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What to do when a loved one passes away...

Coping with the loss of a loved one is never easy. Whether expected or sudden, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. In such moments, knowing what to do next can feel daunting. The first step is to reach out to us. Our compassionate team is here to provide guidance and support, helping you navigate the initial steps of arranging a fitting tribute for your loved one's life. 

What happens first? 

After the initial call, we arrange for the transfer of your loved one to our funeral home, coordinating with the necessary authorities. Whether it's from a palliative care facility, family home, hospital or due to an accident, we handle all formalities, working closely with you and your family to ease the burden during this difficult time.

Where Should the Celebration be Held?

Discover the ideal setting for honoring your loved one's memory at Taverna Funerals. From our thoughtfully designed chapel to your own cherished church, community hall, beloved football club, serene graveside, or picturesque outdoor location – the choice is yours to make their celebration truly meaningful.

Who Can I Get to Lead the Service?

At Taverna Funerals, you have options. Our dedicated celebrant will honor your family's wishes, crafting religious or non-religious gatherings with care. Alternatively, a minister or priest can conduct a religious service. Whichever you choose, both will meet with your family to arrange and fulfill your needs.

What songs should we use for the service? 

Selecting the perfect songs for the service is a deeply personal decision. Should you desire hymns, we can arrange an organist or vocalist. Furthermore, if you opt for a Visual Display presentation, choosing a song with personal significance can add a heartfelt touch to the tribute.

Can I use poems or verses? 

Enrich the celebration with heartfelt poems or verses that hold significance for you and your loved one. Having poems or verses can add depth and meaning to the tribute. You are always welcomed and encouraged to share any verses or poems close to your hearts to make the service truly unique.

Order of Service Sheets:

Your service sheet will feature the order of events, with a photo of your loved one on the front and additional pictures from their life on the back. We collaborate closely with you to design and print these sheets, creating a meaningful keepsake for you and your guests.

Catering:

Sharing memories and connecting with loved ones is essential during the time of grief. Consider involving your loved one's club or congregation for a meaningful catering experience. Morning services often call for luncheons, while afternoon services may suit cakes and slices. Whatever your family desires, we can help arrange it with care.

Tips for writing a Eulogy:

1. Collect memories from family members and compile them.
2. Type it out in 14pt font for easy readability.
3. Vary sentence lengths for flow.
4. Number the pages for organization.
5. Practice aloud and time yourself.
6. Share with friends and family for feedback.
7. Edit as needed.
8. Avoid duplicating content if others are also speaking.

Funeral Goods & Services Price List

Professional Service Fee | $2,600.00

Arrangement consultation: Included

Funeral planning & coordination: Included

Preparation of documentation: Included

Liaison with clergy/Celebrant/

Cemetery/crematorium: Included

Preparation of Funeral Notices: Included

Family communication & support: Included

Running costs & equipment: Included

Transportation

Transfer into our care (business hours): No Charge

Transfer into our care (after hours/weekends): $150.00

Additional kilometer charge over 30km: $3.50 per/km

Mortuary Care & Preparation | $275

Dressing & Cosmetic Application: Included 

Mortuary holding (up to 7 days): Included 

Viewing (out of working hours or weekends): Additional charges apply

Extended mortuary holding beyond 7 days: Additional charges apply

Removal of Pacemaker or medical devices: Additional charges apply

Other specialised preparation requirements: Additional charges apply

Basic Cremation (no attendance) | $3,500.00

Transfer into our care: Included 

Basic mortuary care: Included 

Basic MDF coffin: Included 

Necessary documentation: Included 

Cremation Fee: Included 

Cremated remains returned to our funeral home: Included 

Please Note: Prices are based on the inclusions listed. Additional costs may apply for further arrangements, services, products, transfers or third-party expenses.

Basic Cremation (Chapel Service) | $6,285.00

Professional service fee: Included 

Chapel hire: Included

Celebrant: Included

Basic coffin: Included

Cremation fee: Included

Required documentation: Included

Cremated remains returned to our funeral home: Included

Please Note: Prices are based on the inclusions listed. Additional costs may apply for further arrangements, services, products, transfers or third-party expenses.

Basic Funeral Service (Burial) | starting at $7,795.00

Basic Coffin: Included 

Professional service fee: Included 

Mortuary care & preparation: Included

Admin fee: Included

Full Death Certificate (Vic): Included                                                  

Coffins & Casket

Basic Coffin: $985.00

Solid timber coffin: starting from $2,200

Caskets veneered MDF: $2,600.00

Metal Casket: starting from $5,400.00

Other Services

Live Streaming: $275.00

Compile Visual display (100 photos): $250.00

Service sheets 4 A5 pages: $1.45 per page 

Service sheet 8 A5 pages: $1.55 per page

Rosary at our chapel: $150.00

Rosary at church: $250.00

Helpful Links

Taverna Funerals Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/tavernafuneralsswanhill/

Foresters Friendly Society:

https://forestersfs.com.au/

Centrelink:

https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/centrelink

Coroners Court of Vic:

http://www.coronerscourt.vic.gov.au/

Beyondblue:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Birth, Deaths and Marriages Vic: 

https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/

National Funeral Directors Association:

http://nfda.com.au/

Swan Hill District Health:

http://www.shdh.org.au/

Australian Cemeteries: 

http://www.australiancemeteries.com.au/vic/swan_hill/swanhill.htm

How to Design Your Own Expression Coffin:

https://expressioncoffins.com.au/

Swan Hill Memorial Park

https://swanhillcemeterytrust.com.au