offer comprehensive packages that cover all these aspects, it’s advisable to inquire about a detailed breakdown. This way, you can avoid paying for services or items that you may not require or desire.
Should you Spend More?
The cost of a funeral does not necessarily reflect the depth of your love for the deceased. In fact, your loved one might be surprised to learn that you spent a significant amount on their farewell.
For many people, a simple and respectful send-off suffices—a time for friends and family to pay their respects and celebrate the life of the departed. Most individuals would prefer not to burden their families with debt, so it’s essential to carefully evaluate whether all those additional expenses are truly necessary.
Arranging a Funeral
As a family-owned and operated funeral home, Personal Farewells understands the importance of family, and we’re here to support, guide and help you choose the right funeral service and a meaningful farewell for your loved one.
We offer a range of affordable funerals to help you honour and celebrate their life, with genuine compassion and personalised services to suit your requirements.
Call us on 1300 95 95 33, email us at [email protected], or fill out our contact form for more information and support to help you through the funeral process.
Losing someone close to you is one of the hardest things we ever have to face. For many of us, burying a loved one is how we say goodbye in an extremely special and personal way that is hard for any other kind of service to match. But what if burial isn’t your first choice?
Cremations offer a more straightforward and respectful alternative that can produce beautiful memories just as powerful as laying our beloved family members and friends to rest.
Here at Personal Farewells, we strive to help our clients send off their loved ones in a memorable way that is respectful of their wishes.
In this blog, we’ll be exploring the differences between cremations and burials, delving deeper into exactly what is involved in the cremation process, to give you a better idea if this is the right fit for your particular circumstances.
What is a Direct Cremation?
Direct Cremation is a simple and affordable option for those who prefer a no-fuss approach to their final arrangements. Unlike other options, there is no funeral or ceremony involved. Instead, the process is handled quickly and efficiently, with the remains returned to the family in an urn.
This option is not only cost-effective, but it also provides flexibility and convenience for families who may wish to plan a memorial service at a later time. With Direct Cremation, loved ones can rest assured that their final wishes are being met while also honouring their memory in a meaningful way.
Difference between a Burial and a Cremation
When it comes to saying goodbye to a loved one, there are a number of options available. Two popular choices are burial and direct cremation.
A burial involves placing the body of the deceased in a casket and burying it in the ground. This often includes a funeral service, where friends and family gather to pay their respects.
Direct cremation involves the immediate cremation of the body without any service prior to cremation. However, there are also regular cremation arrangements available that do offer such things as viewings and service prior to the cremation taking place.
Following the cremation, the ashes are typically returned to the family, who can then choose to scatter or keep them.
While each option has its benefits and drawbacks, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and beliefs.
Direct Cremation Process
Many people who are looking for a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for their loved one’s final disposition are turning to direct cremation. This increasingly popular method involves cremating the body without a traditional funeral service or viewing beforehand. Some of the key elements involved in a Direct Cremation include:
Body Preparation
Prior to the cremation, the body must be prepared for the process. One question often asked is how long the body can be kept before cremation. Generally, a body can be kept for up to ten days before it needs to be cremated. Another frequently asked question is whether clothes are removed before cremation. This depends on the wishes of the family or the deceased’s instructions. In most cases, the body is cremated with clothes on.
Need for a Coffin
In Australia, it is a legal requirement to use a coffin for every cremation.
Duration of Cremation
Typically, the process takes anywhere from one to three hours depending on factors such as the size of the individual and the type of cremation equipment used. At this difficult time, it’s reassuring to know that the direct cremation process is carried out with the utmost professionalism and care.
Handling of Ashes
Cremation and the handling of ashes are carried out with the greatest degree of professionalism and care. Only one body is cremated individually to ensure that the ashes remain separate. Additionally, each set of ashes is removed from the cremation chamber and placed in a separate container so there is no risk of different ashes getting mixed together.
In Australia, it is possible to keep the ashes at home, as there are no laws against it. Though some local councils may have their own regulations around scattering ashes in public spaces, there is generally no legal restriction on keeping ashes at home.
Personal Farewells Respectful Cost-Conscious Direct Cremations
At Personal Farewells, we understand the importance of giving your loved one a respectful and meaningful goodbye. However, we also believe that this doesn’t have to come with an overwhelming cost. With our direct cremation services, we offer a cost-conscious option while still maintaining the utmost care and dignity for your loved one.
We strive to make this process as stress-free as possible for you and ensure that you feel confident in choosing us to handle this important task.
We offer Direct Cremation Services for $2,990
Our Direct Cremation / NSNA services include;
24/7 Customer care and support
Transfer into our care anytime within Sydney or Wollongong
We service ALL AREAS OF NSW, including Sutherland Shire, Wollongong and Campbelltown
Additional fees apply for all areas outside of these regions
There are NO additional costs for after-hours, weekends or public holidays
Medical and Cremation Certificate
Cremation Coffin
Crematorium Cremation Fees
Cremation at Macquarie Park Crematorium, North Ryde, NSW or Woronora Memorial Park, Sutherland, NSW
Additional fees apply for cremation at other crematoriums
Standard-size cremation coffin included
Registration and Death Certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
Basic Mortuary Care / Professional Service Fees
Collection of ashes from our Heathcote, Neutral Bay or Canterbury offices (by appointment), or complimentary personal delivery within Sydney and Wollongong
Should you have any further questions on any details of our packages don’t hesitate to contact us.
When it comes to honouring our loved ones who have passed, choosing between cremation and burial can be a difficult decision. While burials have long been a traditional method of laying the deceased to rest, cremation offers a simpler and more cost-effective solution.
Beyond the practical considerations, cremation also offers a way to celebrate and remember our loved ones in a unique and meaningful way. From scattering ashes in a favourite location to preserving them in a beautiful urn, the possibilities with cremation extend far beyond the traditional funeral service. Ultimately, whether to choose cremation or burial will depend on individual beliefs and preferences, but it is important to understand the benefits and details of each option before making a decision.
During difficult times, it’s important to have a team of experts to guide you through the challenging process of saying goodbye to a loved one. Personal Farewells understands the importance of creating a special memorial and we’re here to offer our support.
Premium Direct Cremations in Sydney is one of our specialties, and we strive to provide the highest level of service to ensure a respectful farewell. Our compassionate and personalised approach helps make the process as smooth as possible, ensuring that every individual is treated with the utmost respect and care. If you’re in need of support during this difficult time, we’re here for you.
Call us on 1300 95 95 33; we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can provide the honest advice and support you need at this time.
For any of your Direct Cremation arrangements, why not contact us today?
When a loved one passes away, we are left with many difficult decisions to make. The process of saying goodbye and planning for the future can seem like a daunting task, especially when it comes to final arrangements.
If you’re interested in cremation services, you may be wondering what it entails and how much this service costs. Here at Personal Farewells with years of experience in the industry, we’re here to answer all your questions.
We’ve put together this blog to provide an overview of the cremation process and any likely associated costs. We hope this can prove to be useful in selecting a respectful dignified manner to say goodbye to your loved one.
What is a Direct Cremation?
Direct cremation is a straightforward process that has gained popularity in recent years due to its simplicity and affordability. It involves the cremation of a body without any ceremony or funeral service. Instead, the ashes are returned to the family or loved ones in a simple urn, allowing them to decide on their own way of memorialising the deceased.
Direct cremation provides the opportunity for families to focus on grieving and healing rather than the stress of planning a funeral. At the same time, it is a respectful and dignified way to say goodbye to a loved one. If you’re considering direct cremation for yourself or a family member, it’s important to understand the exact process and how it can make an emotional time a little bit easier to manage.
What’s Involved in the Cremation Process?
Direct cremation is a simple and dignified way to handle the remains of a loved one. There are several steps involved in the direct cremation process, but they are generally straightforward.
First, the deceased is transferred to the funeral home. Then, the necessary paperwork is obtained, including the death certificate and authorisation for cremation. The body is then placed in a cremation coffin and taken to the crematorium. After the cremation, the remains are returned to the family.
This process offers a simple and more affordable option for those who wish to avoid the traditional funeral expenses. Although it may seem like a straightforward process, it is important to consider all options and make an informed decision that aligns with personal beliefs and preferences.
Should you have any further questions on the cremation process, our team (insert hyperlink) is here to support and guide you through this process with compassion and professionalism.
Direct Cremation Cost
The financial burden of funeral expenses can be overwhelming for grieving families, so it’s important to have a good understanding of the types of expenses that are generally associated with one option over the other.
Cost Comparison to a Burial
Direct cremation offers a cost-conscious option while still providing a respectful final disposition of the deceased. A direct cremation service includes the cremation itself and usually entails no embalming, visitation or formal funeral ceremony. Without the additional expenses of a traditional burial, direct cremation offers a more affordable option that doesn’t compromise the integrity of the final send-off.
In contrast, a burial is a much more involved arrangement that comes with a number of additional expenses such as:
Casket
Burial plot
Funeral director’s costs and professional service fees
Flowers, transport and other personal touches
All of these expenses can add a significant cost to the overall financial outlay for a funeral.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that each family’s situation is unique. Ultimately, the decision between direct cremation and burial should be based on what fits your family’s values and wishes, as well as your budget.
How Much Does a Simple Cremation Cost in Australia?
Simple cremations are a popular option for many families in Australia, providing a respectful way to say goodbye without the added expenses of a traditional funeral service.
While prices can vary depending on your location and individual requirements, you can generally expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,500 for a simple cremation. At this difficult time, it’s important to work with a provider who understands your needs and can deliver a service that honours your loved one’s memory.
Personal Farewells Respectful Cost-Conscious Direct Cremations
Here at Personal Farewells, we’re a proudly independent, family-owned and operated, direct cremations funeral service provider. We offer respectful funeral and cremation services for people from all walks of life and religious backgrounds.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and we understand that cost should be the last thing on your mind during this difficult time. That’s why we want to provide transparency on the cost and all the inclusions that are covered in our services.
We offer Direct Cremation Services for $2,990
Our Direct Cremation / NSNA services include;
24/7 Customer care and support
Transfer into our care anytime within Sydney or Wollongong
We service ALL AREAS OF NSW, including Sutherland Shire, Wollongong and Campbelltown
Additional fees apply for all areas outside of these regions
There are NO additional costs for after-hours, weekends or public holidays
Medical and Cremation Certificate
Cremation Coffin
Crematorium Cremation Fees
Cremation at Macquarie Park Crematorium, North Ryde, NSW or Woronora Memorial Park, Sutherland, NSW.
Additional fees apply for cremation at other crematoriums
Standard-size cremation coffin included
Registration and Death Certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
Basic Mortuary Care / Professional Service Fees
Collection of ashes from our Heathcote, Neutral Bay or Canterbury offices (by appointment), or complimentary personal delivery within Sydney and Wollongong
Should you have any further questions on any details of our packages don’t hesitate to contact us.
Direct cremation has become an increasingly popular option for many families who want to celebrate the life of their loved ones in a simpler, more intimate way.
Compared to traditional burials, direct cremation is more cost-effective and can help eliminate many of the stressors that come with planning a full funeral service. With burial costs continuing to rise, direct cremation offers a practical and budget-friendly solution, without sacrificing the personalisation and dignity that your loved one deserves. At a time when finances and emotions run high, direct cremation can help alleviate some of the financial burdens, allowing you to focus on remembering and honouring your loved one in a way that is meaningful to you.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and we understand that first-hand. That’s why we at Personal Farewells are committed to providing premium direct cremations in Sydney, with personalised service that honours and celebrates the life of your loved one.
Our one-on-one care extends beyond just practical arrangements, we’re here to offer compassionate support during this difficult time. Let us help you create a meaningful farewell that truly reflects your loved one’s life and legacy.
Call us on 1300 95 95 33; we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can provide the honest advice and support you need at this time.
For any of your Direct Cremation arrangements, why not contact us today?
Losing a child is something that no parent should ever have to experience, and the heartbreaking reality of losing a child through stillbirth can be a tough hardship to endure. Grieving parents often feel an incredible sense of loss that may make the mourning process particularly difficult.
In these trying times, it is essential for families and friends to provide emotional support in any way they can, ensuring that grieving mothers and fathers don’t have to face the pain alone. With understanding, patience and love, a family can start to heal, even while enduring immense grief.
Here at Personal Farewells, we understand that experiencing the loss of stillbirth can be one of life’s most difficult and heartbreaking realities. It is for this reason that we are deeply committed to providing our clients with all the help and support they need during this challenging time.
We have written this blog to provide some insight and comfort into what accompanies the funeral of a stillborn, helping our clients towards healing during such times of tragic loss.
What’s Involved
As a starting point it’s necessary to understand any applicable legal requirements. The standard definition used for stillbirths in Australia is a foetal death prior to the birth of a baby born at 20 weeks gestation or more, and/or weighing 400 grams or more. In most states and territories, it’s a legal requirement to arrange a burial or cremation for your stillborn baby.
Although funerals for stillborns can be challenging to organise, the process is an essential and important part of mourning for families.
With the compassionate help of funeral professionals, parents can be supported during this difficult time as they take steps toward healing by honouring their precious baby in a meaningful way. Planning a funeral for a stillborn child is never easy, but it offers families a way to start to come to terms with their loss and begin the journey of grief.
We Can Help You During this Difficult Time
At Personal Farewells, we strive to provide sympathetic and respectful support for our clients. Our funerals for stillborns are designed as a lasting tribute to commemorate the short lives of these dearly beloved babies. With our client’s well-being as a priority, our services have been designed to provide a number of key features.
High-Touch Customised Service
We understand how difficult a stillbirth can be for parents. That is why our High-Touch Customised Stillborn Funeral Service provides the compassion and care needed during this time. Each of our services is tailored to meet each family’s needs, so they can honour their baby in a way that feels right for them.
Our team takes the time to explain our services and answer any questions parents may have before, during, or after the funeral ceremony. We believe that communication is an essential part of providing compassionate care. Our team is dedicated to remaining easily accessible and open in order to ensure that parents are aware of how they can be supported during this difficult time.
Flexible Funeral Arrangements
We strive to make funeral arrangements for a stillborn child as flexible and respectful as possible. We provide parents with a range of options to give their baby an appropriate send-off, from an intimate gathering for close family members to creating meaningful memories with special mementos designed just for them.
Some of the options we offer include:
Private viewing at our viewing room
Arranging hand, feet and finger prints for keepsake memorial options
Options for special moments and memories such as meaningful photos
Understanding that there is an extreme level of grief after the loss of a baby, we do not add any unnecessary financial fees, removing any unnecessary financial stress in such an emotional time.
With our compassionate and experienced service, we ensure that each funeral is tailored according to the wishes of the family so they are able to say goodbye in the way they feel most comfortable. We take pride in providing a lasting tribute that pays tribute not only to the life of their precious baby, but also brings comfort during this heartbreaking time.
Unmatched Support For Family & Love Ones
We are dedicated to providing compassionate, professional support in the difficult times following a stillbirth. We take pride in delivering 24/7 personalised guidance and comfort when families are dealing with the heartbreaking loss of their unborn child.
With sensitivity and understanding, we help families to understand their options for organising a funeral that will properly commemorate the life of their beloved baby. Families can lean on us and trust that their loved one will be cared for with compassion and thoughtfulness, helping them to find some solace in an unimaginably tough situation.
Funerals for stillborns are heartbreaking events that no family should ever have to endure. Yet, with the right support and guidance, it can be the first step in allowing a grieving family to move forward with their lives.
A funeral provides closure much needed after the loss of a beloved child who never had the chance to come into this world. It is an essential part of the healing process and allows those mourning to start on the path toward letting go and coping with the pain. Professionals who specialise in counselling have a unique understanding of how families cope when facing traumatic loss; as such, it is recommended that a trusted resource be found during these trying times.
We hope this blog has been informative and has given you further insights into such a sensitive subject.
Personal Farewells is dedicated to providing families with lasting memories and closure after the death of a loved one, especially when it comes to stillborn funerals. We provide a 24×7 high-touch, customised service that caters specifically to the needs and wishes of those grieving.
In addition, we provide flexible funeral arrangements giving parents a range of options to give their baby a send-off suited to their specific needs. Above all else, our mission is to provide unmatched support for family and friends along every step on their path of grieving and healing.
Should you have any further questions or would like to discuss any matter in detail, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Funeral services vary greatly in complexity, length and also cost, with an average funeral costing anywhere from $4,000 for a basic cremation, to over $10,000 depending on the service required.
In Australia, the term next of kin is a person’s spouse, de facto partner or closest living relative above 18.
When a person dies, their affairs need to be finalised. Typically, this starts with notifying family and friends of their passing, making funeral arrangements, and ends with the administration of their assets and finalising financial affairs.
Unless there’s another emergency contact listed, a person’s next of kin is the first person notified in these circumstances. When a loved one dies, in most cases a next of kin is responsible for making legal decisions, organising the funeral, and managing their estate (an estate is all the money and property that the deceased owns upon their death).
Where there is a Will, the executors are responsible for administering the deceased’s estate. If there is no valid Will, the next of kin can carry out these responsibilities.
How to determine Next of Kin
The legal order of priority used to identify the next of kin is as follows:
– Spouse or domestic partner (same sex couples included)
– Adult children
– Parents
– Adult siblings (the eldest sibling takes priority)
– Any person who was a representative for the deceased immediately before death
Are you a next of kin and need assistance with what’s required and steps involved to farewell your loved one?
As a family owned and operated funeral service provider, Personal Farewells understands the importance of family, and we’re here to support, guide and help you through this process.
A recommendation means everything, especially when seeking support with big life challenges and to that end Stephanie and her team are at all times attentive, calm and caring.Thankyou Stephanie for being so prompt and obliging when supporting Susan and myself organise our Mother's service.Kind Regards Graeme Hadenham
I highly recommend Stephanie and Personal farewells .What a beautiful , empathetic angel that guided me through a very sad and stressful time .From my first email to my last call to the most beautiful service with touches of love and magic that have never been offered by others .I choose personal farewells because of their stand out reviews that are so well deserved .Honestly you will not be disappointed with the way and above service , communication, care.I highly recommend the beautiful doves and Stephanie will be there to gently guide you through your sad and difficult time .Thankyou so much for a beautiful farewell for mum 🕊️🤍
The whole experience from first contact to final stage was excellent, professional and dignified. Thank you, Stephanie, for helping to realise our father’s final wishes. We highly recommend Personal Farewells.
Arranging a funeral at short notice seemed a daunting task, but with Stephanie's guidance all the details came together quickly and we were able organise a service with personal touches that was what we wanted. The photos were easy to upload and there was no problem with my choice of songs to be played during the service.
Stephanie was recommended to me at the time that our dear Dad moved to palliative care and his care facility asked us to nominate a funeral director. It was so confronting. However, my very first conversation with Stephanie put me at ease and she answered all of my questions thoughtfully and compassionately. When our Dad passed away I was so relieved to know that Stephanie was going to support us. She was gentle, reassuring, highly professional and understood that we wanted a celebration of Dads life. We never felt pressured and Stephanie went out of her way to ensure that everything went smoothly. Not only did she check in with us regularly about the details of the funeral, but she also spent time checking in on us to see how we were travelling.The funeral was absolutely beautiful - a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man. As many other people have mentioned - Stephanie is genuine and kind. It is often the little things that speak volumes about a person. For example, when Stephanie collected the garments that Dad would wear we noticed how carefully she placed them in her car. This care and respect was shown by all of the staff who we interacted with at personal farewells. Not only was our Father treated with the utmost respect and dignity, our whole family was well supported during this very difficult time. We are truly grateful and would not hesitate in recommending Personal Farewells to others.
When you are faced with a sudden and painful loss, you need to have someone who genuinely and gently moves you to a Farewell frame of mind. Last thing anyone needs at that point in time is a corporate way of selling a funeral service. Stephanie is an amazing soul who was destined to be in this role, the value and honour was everything a grieving son could have hoped and needed. I would highly recommend Stephanie and Personal Farewells staff. I would say just go and meet Stephanie you'll know immediately Personal Farewells are above excellent.
We cannot recommend Stephanie from Personal Farewells enough for her expertise in organising my brother's funeral during such a traumatic time. Stephanie was recommended to us, and from our very first conversation we knew we had found the right person who would effectively guide us in arranging a memorial service that my brother so richly deserved. Stephanie is warm, empathetic and very efficient - nothing was too much trouble. Thank you so much Stephanie and to your team for your professionalism, support and genuine care in making our highly emotional situation bearable.
We cannot speak highly enough of Stephanie and Personal Farewells. Her warmth, empathy, understanding and guidance helped us plan the perfect farewell for our husband and dad. His passing was very sudden and unexpected yet her gentle nature and professionalism gave us a sense of calm and reassurance during what was a traumatic time for our family. From our first meeting, we knew Personal Farewells was not only a business name but the very nature of Stephanie. Her ability to understand someone's life, to ensure they have the most perfect and fitting farewell is amazing. Stephanie'shelp, support and follow up both during the planning of the service and afterwards meant so much and we cannot thank her enough for helping us have positive memories of what was the most difficult time of our life.
We are so grateful that we chose Personal Farewells which is local and family run. Stephanie has been amazing, professional, kind, compassionate and so so helpful.We cannot speak more highly of the personal and special service provided by Stephanie and Personal Farewells and highly recommend them.Thank you Stephanie!
We are very happy to send this review, along with our sincere thanks to Stephanie and her colleagues at Personal Farewells.Her professionalism and genuine kindness was exceptional, and nothing was missed in preparing for our dear mother's funeral.Every aspect of the ceremony was covered and things were explained clearly to us when we had questions.My family and I would have no hesitation in recommending Personal Farewells to anyone looking to give their loved one a caring and thoughtful farewell.
It is with deepest appreciation that I write this review for Personal Farwell Funerals. Stephanie Kelly, Farewell Director, ensured everything was organised efficiently and with the attention to detail and thoughtfulness that can only be found in a family-run business that places its clients at the center of everything they do. Always courteous and professional, Stephanie took the time to listen and understand what we wanted to express and the atmosphere we wanted to create to honour our loved one, and then caringly guided our thinking so that our wishes were realised. From the moment we met Stephanie we knew she was the best person to entrust with our loved one’s funeral. and she went above and beyond our expectations.I hope this review serves to both thank Stephanie and Personal Farewells for standing beside our family at one of the most difficult times of our lives and provides others the opportunity to benefit from the service and care of this highly professional and independently run family business.
After the loss of my beautiful Mum I wanted to go with a small family run funeral Directors business .Personal Farewells didn't disappoint, Stephanie took care of what was needed and I could get in contact and ask her anything I needed. In those hard times it's so important . I would recommendPersonal Farewells.🌻
Our friend referred Stephanie to us after her own father passed away. We were grateful to have Stephanie's help during the difficult time after my mother-in-law's passed. She is a very compassionate, kind and helpful funeral director. She was generous with her time and explained the entire process to us. Her personal touch and care really meant a lot to us. We highly recommend Stephanie to anyone who is looking for an excellent funeral director. Thank you so much, Steph!
Stephanie arranged our Mother's funeral. We couldn't be happier that we chose Stephanie/ Personal Farewells it was one of the best decisions we made in a difficult time. Stephanie was professional and caring, she was genuine and authentic professionally and personally. She made the process easy and comfortable , she is experienced and knowledgeable and responded to us kindly and promptly. She made great suggestions and everyone at the service loved the finishing touches of Personal Farewells eg beautiful visual tribute, lovely quality printed service booklets. Thank you Stephanie for making our Mum's farewell an extra special event.
Stephanie was a standout choice for us. From seeing the 5 star reviews we totally understand why she deserves every one. It was such wonderful experience to have contact with the one person from our initial enquiry through to the conclusion of the service. The whole experience was made that much more special by Stephanies caring and gental nature. This is a small business and it was a personal touch. We could not offer any area for improvement because it was just perfect! Could not fault one thing. Thank you Stephanie. x
Our family was very happy with the attention to detail and honest sincerity that Stephanie showed us in planning for our Mum's funeral, while we were still in a state of shock at her passing. Everyone said after the funeral it was a beautiful ceremony, and we feel we gave her the best possible goodbye 'until we meet again'. Stephanie is a wonderful person for whom nothing is too much trouble. Personal Farewells is highly recommended.
Stephanie from Personal Farewells led us through the process gently & expertly, providing a beautiful, simple Memorial Service for our husband & father. Everything was better than I could have wished. I highly recommend both Personal Farewells & their celebrant Jacqueline Dee.
Stephanie is the person you want for your loved ones service. Amazing, calm, kind and compassionate.Stephanie an absolute professional with our planning and was a clam face in a highly emotional time.I can’t recommend her enough. Your loved one is in good hands.
Plunged into the unfamiliar territory of organising a funeral service for our father, my sister and I felt immediately at ease after contacting Stefanie. She was extremely professional and empathetic. She gave us excellent guidance and encouraged us to express our wishes with regards to the service and happily encorporated our ideas. With Stefanie's help we had a lovely funeral for our father. Thank you Stefanie and Personal Farewells.
After the sudden passing of my father I was very shaken with grief & left heart broken.Among all the confusion & unsure what to do first, I reached out & made the difficult phone call to Stephanie.From the moment Stephanie answered my call she has been nothing but compassionate, caring and her gentle nature during this extremely stressful time.Once myself & my family had arranged to meet with Stephanie to start planning dads Service it was very clear we had to use personal farewells. We all smiled at each other outside the office and said‘ yes ‘ we have found our lady!Stephanie constantly kept in contact with me along the way, helped me with dads visual slideshow presentation ( which I had no idea how to do) , the order of service Card & organising the flowers and the memorabilia for Dads Memorial table. Everything was stress- free and just went so smoothly. The service was so beautiful, dad would have been really impressed. I cant recommend Stephanie highly enough.Stephanie definitely takes the added pressure away and knows exactly what she is doing.Because personal farewells are family owned and operated with their clear honest pricing we could give dad the send off he so deserves not worrying about financials in a time filled with sadness & grief.From the bottom of my heart Stephanie myself & my family want to Thankyou for your ongoing support before, during and after Dads Service you have been truly amazing. We will reach out to you again in the future x
Stephanie was a breath of fresh air at a difficult time. She was understanding, helpful and kind. We didn't know where to start and she guided us smoothly through the entire process. I think the name of her business is perfect - it felt personal, every step of the way. Thank you Stephanie. We're so glad we stumbled across you.
Stephanie was wonderful right from our first meeting. She was incredibly empathic, professional, and supportive in all aspects of our mum’s funeral. Highly recommend.
Wonderful and empathetic: first class.Stephanie organised my mother's recent funeral. She immediately made us feel at ease and went out of her way to help us with everything… nothing was too much trouble. Stephanie showed great warmth, empathy and professionalism and thanks to her the funeral was lovely – exactly as Mum would have wanted it.Stephanie truly cares, and it shows. We cannot thank her enough.
I recently engaged Stephanie to assist with the funeral arrangements for my father. From our first phone call through to the funeral itself, she was a reassuring guide in this difficult process. Stephanie went out of her way to make things easier for my family in a myriad of different ways and we found her to be caring, professional, hardworking and reliable. Stephanie managed a very tight timeframe extremely well and she and her team were an inobtrusive and supportive presence on the day of the funeral. Everything went exactly to plan and I know that my father would have been so pleased with his final farewell.
We used Personal Farewells to arrange my Dad’s funeral, which was a beautiful and fitting tribute and a wonderful celebration of his life. I would highly recommend Personal Farewells, as they make this painful process so much easier. Stephanie is an absolute delight, and her team of suppliers were brilliant to work with as they guided and supported us during a very difficult time. They were compassionate, thoughtful and fully transparent with pricing and service.
It is always a pleasure to see #personal funerals providing the ultimate of attention to detail. Accompanied with the personal service that I have observed.
I cannot speak highly enough about this company. Stephanie was my first contact. She was so caring and helpful. Nothing requested was too much trouble. Stephanie was so patient and never too busy to answer questions, help with arrangements for our farewell for our father and let us have our final goodbye.I have no hesitation in recommending Personal Farewells. I hope you get to meet Stephanie. She is a very special person.
We had Stephanie at Personal Farewells recommended to us through a friend of a friend & we are extremely glad that we did. Stephanie was warm, empathetic & supportive throughout the whole funeral planning process & on the day of the service. She was extremely efficient & in constant communication with us. Every one of my (numerous) calls & emails was responded to almost immediately. The funeral service was flawless & was everything we could have hoped for in making it a beautiful celebration of my Mum’s life. Stephanie ensured that an incredibly difficult time was made as easy as it could be in regards to planning & organisation. We will be forever grateful that Stephanie was recommended us & that we used Personal Farewells.
Stephanie was warm, welcoming and professional throughout the whole process. She was available, helpful and delivered on all agreements. She made a very difficult process that would be hard to navigate at the best of times, achievable. Her presence and assistance reassured us that all would go well and it did.
I first contacted Personal Farewells after reading their glowing reviews and I liked the fact that they were a family owned independent service who showed their costs upfront.Planning my dear mum’s funeral seemed a bit daunting but after talking to Stephanie I felt calmer and more confident that I could give her the farewell she deserved.On arrival at their premises we were greeted by Stephanie with warmth, compassion and respect, she showed a genuine interest in hearing about my mother’s life.Stephanie helped us create a beautiful service and went out of her way to help my daughter with the slide show when we experienced technical difficulties.On the day of my mother’s funeral Stephanie was a reassuring presence and co-ordinated everything perfectly.We are so happy we chose Personal Farewells.. Thanks again Stephanie and your team.
Genuinely difficult to imagine what Stephanie and her team could’ve done better to make the event more special and beautiful than it was. Not an easy time for the family, hence having Steph in your corner, who provides a perfect mix of empathy and compassion, coupled with being a highly effective and seasoned operator is absolutely priceless. Everything you did is much appreciated; thank you!
Personal Farewells were excellent. Stephanie was very helpful in such a stressful time. She had great communication and ideas as we weren't having a traditional funeral. She followed everything right through to the end.
From our first chat Stephanie was amazing. Organising a funeral is never easy and being interstate even more difficult. Stephanie was always responsive, went above and beyond (viewed a venue for me before I hadn’t yet engaged her), met me on a weekend when I flew in and really listened to who my dad was. She helped gently guide me, was respectful and had great ideas on incorporating my dads many quirks! Stephanie also matched me with the perfect celebrant to run the service (Sharon Swinbourne). I am truly thankful for the amazing efforts and take a lot of comfort from that day in June knowing that my dad would have truly loved his own celebration! Thank you again Stephanie 😊
Stephanie and all of her staff at Personal Farewells were wonderful throughout the entire process for two recent family funerals, we did not have any worries as we new we were in caring hands. They are extremely empathic and well organised, we cannot recommend Personal Farewells more highly.
Highly recommend Personal Farewells. Stephanie was wonderful and looked after all our needs when we lost our precious Mum. Can’t thank her and Personal Farewells enough.
Stephanie and her team provided a first-rate farewell for my Mother at the Audley Dance Hall recently. Steph is a pleasure to deal with, kind, compassionate and very thorough, nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend.
My mother passed away in February, 2022. Personal Farewells did a sterling job in guiding and helping us through everything that had to be done. They also put us in contact with a wonderful celebrant who helped us organise a memorial service.
Our dear mother passed away last week and during a very emotional and highly vulnerable period Stephanie and her team were exceptional! She walked us through the entire process. Not only did she come to our house to discuss the arrangements on a Sunday, she handled everything including catering. She was in contact continuously - and on the very rare occasion I had a question she responded very quickly either via email, text or phone.Personal Farewells customer service is second to none. Irrespective what we needed we never ever felt rushed. Mandy’s, Stephanie’s and Corey’s genuineness came through in spades!If I could give a higher rating, I would! Such a lovely, caring, warm, professional and genuinely empathetic team of people. Thank you Stephanie and your entire team, for making a very challenging and highly emotional situation not only manageable but very, very beautiful!!
Thank you so much Stephanie for making our Mum's funeral last Friday so special. You couldn't be more professional yet still be so caring.Nothing was too much trouble .
Personal Funerals were amazing. From the first phone call with Stephanie everything went smoothly with my Dad’s funeral. She helped us in every step without being intrusive, she listened and guided us to give the funeral Dad would of wanted. Stephanie put us in touch with a beautiful celebrant Sharon Swanbourne who also listened to us and endless stories about Dad so much I have had many people who were at the funeral or watched it ask if Stephanie or Sharon were family friends as they made it so personal. If I could give 10 stars rating I would. Karan Rogers
I would like to say a huge thankyou to Personal Farewells after the wonderful send off they provided for my sister last week, Thankyou so much Stephanine you went above & beyong, you and your team were very professional and compassionate.Would highly recommend.
We were completely satisfied with Stephanie and her team from Personal Farewells. Highly recommended and happy to provide further feedback should anyone like to reach out.
What can I say but thankyou so much.Stephanie you're amazing you helped so much when I lost both my husband and my Mum arranging the memorial thankyou Personal Farewells
I would on behalf of my family like to extend our sincere thanks to Stephanie and Personal Farewells for the dignified and empathetic manner in which they conducted our father Major General Prem Chowdry's funeral in Sydney in April 2022. It was a difficult time for the family and Stephanie was there holding our hands and guiding us from the start to the final farewell showing sensitivity to the cultural and religious aspects as well as the planning and organisation required for the funeral arrangements. We cannot thanks Stephanie enough for the support and guidance she gave us and I would recommend her to anyone in a similar situation bidding farewell to their loved ones.
My family found the support provided by Personal Farewells to be professional, sensitive and really supportive right from my initial enquiry, through to all the organisation required to arrange my relative’s funeral service and then managing all the legal documentation required.Stephanie Kelly, the Funeral Director was very responsive to our request for a home visit and was able to reassure my sister that her wishes for her Funeral Service would be genuinely respected. She was empathic, provided helpful information and answered our questions, no matter how trivial.Stephanie provided considerable support and guidance with such practical issues as organising the slide show, music and even researching the availability of the specifically requested coffin. All information provided re costs was clear and transparent, with no unexpected extras. We found the service provided allayed all our anxieties about having to arrange a funeral that was a fitting, memorable and affordable farewell to my sisterMy sister’s wish for a family run Funeral Service that offered a personalised and compassionate service turned out to be a wise decision.I thank Stephanie for her warmth and extensive support with our family’s farewell for my sister.Lynne Chapman
It was a phone call with dire news that we received from a selected FD that saw us quickly looking for another Funeral director that would hopefully turn our already stressful situation into one that we had hoped wouldn't be.Stephanie and her team were the epitome of ease, professionalism, compassion and a literal 'always available whenever you need her'. Never too occupied or busy to call back and if we could give her and her team 10 stars we would!. It's the small things that make the difference always making sure my Father's final farewell was not only personal but forever memorable for my family and I. In the chaos of what seemed to be a thousand things to do during my Fathers service Stephanie and her team were there every step of the way..Always in the background always helping where she can. If you're reading this far do yourself a favour and call. You will not regret it! May you also experience a beautiful, memorable and personal farewell for your dear loved ones.