Our caring and expert team at Martin’s are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you during this time, so please, call us for personal answers to your concerns and queries.
First Steps When Losing A Loved One
Martin’s understands that at the time of losing a loved one the process of organizing the funeral can be very overwhelming and something most people have not experienced before. A funeral is an important part of the grieving process and a way to express your love, respect and gratitude for your loved one who has died.
When someone dies, a medical death certificate needs to be issued by a doctor, either at home, in a hospital or nursing home. You then need to contact a Funeral Home.
The first step in organizing a funeral is to choose a Funeral Home you feel comfortable with, one who is reliable and gives you confidence in their ability to arrange a truly unique funeral for your loved one.
Once you have decided on the Funeral Home an appointment is made with an Arranger who should help you with all of the important decisions.
Over 22 years Martin’s Funerals has built an experienced team of franchises and ideas to deliver unparalleled expertise in arranging and conducting funerals.
We encourage you to call or email us - no matter the time or day - so we can begin helping you arrange the funeral.
Q - How do I go about making funeral arrangements?
A - A Martin’s Funerals arrangement officer will assist you in the comfort of your own home if you wish.
Q - How will Martin’s Funerals help me?
A - Simply phone your nearest Martin's Funerals branch and ask them to advise you. The staff knows their way round all the necessary paperwork and procedures. They will arrange to collect the deceased and then the funeral is arranged in the usual manner.
Q - How much does a funeral cost? Is cremation less expensive than burial?
A - The cost of a funeral depends on the type of service chosen, either at a Church, at the Graveside or Crematorium Chapel. We service all cemeteries and crematoriums, but prices do vary, and detailed quotes are available on request.
A cremation service is often less expensive than burial, primarily due to the cost of the burial site, and costs vary, depending on your needs. The arranging staff at Martin’s can guide you through the planning process, explaining the services available and the costs involved. You can make an appointment to meet at our office or you may wish to discuss the details in the comfort of your own home, whichever you find more convenient.
Q - May I ask a difficult question? Why are funerals so expensive?
A - Let me give you a straightforward answer! At Martin’s Funerals you pay a fair and realistic price for a quality, professional service.
Our service to you includes caring for the mortal remains entrusted to us in a respectful manner. The burden of having to yourself cope with the relatively complicated process of laying a person to rest at a time of intense grief and shock, is removed and shouldered by others who are skilled in these matters. This makes it possible for you to go through the mourning process without additional worries such as buying a grave, getting cremation certification and so on.
At a reputable company such as Martin’s Funerals, customers are only billed for the goods and services they have chosen in accordance with the high ethical standards enshrined in our code of business practice. Peace of mind is included but we don’t charge for it!
Q - Can I see my loved one again?
A - A viewing is a special opportunity to say goodbye and spend time with your loved one.
Ideally the viewing takes place a day or so before the funeral.
Should you decide to have a viewing, each Martin’s Funeral Home has a private Viewing Room where family members can visit with the deceased in privacy and comfort.
Martin’s can give you advice on these issues
Q - How soon can a funeral be held?
A - It is sometimes thought that the sooner the funeral is held, the sooner life may return to some sort of normality. But taking time to consider your options and ensuring that suitable decisions are taken, can actually help in the healing process; a few days interval before the actual funeral can be helpful as there is a lot to do.
Q - Can you find a minister for me?
A - It is your choice as to who should lead the service - a member of clergy, a celebrant, family member or friend. We can consult with your chosen clergy or celebrant or introduce you to one who can assist and support you through the service.
Q - What clothing should be given to the undertakers?
A - This is a matter of individual choice. Some loved ones are buried in their pyjamas, casual clothes or nighties, while soldiers are usually buried in their uniforms. The family must decide what they think is right.
Q - What about the Death Certificate?
A - The person who arranges the funeral will make sure all the necessary documentation is swiftly attended to. Every effort is made to register the death and hand the next of kin the Death Certificate without delay.
Q - What documentation do I need when there is a death?
A - The bar coded Identity Document of the deceased; and
The Martin’s Funerals policy document or any other recognised funeral policy document
Q - What do I do when someone dies of natural causes at home or in a retirement home?
A - Phone the doctor who last attended to the deceased. The doctor will certify the death and complete the necessary documentation if there is to be a cremation.
Then phone your nearest Martin’s Funerals branch.
Q - What happens when someone dies in a motor car accident or by suicide or murder?
A - This is called an unnatural death and the police take custody of the deceased and a post mortem is done. A family member must identify the body at the government mortuary.
Q - What information will they want over the phone?
A - The name and age of the deceased, his or her physical characteristics, what you think the cause of death was and of course the address where the death occurred and the name and telephone number of the person making the call.
Q - Where do the undertakers take the body?
A - The deceased is taken directly to our mortuary where the body is washed and cleaned and then wrapped in a shroud and placed in the cold room until it is time for the coffining.
Q - What is a funeral service like?
A - A funeral service is a way of honouring a person and showing our respect. The way in which we do that is both individual and personal. There is no "normal" funeral service, only that which is appropriate for your family and friends.
You are forever separated from that person and our primary concern is the funeral arrangements we make are appropriate for you and them.
Q - Where can I get help after the funeral if I need it?
A - Our on-going care programme is available to all members of the family. All of our families are called 6 weeks after the funeral or a letter is sent if they can't be reached. If the family wishes we can send literature or arrange an appointment with a Bereavement Support Consultant.
Q - What should I include in a eulogy?
A - The Eulogy is a very special funeral tradition that enables us to remember, respect and rejoice in the life of our loved one. The Eulogy is often the heart of the funeral, it makes people laugh, it makes people cry. It is where we pay tribute to our loved one, remembering their unique personality, their achievements and their greatest loves.
A eulogy might start with the speaker sharing a favourite memory of their time with your loved one and will then go on to weave a story of your loved one's life. Many people choose a close family member or friend to write the eulogy, while others have us help them prepare it so a celebrant can do the delivery. This is a personal decision for your family and we are happy to help guide you based on your wishes.
Q - Can you help with Floral Arrangements?
A - Definitely, they are a very important part of the funeral and your Arranger is experienced in the wide variety of options available. Flowers and plants can fill the air with their scent, fill the eye with beauty and help create a warm atmosphere at the funeral service for your loved one.
The flowers you choose might reflect your loved one's favourite blooms, be of a special colour, or have a special significance to your family. They are often placed throughout the church, with a special arrangement placed on top of the coffin.
You may even like us to organise a gift of a small potted flower or plant for each mourner, so they can take it home to plant in their own garden. This is another way Martin’s helps you personalize the funeral service and a lovely way of helping people remember your loved one.
Q - Can you help with selecting Funeral Music?
A - Yes, your personal funeral arranger will be there to help you select from a range of musical options to be played prior to, during and after the funeral service.
Your loved one might best be respected, remembered or celebrated through music such as:
Q - What are some special touches that can be incorporated to truly personalize a funeral?
A - As a funeral director, we are at the forefront of offering families personalized services that do justice to their loved ones. We will bring to your attention a number of opportunities for personalising your loved one's funeral and the experience of those attending it. Just some ideas that might suit your family include:
At Martin’s, it is our deepest desire to have you experience a truly special funeral, one that will help you on your way to healing. We would be honoured to share our ideas with you and help you implement yours.
Q - What do I say to a grieving person?
A - There are no "right" words to choose when speaking with someone who has suffered bereavement. Just by being there, your support can offer great comfort, and your honesty can be more valued than clichéd statements. Be yourself, be there for each other in ways to provide both emotional and physical support.
During the early stages:
In Later Stages:
Q - What if our loved one is already taken to another funeral parlour and we want Martin’s to do the funeral service for us?
A - Martins Funerals will arrange with the other funeral parlour on your request for the transfer of the deceased and will also negotiate the standard removal fee that needs to be paid.
Q - Do we as the family need to make any arrangements with regards to the funeral service?
A - No, Martins will guide you through the whole process and make all the necessary arrangements on your behalf
Q - What if we have insurance policies at other funeral parlours or institutions?
A - Martins Funerals will assist you with the compilation of the required documentation that has to be handed in or to be submitted to valid your claim.
Q - I want to be cremated, but I’ve heard up to 3 coffins are burned at once
A - Another urban legend! Only one coffin at a time is placed in the cremation chamber. If you want the cremated remains, you will receive them in a container of your choice.
Q - What happens if the body is too long for a coffin- I’ve heard some terrible things.
A - Please don’t pay attention to urban myths! If the deceased was exceptionally tall or very obese, the arrangement officer will explain that a custom made coffin has to be ordered. The right coffin is provided and the deceased is never forced to fit into one that is not of the appropriate size.
Q - Why are coffins so expensive?
A - Think of a coffin as a piece of furniture. Some people are willing to buy relatively expensive furniture – others haunt second hand shops for bargains. Most importantly, a coffin must be sturdily constructed in order to protect the dignity of the deceased, ensure the health of others and allow the body to be moved easily from place to place. A modest coffin is entirely satisfactory in this regard but those who wish to provide a more sophisticated looking coffin or casket are free to do so. Our customers are NEVER pressurized into buying a coffin for the deceased at the expense of the living.
Q - If I want to join/take out a funeral policy with Martin’s Funerals, what policies do you have available in the market?
A - We have a variety of products available and, all you have to do is to contact our office and a consultant will make an appointment with you.
