FAQ: Memorial Services

Memorial services are intended to bring community together in support and remembrance. A memorial services is usually less formal than a traditional service. 

Visualize a memorial service as a mid-point on the spectrum of service format possibilities. On one end is the more formally-structured, clergy-led funeral service (often with three component parts: the visitation, funeral and a committal service held at the cemetery). At the other end is the celebration-of-life; an event where the life of the deceased is the focus of attention.  A celebration-of-life is all about celebration. A memorial service could be said to be a gentle mix of the two and each memorial service is unique. Speak with your funeral professional for further insights.

We can explain your options, make suggestions; all with the goal of empowering you to arrive at the best possible decision.

The answer is totally dependent upon the options you decide on –the special features–you've selected during the arrangement conference. When you sit down with a funeral director to discuss services, they will explain all costs associated with the options available.  Call us to get a better idea of what your loved one's memorial service will cost.

Some of the things you'll discuss with your funeral director involve purchases made from outside vendors, and you will be asked to pay for those items at the time of the arrangement conference.  

Examples of outside fees (disbursements)

1)Clergy

2)Cremation Fee

3)Coroner

4)Death Registration

5)Consumer Protection Fee

6)Musicians

7)Newspaper Notice

8)Catering

9)Venues

Payment is due in full within 30 days from the arrangement appointment.  

We accept payment by cash, credit card, debit, cheque or e-transfer.

Selecting the location, date and time of the service. Identify the specific readings, musical selections, food or beverages, and/or the activities you'd like to feature, as well as the people you would like to participate in the service itself. We invite you to speak with one of our service planning professionals to learn more.

The funeral director will help you make important decisions about specifics, and once those decisions are made, you can "step back" and let us handle everything or have as much input as you please.

You'll need to provide the documents/information required to complete your loved one's death certificate and obituary. You may also wish to bring in a collection of family photographs to be used the decoration of the service location. Other items may be needed at some point, depending on the arrangements made. Your funeral director will provide you with an exact list of the things he or should would like you to bring along to the arrangement conference.

A celebrant is a person who has been trained to conduct formal ceremonies, such as weddings, baptisms and funerals. They are not clergy; instead they are experienced masters-of-ceremony and story-tellers. A celebrant works closely with surviving family to create a ceremony which reflects the beliefs, cultural background, values and aspirations of your deceased loved one, and your family. If you think you would be best served by a celebrant, please speak with your funeral director.

We can assist you in writing the obituary or you and your family are welcome to write one yourselves.