At Windsor Funerals, we believe in saying goodbye in a way that truly honours the unique life lived. While we love a traditional funeral, we get so excited if you come to us and say, “We need to plan a funeral but we don’t want it to be traditional. We want something more personal, more unique.”
If you have a creative funeral idea but are not sure if it is ‘allowed’ or how to pull it off, allow us to do the research, help you with the paperwork and find a way to make it a reality if we can.
If you don’t have any ideas, we can also help. To start, we will ask about the individual you are honouring – what they loved, who they cherished and what sparked joy in their lives. From there, we will build a memorable farewell for everyone involved.
Here are some of Windsor Funerals’ most memorable memorials:
1. A Colourful Carport Celebration
A family wanted to bring their loved one home one last time and in a warm and personalised way. We drove the individual down a tight, curvy Auckland drive to a carport decorated with fairy lights and music. The casket was placed on a table, surrounded by the festive atmosphere of what felt like a party.
When we returned a few hours later to pick up the individual, the casket had been bedazzled and painted in vibrant colours, and many of the guests were still lingering, enjoying drinks and sharing stories.
2. Champagne Brunch Memorial
Instead of a traditional funeral, one family chose a champagne brunch to honour a woman who was bubbly, bright, and loved a good celebration. Guests wore colourful clothing and chatted amongst themselves, sharing memories. Together, they honoured her through small heartfelt speeches and shared her story – all while enjoying her favourite canapés.
3. Surf Club Sendoff
For those who dream of a beachside farewell, we can help with the logistics. One memorable memorial was held in a surf club with friends and family spreading ashes following a small celebration of life. We helped them obtain the necessary council permissions and the family had a unique and sentimental sendoff.
4. Backyard Flower Affair
One woman chose to have her funeral at home on the deck, overlooking her back garden. Everyone filled her casket with flowers on a beautiful sunny day, creating a magical intimate atmosphere.
5. Pink Party
One bright woman insisted on a pink-themed party. She carefully selected a pink casket, pink outfit, flowers, car, and makeup. Guests were encouraged to wear pink, and the entire event mirrored her vibrant personality and zest for life.
5. Fancy Purple Farewell
A family approached us to request for a farewell that matched their mother’s particularly vivacious personality. On the day, her red hair spilt across purple satin inside a black casket, and purple and black roses adorned the lid. Purple lighting, black roses, and even a dragon were chosen at the church to complete the theme.
6. Mum’s Burial at Sea
A son reached out to help honour his mother’s wish to be buried at sea, following a similar tradition set by her late husband after their other son’s tragic death at sea. We obtained the necessary permissions and carefully planned the Auckland Harbour burial using eco-friendly materials and weights. The farewell took place on a beautiful, serene day.
7. Mr Whippy Funeral Memories
Creative choices can extend to food choices as well. Instead of providing sandwiches after the service, one family chose to provide ice cream from a Mr Whippy truck, giving a sweet tribute to the grandmother who always took her grandchildren for ice cream.
8. Bus Driver’s Final Sign off
When a bus driver’s son came in to arrange his father’s funeral, he brought a photo and asked if we could wrap the casket with the image of the bus. The wrap company went above and beyond, not only creating a wrap exactly like his bus, but using his surname as the route name and his age as the route number. His colleagues, friends, and family loved the individualised memorial, capturing it with photos and smiles.
Celebrate Life Your Way
A high tea at home? A traditional church service? A natural burial? A casket hand painted by the grandkids? The possibilities for your funeral are endless – within reason, of course. Simply ask and we will try.
At Windsor Funerals, our team is here to help you plan a celebration that truly reflects your loved one’s unique story. It’s our job to take your creative, heartfelt ideas and bring them to life while ensuring that all your family’s practical needs are met.
We are here for 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. Contact our Windsor Funerals team today for more information or to discuss your options. We’re here to support you every step of the way.