What Do You Want Your Funeral to Say About You?

When we think about funerals, we often think in practical terms — what kind of service, who will attend, what songs might be played. But beneath all of that is something far more powerful.

A funeral is one of the most honest reflections of a life. It can say something about who you were, what you valued, and how you lived.

And in the Northern Rivers, where individuality and connection run deep, more people are choosing to shape their farewell in ways that feel true to them — whether it’s a gathering by the beach in Byron Bay, a backyard service in Lismore, or a quiet reflection under gum trees in Ballina.

So what could your funeral say about you?

That you valued connection

Did you love bringing people together? You might want your funeral to be less formal and more like a community gathering — laughter, stories, food and all.

Your farewell could feel like a long lunch in the sunshine, or a circle of family and friends sharing memories in a favourite park.

That you were passionate about something

Maybe you were an ocean swimmer, a gardener, an artist, or a passionate advocate. Your funeral can reflect that — with poems, readings, music, even clothing choices or rituals that honour your passions.

These small touches often bring the most comfort. They remind your people who you really were.

That you wanted to keep it simple

You might not want a ceremony at all. Or you might want something pared back and peaceful — like a direct cremation with a small memorial later.

There is no rulebook. Whether it's held at home, in a forest, or not at all, it only needs to feel right to you.

That you cared about others

Pre-planning your funeral is one of the most generous things you can do. It lifts the burden from your loved ones and gives them clarity during a difficult time.

You don’t have to have all the answers, but even starting the conversation can be a gift.

Final thoughts

A funeral doesn’t need to be sombre to be meaningful. And it doesn’t need to follow tradition to be respectful. It just needs to reflect you — the real you.

Whether you want an earthy, heartfelt ceremony here in the Northern Rivers, or something as simple as a cremation with ashes returned, there are ways to make your wishes known.

If you’d like to chat through your ideas, or simply get some clarity on what’s possible, I’d be honoured to help. No pressure, just a supportive conversation.

Need to speak with a Funeral Director immediately? Please call 0410 478 713 or 1300 242 490