Blogs and News

Christmas, new year, birthdays and anniversaries are meant to be times of joy and togetherness. However, if you are grieving the loss of a loved one, these once treasured celebrations often become painful reminders of absence. Grief can resurface intensely during these special occasions, creating a mix of sorrow, longing,…

When Joan Gauld died in July 2024, her daughter Jen had only been to two funerals before and she didn’t realise it was possible to personalise a funeral and a wake. However, after Karin Slade from Funerals By Design and Heavenly Catering was recommended to her by a friend, Jen…

A full and remarkable life deserves to be celebrated in a meaningful way, and that’s exactly how Karen Claren farewelled her beloved father, Jürgen Claren, thanks to the advice and support of Funeral By Design’s Karin Slade.  “When doctors told us in July 2022 that Dad wouldn’t make another week…

Australia is increasingly becoming more of a multicultural nation and this is impacting the ways we die and say goodbye. Recently released data from the 2021 Australian Census revealed that our most common religions are now: Christianity (43.9%)No religion (38.9%)Islam (3.2%)Hinduism (2.7%)Buddhism (2.4%) If you are attending a funeral, memorial…

In the wee small hours of the morning, just weeks before her father’s death, Jackie had the great fortune to stumble upon Karin Slade from Funerals by Design. “Heartbreakingly, hours earlier, the nursing home had suggested I consider making funeral plans for my darling dad,” says Jackie. “Struggling to come…

How do you celebrate the life of a woman who was fanatical about food and crazy about Christmas? With a “Christmas in July” themed memorial service and wake, of course! When Chantal Gibbs’ mum, Arlene (Arla) Gibbs, died on 25th July this year, Chantal couldn’t believe the timing. “Mum died…

When Robyn Friend was laid to rest in May 2022, it really was an extraordinary celebration of an extraordinary life. Over 600 people were there in person to farewell the woman, who according to her husband, Brian, “had left a footprint on this earth bigger than the man on the…

As well as serving favourite foods of the deceased at the wake and sharing stories and favourite memories, here are some additional ways you can put the personality back into the funeral or wake, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach

“We knew we wanted an event that was true to Jim and Davidson Park under Roseville Bridge had significance for our family. “Until we spoke to Karin we didn’t realise we could even hold Jim’s funeral there!

The full intensity of grief is often not felt until after the funeral service, when the “structure” and ceremony of mourning – visitation, funeral service, burial or cremation and wake – has ended and everyone else returns to their normal life.

Live streaming webcasts of funerals and memorial services allows family or friends to watch from anywhere in the world, on any device and at any time, providing a valued and permanent online digital tribute.

We’ve created this step-by-step guide to help you create a fitting tribute to your loved one without it sounding like a CV or a chronological list of their life events … AND keep yourself together while delivering it.

Have you been through a traumatic event, as a result of loss or grief? Grief and loss in some cases, triggers a traumatic reaction, overwhelming the body’s ability to cope. Here are some signs and symptoms of trauma.

Are you looking for ways to put the personality and the fun back into funerals, wakes and celebrations of life?

We are catering for Wakes for up to 100 in socially distance spaces. Talk to us if you are wanting a space that is suitable.