When a loved one passes in another state or country, planning their funeral or memorial service at a distance presents challenges. At Funeral.Sydney, our knowledgeable funeral directors are here to guide families coordinating services remotely.

If planning long-distance arrangements, keep these tips in mind:

• Ask a trusted friend or relative closer to the location to act as your point person for communicating with the funeral home and making in-person decisions.
• Do research to select a reputable local funeral home with expertise handling out-of-town coordinators and diverse funeral customs.
• Provide the funeral home contact you choose with your full name, relationship to the deceased, phone number, email, and time zone so they can reach you easily.
• Ask the funeral home to live stream services via webcam or do a pre-recorded video so remote family and friends can view.
• Give clear instructions on your preferences for burial, cremation, casket options, flowers, music, programme details, customs, etc.
• For cremation, look into transportation regulations and funeral home policies on mailing or escorted transport of ashes to you.
• Inquire about ways to participate long-distance like submitting photos, recordings, written tributes, or items to display.
• Send personalised touches like flower arrangements, memory boards, photos, etc. ahead to the site.
• Have keepsakes made from funeral flowers or recordings to mail to you after the service.
• View and approve any service details by email if possible before finalising.

With planning and effective communication, families can honour their loved one meaningfully even from afar. Reach out to Funera, one of the top funeral companies in Sydney, for assistance.