Funeral options to honour a life in your own way
The way we farewell someone should reflect who they were, and what mattered to them. At Whitestone Funerals in Oamaru, we guide you through your funeral options with warmth, experience, and respect. Whether you’re facing an unexpected loss or planning ahead, we help you make thoughtful funeral choices, from the first decision to the final goodbye.
From burial or cremation to music, flowers, and eulogies, this page explains the key elements of a funeral. If you are wondering how to organise a funeral, you will also find answers and a link to our funeral planning checklist.
Why have a funeral?
In a time of loss, it can be tempting to skip the ceremony and move quickly through the practicalities. But a funeral offers something deeply human: the chance to gather, remember, and begin to heal.
So why do we have funerals? A funeral is not for the person who has died - it is for the people left behind. It provides a moment in time to share stories, shed tears, smile at old memories, and feel supported by others. Whether it is simple or detailed, it helps us process what has happened and start to adjust.
Taking time to understand the funeral options can help you shape a farewell that truly honours the person who has died.
Embalming
Embalming is a process that helps preserve the body, particularly when there is a longer time between the death and the funeral, or if there will be an open casket.
While not always necessary, it can allow for a peaceful viewing and time for whānau to gather.
We will talk you through whether embalming is needed in your situation, based on your timeframe, preferences, and the nature of the service.
Burial or cremation
One of the most important funeral options to consider when planning a funeral is whether to choose burial or cremation. This may already be clear based on cultural, religious, or family wishes - or it may be something that requires careful thought.
We offer both options onsite, including Oamaru’s only crematorium and dedicated memorial gardens. Burial services can be held in any local cemetery, and we can also assist with arrangements further afield.
Whichever you choose, we have a full range of urns, coffins, and caskets suitable for both burial and cremation, including eco-friendly and simple options.
Funeral venues
We offer several funeral venues onsite to suit your style, numbers, and budget. These include our light-filled chapel, the peaceful memorial gardens, and the Stringer Catering Lounge. All are located on our grounds in Oamaru, with plenty of parking and easy access.
You are also welcome to hold the service elsewhere - in a church, hall, or special location. We can help with setup and logistics wherever you choose, even if it is not held at our funeral venues.
Having the person present
One of the funeral service options to consider is whether to have the person who has died present. This might be in an open or closed casket, or in an urn if cremation has already taken place.
This is a personal decision, and there is no right or wrong. Some families find comfort in seeing the person one last time. Others prefer a private farewell beforehand. We are here to support you either way.
Funeral hearse
We have a classic black funeral hearse that reflects a sense of dignity and occasion. If needed, we also have additional transport options. Whether the service is simple or formal, we ensure every detail is handled with care - including the final journey.
If you are looking for a hearse for funerals, rest assured we can assist.
Writing a eulogy
Writing a heartfelt eulogy can feel overwhelming, but it’s often a meaningful part of the healing process. Trying to capture their stories, their quirks and the moments that made them who they were is a big task, but you don’t have to do it alone — we’re here to help whenever you need us.
Music, flowers, and the reception
Music is one of many meaningful funeral options that can help shape the tone of a service. You can choose meaningful songs for entry, reflection time, and the closing procession, or include hymns if that suits your person. Our team will help source the right version, cue the funeral music, and ensure it plays smoothly.
Many families also choose to display funeral flowers, or arrange flowers for the casket. We work with local florists and help you select arrangements that reflect the season, your budget, and your person’s style.
After the service, many families gather for a funeral reception. It is a time to share memories and a cuppa. Our onsite catering lounge makes this easy and relaxed. Learn more about our funeral catering options.
Multimedia services
We can design and print personalised funeral service sheets and memorial booklets for funerals, tailored to your needs. We can also provide a funeral memorial book for guests to sign and leave messages.
If you are planning a funeral slideshow with photos, we can help prepare and play these during the service. We also offer a video live stream funeral option for those unable to attend in person.
All of our tech and audio-visual (AV) services are managed in-house, so you can trust everything will run smoothly on the day.
Frequently asked questions about funeral options
Let us help you find the right funeral options
Whatever you need, we are here to help you understand your funeral options and make decisions with confidence and care. Call Whitestone Funerals for experience and guidance, any time.