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Personalised funerals

At Rosetown Funeral Home, we believe in the power of personalised funerals. Traditionally, funerals have been pre-packaged, with each service looking very similar. While there is nothing wrong with traditional funerals, we find that adding a personal touch can make the day much more meaningful and memorable. If you have any special ideas or suggestions, we encourage you to share them with us. Our team find satisfaction in turning your wishes into reality. If you’re wondering what we mean by pe...

Practical ways to support a grieving friend

When your loved one is grieving, you can often feel helpless or unsure how to best support them. Although everybody responds to grief differently, offering practical support is always appreciated. It is also something a bit different to things like greeting cards or flowers. Here are some of our recommendations for practical ways to support a grieving friend:Offer to go grocery shopping or deliver a mealWhen experiencing the loss of a loved one, life’s responsibilities can often feel overwhelm...

Why to pre-plan a funeral

Planning a funeral can be an overwhelming experience at a difficult time. A thoughtful way to ease this burden is to pre-plan a funeral service in advance. As well as taking care of loved ones, pre-arranging a funeral will also ensure that final wishes are carried out. Read on for a number of key reasons to consider pre-planning a funeral service.Support for loved onesWhen a person passes on, their loved ones are left to not only deal with their grief but with the burden of funeral planning. Thi...

How to write a meaningful eulogy

Writing a personal eulogy for a loved one is a beautiful way to honour their life. However, we understand that writing a eulogy often inspires feelings of stress and doubt. There are some important things we believe you should consider, such as how the person might like to be remembered, and the audience of your eulogy. To help you with this process we have curated this list of tips for writing a eulogy that you will be proud of.Take a moment to think of your loved oneFor some people, this is th...

Music to play at a funeral

Choosing which music to play at a funeral can be difficult. At Rosetown, we aim to make funeral services as personal and special as possible. That’s why we encourage you to think about what your loved one might want. Would they prefer a more traditional or contemporary funeral service? Would they like hymns or religious songs at their funeral? Did they have an all-time favourite song or artist? Would they prefer songs that are more light-hearted or fun?A funeral service should really reflect t...

Te Awamutu Funeral Venues

Te Awamutu has several different options when it comes to funeral venues. The service could be held at a local funeral home, a church or chapel, an open outdoor space, or somewhere else the person had a connection with. Here are a few options for hosting a funeral service in Te Awamutu.Local Funeral HomeMost funeral homes offer their own venues, complete with everything you need for a standard funeral service. This can also include an area for refreshments after the service. At Rosetown Funeral ...

Ways to celebrate a life

You may want to hold a special memorial service, celebrate their birthday, or commemorate their death anniversary. Here are some creative ideas to celebrate the life of your loved one after the funeral, together with family and friends.Visit Their Favourite PlacesTake a few friends and family members and celebrate your loved one by visiting their favourite place (or places). If going to their favourite place is too difficult, why not have a commemorative lunch at their favourite restaurant or re...

Talking to children about death

Talking to children about death is not easy. Every child is different, and their reactions can be unexpected when a loved one passes on. Here is our advice for helping you to guide your child along their grief journey.Assess Their UnderstandingChildren have different levels of understanding when it comes to death, often depending on how old they are. It's important to find out what they understand and what they don't, as this will help you guide them appropriately. It can be helpful to start you...

Grief support resources

Grief is a natural part of life for all of us, but we don’t have to go through it without support. That’s why we’ve put together a list of helpful bereavement resources to help you and your loved ones through difficult times.Websites & Online CommunitiesThere are countless websites offering grief support and bereavement resources. Many of these websites also work as online communities, including What’s Your Grief. In addition to traditional grief resources, this website provides an i...

What to do with a loved one’s ashes

When a loved one passes on and is cremated, family members are sometimes left wondering what they should do with their ashes. The truth is that this is deeply personal, so the answer will be different for everyone. Some people might want to keep the ashes close to them, others might like to spread the ashes at a meaningful place. Keep reading to find out what the options are, so you can decide which one might be best for you and your family.Scatter The Ashes In A Meaningful PlaceCremation allows...

Dealing with loss over the holidays

For many of us grieving a loss, holidays and meaningful dates can be difficult to cope with. Grief has no time limit, and whether your loved one passed recently or many years ago, it is completely normal to feel their loss more keenly on certain days of the year. To navigate those difficult days, it can be helpful to take part in an activity to celebrate that special person’s life, and to honour your own emotions. Here are some ideas:Create a Christmas ornament or holiday decorationMost of us ...

Benefits of grief counselling

Losing a loved one is a painful and challenging time, and for some of us it can feel overwhelming to navigate the grief alone. This is where grief counselling comes in. It is a form of therapy designed to help individuals cope with the feelings of grief and loss after the passing of a loved one. Here are some of the benefits of grief counselling:Provides a Safe Space to Process EmotionsAfter the death of a loved one, it can be difficult to know how to process your emotions. It is likely that the...

Books to read while grieving

Learning how to keep moving forward after a devasting loss is an ongoing journey. With simple words and comforting advice, books can be a helpful way to cope with feelings of grief. Here are 5 books about grief we recommend:Grief, Loss and How to CopeThis book is a self-guide for difficult times and understanding the common stages of grieving. The authors, Christopher Spriggs and Jess Smallwood, help you explore and process your feelings, supporting you as you find your path through grief.Beyond...

Discussing your final wishes with a loved one

Discussing your final wishes is a sensitive topic to approach and can be a challenging conversation. However, as uncomfortable as it might be it is a crucial discussion to ensure your desires are known and respected when the time comes. Open communication can ease the process for all and provide peace of mind for both you and your loved one.If you’re wanting to discuss your final wishes with someone close to you, but are not sure where to start, these pieces of advice may help you navigate the...

The significance of a personalised memorial service

The concept of memorial services has evolved over the years, transcending traditional norms to embrace a more personalised and meaningful service. Personalised memorial services offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate the life of a departed loved one. In this blog, we delve into the importance of personalised services and explore how they provide comfort and support to grieving families.Honouring IndividualityUnlike generic, one-size-fits-all ceremonies, personalised services allow for a m...

Funerals on a budget

In times of grief and loss, planning a funeral can be an emotionally challenging task. However, the financial burden associated with saying goodbye to a loved one should not compound the stress. Here at Rosetown, we recognise the significance of cherishing the memory of your loved one while being mindful of the costs involved. In this blog, we explore practical and sensitive ways to navigate funerals on a budget. Communication is Key  The first step in planning a budget-friendly f...

Creating meaningful memorial keepsakes

Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of life’s most challenging experiences. As we navigate through grief, we often seek ways to remember and honour those we’ve lost. Memorial keepsakes can provide a tangible connection to cherished memories, offering comfort during difficult times. Here are ten heartfelt ideas for creating memorial keepsakes, which can serve as cherished mementos for family and friends.Custom Jewellery or Handed-Down JewelleryCustom jewellery is a timeless way to keep the ...

Choosing Between Burial & Cremation

Making the decision between a burial and a cremation is a deeply personal one. It is influenced by various factors including religious beliefs, environmental concerns, cost considerations, and personal preferences. As you navigate this important choice, it’s essential to understand the differences of each option. Here we aim to provide you with the information needed to make an informed decision that aligns with your values and wishes.Understanding BurialTraditional BurialTraditional burial in...

What to Consider When Choosing a Funeral Director

Losing someone you love is one of life’s toughest experiences, and dealing with the details of arranging a funeral can make the emotional weight even heavier. During this sensitive time, choosing the right funeral director is crucial. They play a vital role in ensuring that arrangements are handled with care, and according to you and your loved one’s wishes. In this article, we provide tips for choosing a funeral director, who can meet your needs and preferences.Reputation and ExperienceBegi...

Goals to Accomplish Before Your Final Farewell

The saying is true, “time flies,” and the older we get, the faster it seems to go. This is why it’s important to create a list of goals you want to achieve before you bid your final farewell. Whether you want to travel the world, swim with dolphins, or write a book, having a list of goals helps you visualise and work towards accomplishing them. Plus, life feels more exciting when you have something meaningful to look forward to!But where do you begin when creating your list? We’ve put to...

Navigating Grief in the Workplace

At Rosetown Funeral Home, we understand the challenges that grief can bring to your work life. Grief, often overwhelming and unpredictable, can affect concentration, productivity, and emotional stability, leaving both employees and employers navigating uncertain territory. It’s essential to acknowledge that grief doesn’t just stop at the office door—it is natural for it to permeate every aspect of an individual’s life, including the workplace.Here’s a guide to help both employers and e...

The Connection Between Grief and Sleep

Grief can affect us in many ways; physically, emotionally, and mentally. One area often impacted by grief is sleep. When dealing with a loss, you may find it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or even feel fully rested. The fatigue that comes with grief can be profound, leaving you drained in every way possible.Sleep can also become a coping mechanism. For some, the heavy emotions of grief may lead you to sleep more as a way to escape or to manage the day-to-day. However, if you’re noticing tha...

How to Navigate Grief Triggers

Grief is a deeply personal experience. While the initial loss of a loved one is a significant moment, many people continue to feel waves of grief long after the funeral is over. These waves, often referred to as grief triggers, can be unexpected, leaving someone feeling overwhelmed or emotionally unprepared.Below we explore some common grief triggers and how to navigate them with understanding and patience.What Are Grief Triggers?Grief triggers are reminders of the person who has passed away, of...