When it comes to honouring our loved ones who have died, traditional funeral venues have long been the go-to choice. However, there is a growing trend towards non-traditional funeral locations and services that provide a more personal and unique touch to the funeral experience. Picaluna, a group of funeral directors in Melbourne, Australia, understand the importance of this shift and offer a range of alternative funeral locations and options that go beyond these conventional settings.
What is a non-traditional funeral service?
Picaluna believes that every life should be celebrated in a way that reflects the individual’s unique journey. Non-traditional funeral services, provide families with the opportunity to choose alternative venues and rituals that hold personal significance and create a more memorable experience. Venues may include outdoor settings or unconventional locations that have a special connection to the person being honoured. Rituals will often be unearthed by the Picaluna Funeral Directors during in-depth discussions with the family about their loved one and could be as simple as writing a final note to be placed in the coffin, through to breaking out in the Nutbush as part of the ceremony!
Where could I have a non-traditional funeral service?
One option that Picaluna offers is the choice to have an outdoor funeral. Outdoor funerals have gained popularity as they provide a serene and natural environment for family and friends to come together and pay their respects. Whether it’s a tranquil garden, a picturesque park, a quiet beach or even your own backyard, these outdoor settings offer a peaceful atmosphere where mourners can celebrate the life of their loved one. The beauty of nature often provides great comfort and solace during times of grief, making outside funerals an appealing choice for those seeking a more intimate and personal farewell.
In addition to outdoor settings, Picaluna also offers non-traditional funeral locations that hold a special place in the hearts of those being honoured. These venues can include cherished places like a favourite cafe, a community centre, or even a beloved sporting club. By selecting a location that holds personal meaning and memories, families can create a truly unique and customised funeral experience. Celebrating the life of a loved one in a space that has a personal connection can be a powerful way to honour their legacy.
What are some funeral venues in Melbourne that could cater for this?
There are many options in Melbourne who cater for non-traditional funeral services, here are a few to get you inspired! Note that all these venues will allow for a coffin to be present, as well as a memorial only without the presence of a coffin.
West Beach Pavilion, St Kilda: Located by the iconic St Kilda beach, the West Beach Pavilion offers a stunning coastal backdrop for a funeral service. With its contemporary design and panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay, this venue provides a serene setting to celebrate the life of a loved one. Families can hold a meaningful farewell with the sound of gentle waves as they pay their respects.
Potters Warrandyte: Located in the leafy suburb of Warrandyte, Potters is a unique venue surrounded by abundant natural beauty. With lush gardens and shallow ponds, this venue offers a tranquil space for heartfelt and intimate life celebration funerals.
Memo Music Hall: A renowned live music venue, Memo Music Hall in St Kilda is an unconventional, art deco, vintage space where families can celebrate the life of their loved one. It even provides the opportunity to have live music with quality sound and lighting production available. This historic venue creates a unique atmosphere that captures the essence of those who may have had a passion for music and artistic expression.
The Altar Electric: Nestled in Collingwood, The Altar Electric is an intimate, alternative event space that welcomes all types of ceremonies, including funerals. With its earthy yet lively textures and warm ambience, this venue offers a creative and unconventional backdrop for all your non-traditional funeral services, Melbourne.
Heidelberg Golf Club: Situated in the leafy suburb of Lower Plenty, Heidelberg Golf Club offers a serene and casual location for a farewell ceremony. The lush green fairways and tranquil surroundings provide a peaceful setting for family and friends to gather and pay their respects. The club’s elegant function rooms can be transformed into a respectful space to honour the life of a loved one.
Welcome to Thornbury: A vibrant food truck park in Northcote, Welcome to Thornbury provides a relaxed and welcoming setting for a more casual and inclusive funeral gathering. Families can celebrate the life of their loved one with a diverse range of food and beverages amidst a lively and communal atmosphere.
The MCG: Known as the iconic sporting hub of Melbourne, the MCG offers a unique and grand setting for a farewell ceremony. While primarily known for hosting major sporting events, the MCG also provides the option to hold funeral services, allowing families to celebrate the life of their loved ones amidst the backdrop of Australian sporting history.
What if I prefer a cremation instead of a traditional burial?
Picaluna recognises the increasing popularity of cremation as an alternative to traditional burial. They provide comprehensive cremation services that can be seamlessly integrated with a funeral service, often referred to as cremation funeral services. Families have the option to choose a cremation with a funeral service, allowing them to say their final goodbyes and honour the life of their loved one in a meaningful way. This combination of cremation and a personalised funeral service offers a modern and heartfelt approach to commemorating the person who has died.
I don’t want a funeral, are there any other options?
In addition to cremation, Picaluna also offers direct cremation services for families who prefer a simpler and more cost-effective option. Direct cremation involves the immediate cremation of the deceased without a formal funeral service. This alternative allows families to have more flexibility in organising a separate memorial or scattering ashes ceremony that can be held at a location that holds significance to the individual.
Are there any eco-friendly funeral locations?
Furthermore, for those who opt for a natural and environmentally friendly approach, Picaluna also facilitates natural burials. Natural burial involves returning the body to the earth in a way that promotes natural decomposition and minimises environmental impact. These burials often take place in designated natural burial grounds within an established cemetery and offer a serene and eco-conscious option for families seeking a more sustainable farewell. An example of one is at Murrun Naroon, Bunurong Memorial Park, Bangholme. Visit smct.org.au/murrun-naroon-natural-burials.
In conclusion, the trend of non-traditional funeral locations is on the rise as families seek more distinct and meaningful ways to honour their loved ones. Picaluna’salternative funeral locations in Melbourne provide families with options that go beyond the conventional settings, allowing them to create a unique and memorable farewell experience. Whether it’s an outside funeral surrounded by nature, a non-traditional venue, cremation with funeral service, direct cremation, or a natural burial, Picaluna offers a range of services to cater to individual preferences and ensure a heartfelt and truly personal goodbye.
To learn more about Picaluna’s non-traditional funeral services and alternative funeral locations, please give them a call.
