Meeting with a funeral director for the first time can feel intimidating, especially in the midst of navigating grief and loss.
While we strive to be as welcoming as possible at Windsor Funerals, we understand how overwhelming and surreal it can be. We know you may have many questions racing through your mind — from how to write a death notice, to choose a caskets or an urn, or all the little details of a funeral service. You may be wondering about funeral costs and venues.
Breathe easy. This is where we step in. We will guide you through the decision making process and ensure no detail is unattended. There’s absolutely no need to have an answer for every decision prior to your meeting with us. Your family’s needs are our first priority, and we will take the time to guide you through the process with patience and understanding.
However, we wanted to put together a brief resource below so you feel informed when you meet with a member of our team.
Know that there’s absolutely no need to have an answer for every funeral decision in advance.
We’re here to help guide you along the way.
Who you will meet: A member of our small funeral directing team: Hazel, Rod, or Lynn.
Where we meet: We can meet you in the comfort of your own home or at our purpose-built, peaceful location at 422 Glenfield Road. Either way, we’ll create a space where you can talk openly about your loved one and thefarewell you wish to plan.
What will we be discussing: Here are some of the key topics we may cover:
Burial or Cremation
One of the first decisions we’ll need to make is whether to arrange a burial or cremation. This choice often depends on your loved one’s wishes, cultural or religious beliefs, or personal preferences. This is often an early decision as there is different paperwork required from the attending doctors depending on your choice. Your funeral director will guide you through them both, but here is a high level overview.
- Burial: Many families choose burial for religious reasons or if they wish to be buried alongside a loved one. If you don’t have an existing plot, we can help you explore local cemetery options. It is important to consider what kind of headstone or plaque you may like when choosing a plot as there can be restrictions on what is placed in certain areas of the cemetery.
- Cremation: Cremation is a popular choice in Auckland perhaps due to cost and flexibility. Whether you choose a simple cremation, a small service, or a full funeral followed by cremation, we’ll support you in making the right choice for your family.
In regards to the cremation, we offer options like a private committal service at the crematorium, or simply watching the hearse depart from the service. Some families prefer to follow the hearse for the final journey to the crematorium, saying a private goodbye within the grounds, or even holding a private committal service prior to cremation in a chapel. It’s entirely up to you, and we’re here to accommodate your wishes.
Funeral Costs
One of the first questions we always receive is an estimated cost of a farewell. This will vary depending on your wishes, but if you would like to have an estimated gauge, feel free to take a look at our Farewell Calculator tool. Note that we can always offer a range of options beyond our online estimations.
Embalming
Embalming slows the natural decomposition of the deceased. It is highly recommended if you wish to have a person’s body at home, if there is to be a viewing several days after death, or if there is to be a significant delay of more than a few days before the funeral service is held.
The recommendation to embalm will only come after discussing this with you carefully and considering your circumstances and preferences. We understand that many people now do not want embalming to take place, and we will always respect your wishes.
Caskets & Urns
You’ll have a wide range of caskets and urns to choose from, each available in different styles, prices and materials. From traditional to contemporary options, your choice in casket can be a great way to personalise a farewell that truly reflects a life well lived.
Viewing
Spending time with the person who died can be comforting for many families. We have a spacious, 24-hour access, light-filled, private viewing room at our Glenfield location. Or, if you prefer, we can arrange for your loved one to be brought home. You may want to include personal items in the casket, like photos, letters, or keepsakes. Some items cannot be cremated, so please discuss any special requests with your funeral director.
Funeral Details: Service Sheets, Flowers, and Catering
We can help you with all the details, from designing service sheets to organising flowers and catering. Whether you want a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration of life, we’ll guide you in making these decisions:
Service Sheets: We can arrange the design and printing of service sheets. These usually contain photos and details of funeral service, and sometimes hymns, readings and poems.
Flowers: Windsor Funerals has a dedicated and experienced florist that can provide casket or venue flowers. Alternatively, you may have a preferred florist, family member or friend that you wish to use. Sometimes, families instead prefer to have a framed photo, single rose or personal belongings such as a musical instrument, fishing rod or golf clubs.
Photo Tributes: A photo tribute is a lasting way to honour someone’s life. You can create one yourself, or we’re happy to assist.
Catering: Following the funeral service is often a great time to share a cup of tea and continue sharing memories of the person who died and can be a healing process. Windsor Funerals can arrange catering for small or large gatherings.
Venues
We’ll also discuss where to hold the service. This can be wherever you would like. Common choices include at home, a church, or one of our many partner venues, like the Windsor Park Baptist Church auditorium. Centrally located on Auckland’s North Shore and is easily accessible from all areas via the Northern Motorway. This venue offers seating for up to 500 people and has AV equipment for photo/video tributes and live streaming.
Newspaper Notices & Social Media
We can place funeral notices in the newspaper and help with social media posts to inform friends, colleagues, and extended family about the service details. We’ll work with you on the wording and timing to ensure your message is clear and respectful.
We’re With You – Every Step Of The Way
Remember – you DON’T have to have this sorted prior to our first conversation – or even by the end.
They are simply some of the topics you will discuss with your funeral director. Every discussion will be unique based on you and the service you hope to plan.
We are here to help you create a meaningful farewell because we know you’re not just planning a service; you’re creating a moment of remembrance and love.
We’re with you — every step of the way.
Windsor Funerals provides compassionate, personalised, affordable funeral options in Auckland.
Our team works closely with each family to ensure that every detail aligns with their values, budget, and vision for a meaningful farewell. We aim to help families make decisions that resonate with their loved ones’ lives and legacies. Reach out to the Windsor Funerals team today for more information or to discuss your options. We’re here to support you every step of the way.