How to plan a non-traditional memorial service in a park or beach setting?

Having a memorial service in a non-traditional setting like the park or beach may be an ideal reflection of the way someone lived their life- and that makes it an ideal venue for their farewell service.

Firstly, you’ll need a funeral business to arrange a Direct Cremation. This will take 1-2 weeks after their death and they’ll post or deliver the ashes to you.

You can bring the ashes to the memorial service (unlike a coffin. Not ideal in public places) or you may just like to bring a photo or something that symbolises the person- surfboard, fishing rod, scarf, etc.

Choose a location, a time and day suitable to the most important people. That may be sunrise or sunset. It may even be a weekend.

Contact council to see if a permit is required at the location you’ve chosen. Getting a permit does not give you ‘exclusive access’ to the area. It simply means no one else can book a memorial, or wedding, or birthday party at the same time.

If you’re scattering ashes, you need to abide by the Environmental Protection Act. It’s also not cool to scatter ashes where there are people swimming.

Consider potential access issues for family and guests. Is there wellchair access, car parking, toilet facilities?

Consider having a back-up plan in case the weather is unkind. Is there an undercover area nearby?

You don’t need to have any formal speeches, but having one or more people speak about the guest of honours life is important.

If you do make a mess, please clean up before you leave.

You don’t need to book a celebrant but having someone with experience can be incredibly helpful. If you have any questions feel free to reach out.