Steve, affectionately known as Mr. Fun-eral amongst friends, is back talking about how he is trying to revitalise funerals by encouraging people to look squarely at their mortality and plan their own funerals long before they might be expected to need to.
For Steve, injecting ‘fun’ into funerals isn’t just about creating unique ceremonies; it’s about fostering a culture of acceptance and preparation for the end of life. Whilst it’s a serious matter, It certainly doesn’t have to be all sombre and dark and some families have found great comfort in ‘the knowing’ whilst others have experienced a sense of fun around the recall of memories the discussion of a funeral plan can invoke.
At 58 years old, this former corporate professional emphasises the importance of both regular long-term planning and in acknowledging the inevitability of death and preparing for it both emotionally and practically. He has always been a planner, but having joined the funeral industry, he sees firsthand, the result of funeral plans that are well defined and discussed ahead of time.
Tong & Peryer Funeral Directors, offers pre-arranged funeral plans tailored to individual preferences, covering everything from the ceremony format to body handling instructions. We believe in transparency and empowerment, ensuring that people are well informed and in control of their end-of-life wishes.
Whilst some may view planning one’s own funeral as narcissistic, Steve and his ‘pre-arranged’ clients see it as a selfless act aimed at sparing loved ones from additional stress and uncertainty during a time of mourning. By documenting their wishes in advance, individuals like Andrea, aged 73, believes she can relieve her families of the burden of decision-making and her final farewell align with their desires. She says, “my kids just need to hit the GO button, it’s all there, and they are at peace with it.”
Offering practical advice, Steve encourages people to view funeral planning as a proactive measure rather than a reactive response to a negative experience.
Steve’s thoughts on pre-planning…
Consider your funeral as part of your inheritance planning – when considering who you want to inherit your estate, make sure you ensure there are sufficient funds to pay for your funeral after your death.
Get expert advice – The Tong & Peryer website has some great tools to help kick-start the process. See https://www.tongandperyer.co.nz/preplan/why-plan-ahead
Write it down –communicate your wishes to your next of kin because when they are grieving, they may not recall or remember past conversations.
DO IT NOW! No one knows what tomorrow brings, but I have learnt from experience that tricky conversations and writing down wishes can make a huge difference to grieving loved ones at a difficult time in their lives.
In essence, Steve’s message is clear: take control of your final arrangements today to ease the burden on your loved ones tomorrow. Tong & Peryer stands ready to assist with any inquiries or discussions regarding pre-arranging funerals, underscoring their commitment to compassionate and proactive end-of-life care.
We’re always ready to answer any questions and talk more pre-planning a funeral, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
