Caskets Direct Funeral Coffins , Caskets, Urns & Memorial Jewellery

Keepsake Jewellery

2011-12-31T13:58:00.001-08:00

Keepsake Jewellery Pendants

As many news outlets have noted in recent years and months, keepsake memorial pendants is a growing trend in the memorial industry, one that sometimes captures people by surprise when they first hear of it.

I had no idea that something like this was available until I saw it online, one recent consumer exclaimed as she was placing a telephone order for one of the beautiful pewter pendants, catching on across the country, that feature a unique cobalt blue glass cylinder that stores a tiny portion of any loved one’s cremation ashes.

Keepsake Pendants such as these pieces is definitely a growing trend that is helping many Americans memorialize their loved ones in very specific, very personal ways. And, what’s more, the trend is very affordable. Industry group’s say that the average cost for a traditional burial is about $7,000, but an average cremation costs about $1,500. That leaves the average of about $5,500 to spend on other things, and many choose to use some of that money to buy a variety of keepsake jewellery pieces so that everyone who is mourning the loss of a loved one can keep a piece of him or her nearby for the ages. Because keepsake memorial jewellery pieces can be found for prices as low as $30, many families have begun a tradition of ordering dozens of pieces and distributing them to be worn during a memorial service.

These same families find that sharing of ashes in this way helps when relatives are scattered across the country (or even across the globe) and determining one specific spot in which to permanently display or store the ashes would be a difficult decision. Now, thanks to the growing trend of keepsake memorial jewellery, many families never have to make that decision. They can, very afford-ably, display the ashes in a wide variety of places.

Of course, while price is an important factor in the popularity of keepsake pendants and its emergence as a growing trend, there are plenty of other reasons that consumers buy keepsake jewelry pieces. An amazing variety of keepsake jewelelry is available today, and it can take a huge variety of shapes: heart pendants, oval pendants, even picture pendants are all readily available, and all can be found in sterling silver, gold vermeil and even solid 14 karat gold. The pieces can often be custom tailored to meet even more specific needs: One customer, for example, purchased a lavishly designed, gold keepsake jewelry piece and asked a professional jeweler to attach some special diamonds and other precious jewels to it. These additional jewels had been part of the customer’s deceased wife’s wedding ring and other special pieces, and including them in a beautiful piece that displayed a tiny portion of the woman’s ashes was the perfect tribute, the man said.

Truly, the sky is the limit when designing or just simply choosing a piece of keepsake memorial jewellery that will perfectly memorialize a loved one. That is why memorial jewellery is a growing trend that is helping families across the country celebrate a loved one’s life with dignity and style and, most importantly, a personal touch that cannot be duplicated.

Funeral Costs- What prices to expect when planning a funeral

2011-08-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

Funeral Costs

Below is a conservative guide to the costs involved with organising a funeral. Funeral prices vary from funeral director to funeral director so it pays to shop around.

Please note that the below funeral prices are not an average on today's funeral costs. The below prices are a guide only and a good starting point for planning a funeral and understanding what is involved. You may find you are quoted more or (hopefully) less on any of the below funeral costs.

Please note that these Funeral prices are a guide only. Prices vary from state to state.

Cremation fee $820- $990
Burial fee Starting from $3500+

Choice of burial or cremation plus some or all of the below expenses

Funeral Coffin/ Casket Costs

Basic coffins
Paper veneer chip board
or MDF coffin with cheap plastic handles $780- $2200

Solid timber coffins
Pine wood coffins starting from $2700
Solid Oak timber coffin $4150.00

Funeral caskets $5,000- $11,800.00

A coffin has a tapered end and a casket is rectangular with a large hinged lid.

AFFORDABLE SOLID TIMBER COFFIN ALTERNATIVES-Caskets Direct solid timber coffins $1299 CLICK HERE for photos and more information on our coffins and caskets. Reliable delivery direct to your chosen funeral director Mob 0424 279 950. As seen in CHOICE Magazine.

AFFORDABLE SOLID TIMBER CASKET ALTERNATIVES- Caskets Direct solid timber funeral caskets $2670- Solid Oak $2899. CLICK HERE for photos and more information on our coffins and caskets.
Reliable delivery direct to your chosen funeral director. Call us Mob 0424 279 950.

Other funeral costs

Doctors Certificate $60
Death Certificate $25-$49
Flowers Nominated $200+
News Paper Funeral Notice $200-$300+
3 coaches or 10 seat limo $600

Service fee $1600
Service Fee includes:
Transfers
Rosary Viewing night before
Celebrant
Memorial book (you may be charged extra for this)

To speak with us to discuss how you can save on the costs of a funeral call Mob 0424 279 950.

2011-05-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Memorial Jewellery- Keepsakes for Cremains

Memorial jewellery pendants and lockets are usually worn around the neck or wrist and are the most common type of memorial jewellery. Memorial jewellery is some times referred to as keepsake jewellery or cremation jewellery and is made from various materials including gold, silver and stainless steel. Memorial Jewellery is becoming very popular in Australia with more and more families buying these precious keepsakes to keep their loved one close.

More people are turning toward cremation today than ever before, partly due to the fact that it is much more affordable than traditional burial. Keepsake cremation jewelry is the perfect way to keep a loved one in your mind and in your heart. Caskets Direct sell a striking range of memorial jewellery which range in appearance made from quality materials that last for many years.

Our memorial jewellery comes in a spectacular array of designs so that you can select a style that suits the tastes or preferences your loved one may have liked. From simple to elegant, you can find a piece of memorial jewellery to suit your tastes.

Memorial jewellery is the perfect way to honour your loved one and help you hold onto the special memories of your lost loved one.

Cremation jewellery is not only beautiful and lasting, it is the perfect way to keep the memories of a loved one who has departed alive forever. No matter where you go, cremation jewelry allows you to take a small portion of your beloved along with you. Often as life goes on, we move to a different location far away from where the cremains of a loved one may be buried or scattered; now, you can have them with you in heart and spirit always.

Depending on your personal preferences, cremation jewelry comes in styles and designs fashioned for any taste. If you love elegance, you can find that in the piece you choose. Religious symbols, animal figurines and even simply shaped memorial jewelry allows you to pick something that is perfect for your style tastes. Today’s choices offer such beauty and elegance, those around you won’t realize that the memorial jewellery you are wearing isn’t ordinary jewelry.

Another benefit of cremation jewellery is the wide assortment of materials it is made of. Not everyone wants gold – some love silver, while others prefer glass, wood or stainless steel. Some necklaces are made as lockets, so that you can place a small photo of your loved one inside, along with the keepsake memento you have chosen. Cremation jewellery truly has special meaning. At those times that everyone experience when they deeply miss their loved one who is gone, knowing that a part of them is so close offers comfort and peace.

If keeping a portion of the remains of a loved one who has gone on seems unsettling or morbid to you, memorial jewellery is useful for other mementos. You may want to place a small amount of ground from the burial site inside, or even a lock of hair. The decision is yours to make; whatever gives you a feeling of true peace and tranquility is the right choice for you. Cremation keepsakes are made to memorialize a loved one, and help you go forward with the future while keeping the spirit and memory of your loved one alive in your heart and mind.

As time goes forth, cremation is becoming a choice of many people. Not only is it a more affordable option which is important in this day and time, there are so many beautiful urns, jewelry and other memorials to choose from. No longer do you have to live with the thought of your loved ones remains being placed in a square box. Cremation jewelry and exquisite keepsake urns allow you to remember and celebrate your loved one with great beauty and style!

Memorial Jewellery

2011-05-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

Memorial Jewellery Filling and Care

Filling Keepsake Jewellery

Customers who buy keepsake jewelry often have questions about filling it with cremation ashes. The most important thing to keep in mind about this topic is that, if you need help – or if you just feel uncomfortable filling your keepsake jewelry the funeral home or crematory nearest your home can usually be of assistance. Filling keepsake jewelry is an easy and quick task for most memorial industry professionals and many will assist you for very little charge, often none at all. But, that said, many people do elect to fill keepsake jewelry themselves and, for those people, the following guide can be useful.

How to Open your Memorial Jewellery:

Cremation jewelry has two general methods of opening. Some pieces can be opened by using two fingers to twist open a small screw at the top of the piece. Others require a small screwdriver to remove a screw that fits flush with the surface of the piece (usually in the back or the bottom). In either case, the method for opening the jewelry is usually self explanatory once the piece is in hand. A few pieces have two compartments and, generally speaking, these compartments have two openings, each of which can be accessed in the same way. A few pieces are hinged on one of the sides and can be opened to reveal one or more hollow compartments in which the cremation ashes can be stored. These types of cremation jewelry pieces are relatively uncommon, however, and many people who buy them use them to store small items – such as pictures, locks of hair and even dried flowers – that might not fit inside a piece with an opening the size of a small screw.

How to Fill your Memorial Jewelry:

Most cremation jewelry can be filled with the help of a small funnel that is included with most orders. Simply hold the funnel to the opening on the jewelry, spoon a small portion of the ashes into the funnel, and use a toothpick to help guide all of the ashes into the opening. It is preferable to use a plastic spoon that can be discarded, along with the funnel and toothpick, after the jewelry has been filled.

How to Seal your Memorial Jewellery:

In most cases, the jewelry can be adequately sealed simply by tightly fastening the screw back into place. Many consumers want an even more permanent seal, however, and this can be easily done. Simply place a few drops of strong adhesive onto the screw just before fastening. Cremation Jewelry manufacturers will sometimes provide a tube of adhesive with the piece, but, if one is not included, any hardware store – or even a general purpose store – will probably have a sufficient product for a very low price. Again, an adhesive is not always necessary to secure a permanent seal. Many people elect to use it for their piece of mind. Applying an adhesive to the screw is particularly recommended if there is a chance the pendant might end up submerged in water at some point. (Long periods of intentional submersion – as if in a swimming pool or bathtub – are not recommended, but occasional exposure to rain should not be a problem for most pieces.)

Here is a Simple Step Guide:

Unscrew and then screw the pendant’s cap several times to test that the threads are clean.

Place the uncapped pendant on a stable surface and put the enclosed funnel into the opening.

Gather about a teaspoon of ashes onto a small spoon and pour the ashes into the funnel. Leave about 10 to 15 percent of the pendant unfilled.

Remove the funnel and, with a toothpick, remove any stray ashes that are on the inside of the neck.

(Optional) Place a drop of quick-adhesive glue (Super Glue) onto a toothpick and then quickly spread the glue onto the threads on the neck or cap of the pendant.

Screw the cap tightly onto the pendant.

If you glue the cap, allow sufficient drying time before wearing your pendant.
Important Note About Your Necklace Chain:

Some of our cremation jewellery models arrive with the chain unattached. When installing the chain, it is important to threat the pendant from side to side (not front to back). This will ensure that the pendant hangs properly when worn.

Caring For Your Memorial Pendant:

To maintain the integrity of the cap’s seal, do not place the pendant directly in water. To clean the pendant, simply wipe it occasionally with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid using cleaning chemicals other than small amounts of soap on your pendant. Also, avoid wiping the silver portions of your pendant with paper towels. When not wearing your pendant, store it in a container of some sort that is placed in a cool, dry place. This will prevent tarnishing and scratching.

Australia First Coffin Shop Open In Melbourne

2011-03-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

NEWS ARTICLE

Australian first, Caskets Direct have today opened the nation's first retail 'bricks and mortar' coffin shop in response to consumers demanding that online shopping simply wont suffice.

Whilst many retailers are moving their business online to cash in on the increasing number of consumers shopping from home, for one company it is clear that public demand has taken a step in the opposite direction. In a turn for the conventional retail shopping experience, online business Caskets Direct has opened Australia's first funeral products retail store.

Heads are turning on the streets of Melbourne to get a glimpse of everything from pure wool eco coffins and high-end solid timber caskets, to memorial jewellery, which is used to carry ashes around ones neck.

"It's not exactly the kind of shop you just duck into when out doing the weekly shopping" owner Asha Martin commented. " For the most part people are intrigued and not used to seeing such items displayed in a retail shop on a busy shopping strip".

Prior to Caskets Direct starting its online funeral products website two years ago, Australian families could only buy a traditional timber coffin from a funeral home.

"We have been an online-only business for the past few years now and there is a growing number of people wanting to come in and buy affordable coffins and urns in person. Despite all the talk of online stores taking over, there is something to be said for being able to see the item and get personalized service".

The family owned and run Caskets Direct Pty Ltd retail shop officially opens its doors in West Footscray on Friday the 18th March 2011.

Planning a Melbourne Funeral? Click here.

Funeral options- Cremation

2010-11-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

Modern cremation process.

The cremation occurs in a crematory (or crematorium), consisting of one or more cremator furnaces or c remation retorts for the ashes. A cremator is an industrial furnace capable of generating temperatures of 870-980 °C (1,598-1,796 °F) to ensure disintegration of the corpse. A crematorium may be part of chapel or a funeral home, or part of an independent facility or a service offered by a .

Modern cremator fuels include natural gas and propane. However, coal and coke were used until the early 1960s.

Modern cremators have adjustable control systems that monitor the furnace during cremation. These systems automatically monitor the interior to tell when the cremation process is complete, after which the furnace shuts down automatically. The time required for cremation thus varies from body to body, and in modern furnaces may be as fast as one hour per 45 kilograms (99 lb) of body weight.

A cremation furnace is not designed to cremate more than one body at a time, something that is illegal in many countries, including the U.S. Exceptions are sometimes made in extreme cases, such as of a deceased mother and her still-born child or still-born twins, but in these cases the mother and child must be placed in the same cremation container.

The chamber where the body is placed is called the retort and is lined with heat-resistant refractory bricks. The coffin or container is inserted (charged) into the retort as quickly as possible to avoid heat loss through the top-opening door. The container may be mounted on a charger (motorised trolley) that can quickly insert the container or on a fixed or movable hopper that allows the container to slide into the cremator.

Modern cremators are computer-controlled to ensure legal and safe use. For example, the retort door cannot be opened until the cremator has reached its operating temperature, and United States federal regulationsrequire that newly constructed cremators feature dual electrical and mechanical heat shutoff switches and door releases accessible from inside the retort. Refractory bricks are typically replaced every five years because thermal fatigue gradually introduces fissures reducing their insulating strength.

Some crematoria allow relatives to view the charging. This is sometimes done for religious reasons, such as in traditional Hindu and Jain funerals.

Most cremators are a standard size. Typically, larger cities have access to an oversize cremator that can handle deceased in the 200 kilograms (440 lb)+ range. Most large crematoria have a small cremator installed for the cremation of foetal and infant remains.

The cremation

The coffin containing the body is placed in the retort and incinerated at a temperature of 760° to 1150°C (1400° to 2100°F). During the cremation process, a large part of the body (especially the organs) and other soft tissue are and oxidised by the intense heat; gases released are discharged through the exhaust system. The process usually takes 90 minutes to two hours, with larger bodies taking longer time.

What remains after cremation are dry bone fragments. Their colour is usually light grey.

Jewellery, such as wristwatches and rings, is ordinarily removed before cremation, and returned to the family. The only non-natural item required to be removed is a pacemaker, because it could explode and damage the cremator; the mercury contained in a pacemaker's batteries also poses an unacceptable risk of air pollution. In the United Kingdom, and possibly other countries, the undertaker is required to remove pacemakers prior to delivering the body to the crematorium, and sign a declaration stating that any pacemaker has been removed.

After the incineration is completed, the bone fragments are swept out of the retort and pulverized by a machine called a cremulator to process them into "ashes" or "cremated remains".

The grinding process typically takes about 20 minutes.

The ashes are then placed in a container. The default container used by most crematoriums, when nothing more expensive has been selected, is almost always a hinged snap-locking box of plastic.

Ash weight and composition

Cremated remains are mostly dry calcium phosphates with some minor minerals, such as salts of sodium and potassium. Sulphur and most carbon is driven off as oxidised gases during the process, although a relatively small amount of carbon as carbonate may remain.

The ash remaining represents very roughly 3.5% of the body's original mass (2.5% in children). Because the weight of dry bone fragments is so closely connected to skeletal mass, their weight varies greatly from person to person. Because many changes in body composition (such as fat and muscle loss or gain) do not affect the weight of cremated remains, their weight can be more closely predicted from the person's height and sex than from their simple weight.

Ashes of adults can be said to weigh from 4 pounds (1.8 kg) to 6 pounds (2.7 kg), but the first figure is roughly the figure for women and the second for men. The mean weight of adult cremated remains in a Florida, U.S. sample was 5.3 lb (approx. 2.4 kg) for adults (range 2 to 8 lb or 0.91 to 3.6 kg). This was found to be distributed bi-modally according to sex, with the mean being 6 pounds (2.7 kg) for men (range 4 to 8 lb or 1.8 to 3.6 kg) and 4 pounds (1.8 kg) for women (range 2 to 6 lb or 0.91 to 2.7 kg). In this sample, generally all adult cremated remains over 6 pounds (2.7 kg) were from males, and those under 4 pounds (1.8 kg) were from females.

Cremated remains are returned to the next of kin in a rectangular plastic container, contained within a further cardboard box or velvet sack, or in an urn if the family had already purchased one. An official certificate of cremation prepared under the authority of the crematorium accompanies the remains, and if required by law, the permit for disposition of human remains, which must remain with the cremated remains.

Cremated remains can be kept in a cremation urn, stored in a special memorial building (columbarium), buried in the ground at any location or sprinkled on a special field, mountain, or in the sea. In addition, there are several services in which the cremated remains will be scattered in a variety of ways and locations. Some examples are via a helium balloon, through fireworks, shot from shotgun shells, or scattered from an airplane (this is not illegal in most jurisdictions, in part because laws prohibiting it would be difficult to enforce). One service sends a lipstick-tube sized sample of the cremated remains into low earth orbit, where they remain for years (but not permanently) before re-entering the atmosphere. Another company claims to turn part of the cremated remains into synthetic diamonds that can then be made into jewellery. Cremated remains may also be incorporated, with urn and cement, into part of an artificial reef, or they can also be mixed into paint and made into a portrait of the deceased. They can also be scattered on private property with the owner's permission. A portion of the cremated remains may be retained in a specially designed locket known as cremation jewellery. The cremated remains may also be entombed. Most cemeteries will grant permission for burial of cremated remains in occupied cemetery plots that have already been purchased or are in use by the families disposing of the cremated remains without any additional charge or oversight.

The above information has been sourced from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cremation

Funeral Directors

2010-11-17T19:53:00.000-08:00

Australian Funeral Directors

Caskets Direct sell quality funeral coffins and caskets direct to the public at very affordable prices. We deliver direct to your chosen funeral director.

Whilst we are not professionally affiliated with any Australian funeral directors, or funeral homes, there are several undertakers listed on this page that are happy to accept your business should you need to contact them.

We provide professional funeral homes free no obligation advertising on our links page as a way of helping our customers find a funeral home that works for them.

We have received feedback from our customers that the following funeral homes have been very gracious in accepting caskets and coffins from Caskets Direct:

Australian Funeral Directors

Victorian Funeral Directors

Classic Funeral Services
Ph 03) 9700 2154

White Dove Funeral Care
Ph 1800 067 782.
All metro areas

NSW Funeral Directors

Academy Funeral Services
All Suburbs
Ph: 02 9688 7977
Mob: 0408 647 418
Baulkham Hills
NSW 1755
Australia

Chris Timmins
All metro areas
Parramatta (02) 96309688
Castle Hill (02) 96595998
Hornsby (02) 94774888

Kevin Perram Funerals
Liverpool (02) 98214786
Paramatta (02) 96309688
All metro areas

FUNERAL DIRECTORS, UNDERTAKERS & FUNERAL HOMES

 If you are happy to accept coffins, caskets or urns from Caskets Direct Pty Ltd please contact us to let us know and we can provide your contact details on our links page.

We can assure you that our products are of the highest quality, have been tested at Test Safe, abide by the Australian standards and are covered by a manufacturer's guarantee of quality.

We estimate less than 1% of all Australian funerals each year will choose to buy direct, however if those 1% of consumers chose your funeral home over a competitor then your sales will increase, whether you supply the coffin or not.

Funeral Directors services

Caskets Direct strongly believes that funeral directors sometimes known as 'undertakers', provide an invaluable service through offering caring support and advice to bereaved families. Whilst we can help you with the nuts and bolts, it is your funeral director who will help with everything else.  The services funeral directors provide are varied and are outlined below:  

Obtain the signature of the attending physician, coroner or medical examiner and file the certificate with Births Deaths & Marriages.
Transport the deceased from the place of death to the Funeral Home.
Help you to select the funeral or memorial service location from options such as church, chapel, or graveside.
Plan for a viewing of the deceased (if required)
Make necessary arrangements with clergy, church and cemetery officials.
Compose and submit newspaper and other media notices on your behalf.
Help you select poems, readings and music for the service
Arrange flowers for the funeral.
Arrange and provide food and refreshments for the service.
Arrange for family transportation to and from service.
Collect all the necessary certificates and send them to the appropriate authorities
Arrange special certificates necessary for cremation
Attend to Registration of Death. Contact Social Security and/or Department of Veteran Affairs.
Make any necessary payments on your behalf, such as cemetery or cremation fees, advertising, clergy or celebrant fees.

Funerals and Funeral Information

2010-11-17T19:41:00.000-08:00

Funerals and Funeral Advice

Choice Magazine article on Funeral costs.

Funeral Comparisons

* compare prices of funerals, funeral directors and funeral services
* find low cost funeral options
* compare cemeteries and crematoriums
* find a cemetery or crematorium
* become aware of many funeral options and funeral insurance
* contact professionals in the funeral industry
* provide ongoing memorials through family history

Visit the Funeral Comparisons website by clicking here

Funerals

A funeral is a ceremony for celebrating, sanctifying, or remembering the life of a deceased person. Funerary customs comprise the complex of beliefs and practices used by a culture to remember the dead, from the funeral itself, to various monuments, prayers and rituals undertaken in their honor. These customs vary widely between cultures, and between religious affiliations within cultures. In some cultures the dead are venerated; this is commonly called ancestor worship. The word funeral comes from the Latin funus, which had a variety of meanings, including the corpse and the funerary rites themselves.

Funeral rites are as old as the human culture itself, predating modern homo sapiens, to at least 300,000 years ago. For example, in the Shanidar cave in Iraq, in Pontnewydd Cave in Wales and other sites across Europe and the Near East,Neanderthal skeletons have been discovered with a characteristic layer of pollen, which suggests that Neanderthals buried the dead with gifts of flowers. This has been interpreted as suggesting that Neanderthals believed in an afterlife.

Visitation

At the visitation (also called a "viewing" ,"wake" or "calling hours") the body of the deceased person (or decedent) is placed on display in the casket (also called a coffin, however almost all body containers are caskets). The viewing often takes place on one or two evenings before the funeral. The body is traditionally dressed in the decedent's best clothes. In recent times there has been more variation in what the decedent is dressed in - some people choose to be dressed in clothing more reflective of how they dressed in life. The body will often be adorned with common jewellery, such as watches, necklaces, brooches, etc. The jewellery may be taken off and given to the family of the deceased or remain in the casket after burial. Jewellery will most likely be removed before cremation. The body may or may not be embalmed, depending upon such factors as the amount of time since the death has occurred, religious practices, or requirements of the place of burial but in general embalming is preferable.

The most commonly prescribed aspects of this gathering are that the attendees sign a book kept by the deceased's survivors to record who attended. In addition, a family may choose to display photographs taken of the deceased person during his/her life (often, formal portraits with other family members and candid pictures to show "happy times"), prized possessions and other items representing his/her hobbies and/or accomplishments. A more recent trend is to create a DVD with pictures and video of the deceased, accompanied by music, and play this DVD continuously during the visitation.

The viewing is either "open casket", in which the embalmed body of the deceased has been clothed and treated with cosmetics for display; or "closed casket", in which the coffin is closed.

Funeral

A memorial service, often called a funeral, is often officiated by clergy from the decedent's, or bereaved's, church or religion. A funeral may take place at either a funeral home or church. A funeral is held according to the family's choosing which may be a few days after the time of death, allowing family members to attend the service.

The deceased is usually transported from the funeral home to a church in a hearse, a specialised vehicle designed to carry casketed remains. The deceased is often transported in a procession (also called a funeral cortège), with the hearse, funeral service vehicles, and private auto mobiles travelling in a procession to the church or other location where the services will be held. In a number of jurisdictions, special laws cover funeral processions - such as requiring other vehicles to give right-of-way to a funeral procession. Funeral service vehicles may be equipped with light bars and special flashers to increase their visibility on the roads. They may also all have their headlights on, to identify which vehicles are part of the cortège, although the practice also has roots in ancient Roman customs.[6] After the funeral service, if the deceased is to be buried the funeral procession will proceed to a cemetery if not already there. If the deceased is to be cremated the funeral procession may then proceed to the crematory.

Funeral services commonly include prayers; readings from the Bible or other sacred texts; hymns (sung either by the attendees or a hired vocalist); and words of comfort by the clergy. Frequently, a relative or close friend will be asked to give a eulogy, which details happy memories and accomplishments; often commenting on the deceased's flaws, especially at length, is considered impolite. Sometimes the delivering of the eulogy is done by the clergy. Clergy are often asked to deliver eulogies for people they have never met. Church bells may also be tolled both before and after the service.

Tradition[citation needed] also allows the attendees of the memorial service to have one last opportunity to view the deceased and say good-bye; the immediate family (siblings (and their spouses); followed by the deceased's spouse, parents and children) are sometimes the very last to view their loved one before the coffin is closed. This opportunity can take place immediately before the service begins, or at the very end of the service.

During the funeral and at the burial service, the casket may be covered with a large arrangement of flowers, called a casket spray.

Funeral customs vary from country to country.

Burial Funeral service

A burial service, conducted at the side of the grave, tomb, mausoleum or cremation, at which the body of the decedent is buried or cremated at the conclusion.

Sometimes, the burial service will immediately follow the funeral, in which case a funeral procession travels from the site of the memorial service to the burial site. Other times, the burial service takes place at a later time, when the final resting place is ready.

If the descendant served in a branch of the Armed forces,military rights are often accorded at the burial service.

In many religious traditions, pallbearers, males who are close, but not immediate relatives (such as cousins, nephews or grandchildren) or friends of the descendant, will carry the casket from the chapel (of a funeral home or church) to the hearse, and from the hearse to the site of the burial service. The pallbearers often sit in a special reserved section during the memorial service.

According to most religions, coffins are kept closed during the burial ceremony. In Eastern Orthodox funerals, the coffins are reopened just before burial to allow loved ones to look at the deceased one last time and give their final farewells. Greek funerals are an exception as the coffin is open during the whole procedure unless the state of the body does not allow it.

The morticians will typically ensure that all jewellery, including wristwatch, that were displayed at the wake are in the casket before it is buried or entombed. Custom requires that everything goes into the ground; however this is not true for Jewish services. Jewish tradition is that nothing of value is buried with the deceased.

There is an exception, in the case of cremation. Such items tend to melt or suffer damage, so they are usually removed before the body goes into the furnace. Pacemakers are removed prior to cremation - if they were left in they could possibly explode and damage the crematorium.

Funeral Luncheon

In many traditions, a meal or other gathering often follows the burial service, also called a repast. This gathering may be held at the deceased's church or another off-site location. Some funeral homes have large spaces set aside to provide funeral dinners.[citation needed]

Private services

On occasion, the family of the deceased may wish to have only a very small service, with just the deceased's closest family members and friends attending. This type of ceremony means it is closed to the public. One may only go to the funeral if one is invited. In this case, a private funeral service is conducted. Reasons vary but often include the following:

The deceased was an infant (possibly, they may have been stillborn) or very aged, and therefore has few surviving family members or friends.
The deceased may be a crime victim or a convicted criminal who was serving a prison sentence or executed. In this case, the service is made private either to avoid unwanted media coverage (especially with a crime victim); or to avoid unwanted intrusion (especially if the deceased was convicted of murder or sexual assault).
The family does not feel able to endure a traditional service (due to emotional shock) or simply wants a quiet, simple funeral with only the most important people of the deceased's life in attendance.
The family and/or the deceased, as more frequently preplanned, prefer simplicity and lower cost to that of traditional arrangements. The choice of cremation as an option to casketed burial is increasing and often includes disposition of the cremains at a time privately convenient to the deceased's family members.
The deceased is of a distinct celebrity status, and holding public ceremony would result in too many guests who are not acquainted with the deceased to participate. On the other hand, if a state funeral is offered and accepted by the deceased's immediate family, a public funeral would ensue.

Funeral Memorial services

The memorial service is a service given for the deceased without the body present. This may take place after an earth burial, donation of the body to an institution such as a school, cremation (sometimes the remains are present), entombment, or burial at sea. Typically these services take place at the funeral home and may include prayers, poems, or songs to remember the deceased. Pictures of the deceased are usually placed at the altar where the body would normally be.

The above information has been sourced from Wikipedia. Please visit the following link to site authors and view the original document and references http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funeral

Funerals and Funeral Products

2010-09-05T23:25:00.001-07:00

Funerals are a very difficult time for most people and when it comes to planning a funeral it can be quite stressful trying to quickly obtain prices for funerals and other funeral items such as the coffin or the funeral cremation urn. Most families know little about funerals and what is involved in the planning of a funeral until they are confronted with the sad passing of a family member.

Funeral Coffin or Funeral Casket?

Buying a coffin or funeral casket is a important and big part of the decision making process and can become quite expensive. There are many option and different styles of funeral coffins and caskets. Firstly one must choose a funeral coffin or or funeral casket? What is the difference you may ask? A funeral coffin has a tapered end and a funeral casket is rectangular and more ornate. A funeral casket can come with one large single lid or a split lid which allows one half of the casket lid to be opened at the time of viewing. Other things to consider when purchasing a funeral coffin or casket is the material it is made from. Coffins and caskets come in many different materials and finishes including solid timber, cardboard, compressed fiber board (mdf) or steel. Though steel funeral caskets are more popular in America than Australia. Some people choose not to use a funeral coffin or casket at all and instead use a shroud to cover and bury the body.

Funeral Cremation Urns

The same goes for cremation urns. The options are endless. Hunter S Thomson for example had his ashes shot out of a canon which is certainly one way to go out with a bang! Other options include sending your ashes into space..though I do believe this may be just a brief orbit of one ashes through space on a space ship and not permanently sending your loved ones ashes out into the cosmos. Regardless of the details, these can become very costly methods, but of cause it nice to have the option should one desire it.

I myself still remain undecided if I even want to be buried or cremated after my funeral?

Pet Funeral Cremation Urns for Ashes

2010-09-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

Caskets Direct are new selling funeral cremation urns for pets. There are many different types of pet urns available to buy online. Some of these pet urns include paw print pet urns, memorial stone urns, crystal pet urns, cat and dog pet urns, pet grave markers and keepsake pet urns. We also sell cremation memorial jewellery which is designed for holding pet ashes or a lock of hair as a keepsake urn. Have a look online at our online shop for info on our pet cremation urns and funeral memorial jewellery. For all your funeral coffin, casket and cremation urn needs visit Caskets Direct or call 0424279950 for more information. We look forward to hearing from you.

Turn your ashes into music!

2010-09-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

Vinyls Dead article on turning your ashes into music

For more traditional ways to keep cremated funeral ashes Caskets Direct have a range of funeral cremation urns at affordable prices. We sell brass urns, wood urns, keepsake urns, pet urns, infant urns and memorial cremation urn jewellery.

Caskets Direct feature in Business West

2010-06-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

Caskets Direct Feature article in Business West Newspaper.

http://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/businesswest/emagazine.php

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2010-04-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

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2010-04-25T18:45:00.001-07:00

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Caskets Direct Youtube Video of our Coffins and Caskets

2010-04-25T18:20:00.000-07:00

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Cremation Urns

2010-04-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Caskets Direct blog.

Caskets Direct are proud to introduce their new range of lead crystal cremation urns. Custom made in Europe these mouth blown hand cut works of art are now available online.

Cremation Urn Sizes

Cremated remains (ashes) can vary in amount due to different cremation processes, temperature variations, bone structure of the deceased, height and age. Weight does not effect the size of the urn required as fat is a combustible element of nature and naturally disappears. A 220 cubic inch urn is, in 98% of cases, more than large enough to hold the ashes of an adult. If unsure please contact your crematorium or funeral director to confirm exactly what size urn you need to purchase.

The following is a guide only and we do not guarantee the following calculations will be true 100% of the time. We recommend you buy an urn slightly larger than calculated.

Calculate humans cremation urn size

120 kg person needs an urn of 212 cubic inches/ 3.48 litres or larger
100 kg person needs an urn of 176 cubic inches/ 2.90 litres or larger
80 kg person needs an urn of 141 cubic inches/ 2.32 litres or larger
60 kg person needs an urn of 106 cubic inches/ 1.74 litres or larger
40 kg person needs an urn of 70 cubic inches/ 1.16 litres or larger
20 kg person needs an urn of 34 cubic inches/ 0.57 litres or larger

Calculate pet cremation urn size

120 kg animal needs an urn of 212 cubic inches/ 3.48 litres or larger
100 kg animal needs an urn of 176 cubic inches/ 2.90 litres or larger
80 kg animal needs an urn of 141 cubic inches/ 2.32 litres or larger
60 kg animal needs an urn of 106 cubic inches/ 1.74 litres or larger
40 kg animal needs an urn of 70 cubic inches/ 1.16 litres or larger
20 kg animal needs an urn of 34 cubic inches/ 0.57 litres or larger

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