FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What information is required?

The staff at David W. Bull Funeral Directors will need to have all personal information to enable the registration of death to be completed. A copy of this information can be filled on a personal profile card, which lists the required information. David W. Bull Funeral Directors register the death with the Government Statist's Office, and make application for a certified copy of the death certificate on behalf of the family.

Where will the service be held?

The funeral, memorial or thanksgiving service may be held at one of our funeral home chapels, where refreshments may be served at the completion of the service and allows fellowship time for friends and family. You may prefer to have the service at your local Church, family home garden, crematorium, chapel, graveside at the cemetery, or some other special place that was meaningful.

Who will lead the service?

Today many families request their local Church Minister or Priest to officiate at the service. Alternatively some families prefer a Civil Celebrant; to conduct a life centred service (non-religious ceremony). Perhaps a relative or friend may lead the service allowing others to share their experiences with the deceased. The staff at David W. Bull Funeral Directors will discuss the many options available so that you can choose the most appropriate for your needs.

Can we choose some special music?

Most families have traditionally chosen a Hymn or two to be sung at the funeral service, accompanied by the organist. Whilst some families are selecting a favourite compact disc or tape to have played, some request a live soloist singer, or even a Jazz Band. Some may choose to have a family member play a musical instrument with a special song of remembrance.

Burial or Cremation, what are the options?

There are many options available with both burial or cremation memorials. If it is a burial, will a new grave have to be purchased, or make use of an existing grave? Is the grave to be in the lawn section of the cemetery or perhaps in the monumental section? The option of burial in a Mausoleum (above ground burial) at a particular Cemetery is one of the most recent additions to burial practices in some larger cemeteries.

If the service is to be followed by a cremation, what reservation is to be made for the cremated remains (ashes)?

Has a memorial location been pre-purchased at a particular cemetery / crematorium?

The family may choose to have the ashes placed at a memorial at a cemetery, scattered at a special place meaningful to the deceased or family. Families may choose a wide variety of memorials for holding the ashes, i.e. urns, cabinets and keepsake remembrance jewellery.

Can I select suitable clothing for the burial?

A choice can be made whether to have your loved one buried in a full set of their favourite clothing, or choose one of the many burial garments. i.e. polycotton nightie, shroud or habit (male/female) as provided by David W. Bull Funeral Directors.

What about the flowers?

The staff at David W. Bull Funeral Directors will advise you of the options available with floral tributes that may be ordered on your behalf. Alternatively, families may prefer to consult with their local florist and choose a personal tribute.

Who places the newspaper notices?

During the funeral arrangement conference, the staff at David W. Bull Funeral Directors will discuss with you and your family, if assistance is required to compose personal death notices. These of course can be placed on your behalf, or sometimes the family prefer to telephone their own personal tributes through to the newspapers. David W. Bull Funeral Directors staff will place the funeral notice, which advertises the service details.

Do we have to drive ourselves to the funeral?

The choice is entirely yours, sometimes the family prefer to drive themselves in their own family cars, whilst others prefer to be collected from the family home and driven in mourning coaches by our courteous staff.

Who will cancel the pension, etc?

The caring staff at David W. Bull Funeral Directors will send off notification to cancel the pension, make claim for any benefits that may be available from Centrelink, Department of Veteran Affairs, Workcover and the Transport Accident Commission.

Coffin or Casket, what is the difference?

The choice of a coffin or casket is often debated during the funeral arrangement conference. The main difference is in shape; a coffin has tapered ends, whilst a casket is rectangular in shape. Coffins and caskets are manufactured in a wide range of veneered and solid timbers. Caskets are also available in a choice of hardwoods and metal. Prices of caskets vary from many thousands of dollars down to the price of a medium priced coffin. Whilst coffins vary from a couple of thousand dollars down to several hundred dollars.

Is viewing of the deceased necessary?

Most families believe that viewing of the deceased is necessary, to help them in the grieving process, whilst others have to see to believe, if the death was by accident or in tragic circumstances. Family and friends often comment how pleased they are to see their loved one at peace and free from pain caused by illness.

Should children be allowed at the funeral?

This is a commonly asked question by parents when funeral arrangements are being discussed. It is only natural for parents wanting to shield their children from hurt and grief. Most adults today will tell you how hurt and disappointed they were at not being able to attend the funeral of their relatives. It is a popular belief that children handle death better than adults, talk to the children, ask them if they wish to attend the funeral service. It may save some of the many questions asked in later years.

Who will the pallbearers be?

The family has a choice of supplying family and friends to have the honor of being pallbearers. If it is too emotional for family and friends, the staff at David W. Bull Funeral Directors will act as honorary pallbearers.

What happens if I die interstate or overseas?

The staff at David W. Bull Funeral Directors will advise you of the options available to have the remains of your loved one returned home. If overseas the remains can be prepared and returned home within a few days. Whilst interstate transfer can sometimes be overnight, allowing the funeral to take place as soon as possible.

David W. Bull Funeral Directors are also able to provide service in the greater Melbourne and country areas.