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What Funeral Directors Really Do and Why It Matters

5/6/2025

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Why We Should Give a Bit More Credit to the People Who Step Up When It Matters Most
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Funeral directors have taken a bit of heat in recent years. Some people feel they charge too much, or that the funeral industry’s too focused on profit. And sure, it’s fair to ask questions. Funerals can be expensive, and not everyone has the same experience.
But here’s the thing: most people don’t see the work happening behind the scenes. When someone dies, there’s more to do than choosing a casket or booking a time for the service. There’s paperwork, logistics, transport, family dynamics, legal details, cultural practices, and a lot of it needs to happen quickly. That’s where funeral directors come in.

When you’re grieving, even basic tasks can feel overwhelming and for a lot of people, dealing with forms, timelines, logistics, or figuring out how to arrange care for a loved one’s body is just too much. Funeral directors know what needs to happen, and they know how to do it with compassion, clarity, and professionalism.
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They carry out a wide range of duties that ease the burden for families, including:
• Handling legal and administrative matters, such as registering the death, arranging permits, and obtaining the official death certificate.
• Caring for the deceased with dignity and professionalism, including transport, preparation, and, where requested, embalming.
• Coordinating the funeral, managing logistics, booking venues, liaising with cemeteries or crematoria, and ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day.
• Personalising the service, helping families create a meaningful farewell that reflects the life and values of the person who has passed.
• Providing emotional support, offering practical guidance and compassion at a time when people are often overwhelmed and vulnerable.


It’s not just a job. It’s a service built on empathy, experience, and attention to detail.
Like any industry, there are different levels of service. But most funeral directors in New Zealand are in this line of work because they genuinely care. It’s not an easy job. It takes emotional strength, long hours, and the ability to meet people in their darkest moments , often with very little thanks.

That kind of care deserves some recognition.

Yes, You Can Plan a Funeral Yourself

If you or your family want to go the DIY route, that’s awesome. There’s a growing movement of families choosing to do more themselves; caring for the body at home, holding private services, or keeping things simple and personal. It’s a beautiful option for those who are up for it, and we fully support families making choices that reflect their values.

If this is something you’re considering, it’s worth looking into before you actually need it. There are great resources out there, and understanding what’s involved ahead of time can make a big difference. Legal requirements still need to be met. The body must be cared for properly. Timelines can be tight. And in the midst of grief, it can be a lot to manage, even for the most organised families.
That’s why, for many families, working with a funeral director brings real peace of mind. For some, it’s not a luxury. It’s a huge relief.
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Some families choose to personalise their farewell by decorating a cardboard casket, a hands-on, meaningful way to honour a loved one.
There’s Room for Both Traditions and New Ideas
At the same time, we know many families today are looking for something a bit different, something that feels personal, simple, and more in line with their values. That’s part of why we created our cardboard caskets. They’re made here in New Zealand from 100% biodegradable materials, without plastic or metal, and they’re approved for both cremation and natural burial.

Whether families want to decorate them by hand, or choose one of our printed nature designs, it’s about giving people a real alternative to the traditional and one that many funeral homes across the country are proud to support.

It’s also worth saying: working with a funeral director doesn’t mean giving up control. It’s not an all-or-nothing situation. A good funeral director can be as involved or as hands-off as you want.

Some families want to be involved in every step. Others would rather hand over the details and focus on grieving. Most fall somewhere in the middle. And that’s okay, there’s no one right way to do this. What matters is that you feel supported.

There are a growing number of funeral homes around New Zealand that offer exactly this kind of flexibility. They’ll meet you where you’re at, whether you’re planning something formal, natural, spiritual, simple, or deeply personalised.

It’s not about following a fixed formula. It’s about making space for grief, memory, and meaning in a way that feels right for your loved one.

Funeral directors don’t just organise services, they guide families through one of the hardest moments of their lives. They carry the weight so you don’t have to. And while they might not always get the praise, they deserve a bit more credit than they get.

There’s more than one way to farewell someone, and no one path is right for everyone. But for many, having someone there who knows the way can make all the difference.

Credit where it’s due.
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“I Didn't Know You Could Choose a Cardboard Casket - Until I Needed One”

23/5/2025

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Eco-friendly cardboard casket - simple, sustainable, and NZ made.
When someone close to us passes away, we want to honour them in a way that feels right. For many families in New Zealand, that now includes choosing an eco-friendly cardboard casket - a simple, respectful alternative to traditional options.
At Outside The Box Caskets, we offer 100% biodegradable cardboard caskets that are made right here in New Zealand. They're strong, personal, and better for the environment.
 
Why More People Are Choosing Cardboard
Our caskets are:
-  Fully biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals
-  Suitable for burial and cremation
-  Made from recycled, responsibly sourced materials
-  Personalised if you wish - write messages, add drawings, or keep it natural and plain


Choosing cardboard isn't just practical - it reflects a growing desire to do things differently. For many families, it feels more personal, more aligned with values of care, simplicity, and environmental responsibility.
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Adding drawings and messages turns a cardboard casket into something deeply personal and meaningful
​Simple Doesn't Mean Less Meaningful
You don't need heavy materials or polished hardwoods to create a meaningful farewell. Cardboard caskets are often decorated by family and friends, filled with notes, photos, drawings or final words. Some prefer a clean, minimal look. Either way, it's a chance to reflect the life of the person being remembered.
Simplicity often brings focus - on the people, the memories, and the love shared.

Available Through Your Funeral Home
Our caskets are made right here in New Zealand using strong, recycled cardboard. While some funeral homes may not list them online or mention them by name, they are widely available. Just ask for an Outside The Box cardboard casket — most funeral directors know us and can organise one without any trouble.
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Want to Know More?
If you're curious about this option or wondering how to request it through your funeral director, we've put together a helpful article:
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How to Ask for a Cardboard Casket - A Simple Guide

​To explore our designs or ask a question, feel free to contact us or browse our range.
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How to Ask for a Cardboard Casket — A Simple Guide

7/5/2025

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How to Ask for a Cardboard Casket  - A Simple Guide
When someone passes, there’s so much to take in and a lot of decisions to make. For families who want to do things a little differently, choosing a cardboard casket can be a gentle, thoughtful step. It’s not about making a statement. It’s about choosing something that feels lighter, more personal, and better for the planet.

At Outside The Box, we make strong, simple cardboard caskets right here in New Zealand. Read more about us here.
They’re biodegradable, natural, and built to hold up — weight-tested to 320kg. But one of the most common questions we get is: how do I actually get one? 

The answer’s easy: ask your funeral director.
We supply our caskets through funeral homes around New Zealand. If your funeral director hasn’t heard of us, they probably have by now. We’ve been around for over five years. If not, they can get in touch and we’ll help them sort it out.

Just ask for an Outside The Box cardboard casket and they’ll know where to go. You can also view stockists of our caskets here.
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You can choose from a plain kraft casket, or pick one of our printed lid designs for a bit of colour or softness. Some families like to decorate the casket themselves, with messages, drawings, photos, or flowers. Others prefer to keep things simple. Either way, it’s a choice that lets you honour your person in a way that feels right.

We’re proud to be the first cardboard casket in New Zealand certified for natural burial. That means we meet the environmental standards for green burials here and that’s something we care deeply about.

If this feels like the kind of farewell you or your loved one would want, it’s worth having the conversation. Not every funeral home will offer a cardboard casket up front, but most are happy to help if you ask.

We’re not here to overhaul tradition,  just to offer something more personal, more thoughtful, and a little kinder to the planet. It’s a gentle departure for people who want to do things a bit differently.
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You can view our range here or talk to your local funeral director about ordering an Outside The Box Casket.
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​Printed Lids and Doing Death a Bit Differently

28/3/2025

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​Printed Lids and Doing Death a Bit Differently
We’ve been making cardboard caskets for five years now. Quietly, steadily. No huge fanfare just doing the work and offering something a bit different in an industry that doesn’t always change quickly.

When we started Outside The Box Caskets, it came from a pretty simple place: we saw a gap. There weren’t many (or really any) options for people who wanted a more sustainable, down-to-earth kind of casket, something that felt less traditional, less heavy in every sense of the word. So we made one. A cardboard casket that’s strong, clean, and genuinely kind to the planet. And honestly? We think it looks pretty good too. Well, we think so, and so we’ve been told.

But it’s not just about looks. There were a couple of years of prototyping, development, and testing before we landed on the final design. We tried things, scrapped them, tried again - until we had something we felt proud to put our name on.
Our caskets are built to hold up, and weight tested to 320kg.
Do you know any other cardboard coffin that can do that? Neither do we.

And to be clear, it’s not just a box. That’s where the name comes from. Our caskets are different. Not showroom-perfect. Just something real, something people can connect with - especially when the usual options don’t feel quite right.
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​About the Lids
Now let’s talk lids, because that’s where people often really start to connect with what we do.

We’ve got eight lid designs in our current range - prints that bring colour, softness, or even a bit of boldness to the casket. They’re printed right here in NZ too. If you’d like to see what’s available, you can view our personalised caskets here​.
It’s not about making a big statement - but you can if you want to.

What matters is that people finally have a choice. For a long time, they didn’t. If a printed lid speaks to someone, great. And if none of them do, that’s totally fine too.
We also offer a plain kraft cardboard casket, and that option can be deeply personal. Some families choose to decorate it themselves - paint it, write messages, cover it in flowers or artwork. It can become a really meaningful part of the farewell.
We’ve seen that blank surface turn into a tribute full of love, laughter, and memory. Sometimes messy, sometimes beautiful. Often both.

It can be a shared moment. A creative goodbye. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, just whatever feels right for the people involved
 
It’s Not for Everyone - and That’s Fine
We know our cardboard caskets won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Some funeral directors love them, some don’t and that’s completely fine. We’re not here to convince anyone. We’re here for the people who look at what’s usually on offer and think, nah, that’s not quite us.

The whole point of Outside The Box Caskets is choice. We’re not trying to push anything on anyone. We’re here for the people who want something a bit different - something gentler, lighter, or more personal.

And lately, we’ve seen a shift. More funeral homes are starting to offer our caskets, and we’re now available in Australia too, which is exciting. Word’s slowly getting out, and it’s clear that people have been looking for this kind of option - they just didn’t always know it was possible.

At the end of the day, we’re just trying to make it a bit easier for people to say goodbye in a way that actually fits. Whether that’s with a printed lid, a plain one, or something totally DIY.
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Because it might not be your thing, but it might be someone else’s. And that’s why we do this.

We’re not trying to reinvent everything. We just want to offer a good, solid alternative that feels more in line with the kind of send-off people actually want. Something that reflects the person - not just the process.
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If you’re after something a bit different - something lighter, more personal, or that just feels more like you (or the person you’re saying goodbye to) it’s worth asking your funeral director about Outside The Box Caskets.  We were the first cardboard casket in New Zealand to be certified for natural burial​, and we meet the standards for green burial here in NZ. We’re easy to find, both locally and now across the ditch too - in Sydney and Melbourne, where our cardboard  caskets are also made.
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Kids & Caskets: How Decorating Can Help Children Process Grief

17/2/2025

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Children decorating an Outside The Box kraft DIY eco casket
Kids & Caskets: How Decorating Can Help Children Process Grief
Talking to kids about death is not easy. When a loved one passes away, children can feel confused, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to express their emotions. One way to help them navigate grief is through creativity, and that’s where casket decorating comes in.

At Outside The Box Caskets, we’ve seen firsthand how getting children to take part in personalising a loved one’s casket can be a deeply healing experience. Whether it’s drawing pictures, writing messages, or painting something meaningful, this simple act can turn grief into a creative and comforting process. Research shows that art therapy can be incredibly beneficial for grieving children, giving them a tangible way to express emotions that are often difficult to put into words (Green, Karafa, & Wilson, 2020). Studies also suggest that when children are actively involved in funeral rituals, they experience a greater sense of closure and emotional understanding (Center for Loss, 2023).

Funerals can sometimes feel like a space designed for adults, leaving children on the sidelines, unsure of how to participate. But giving them an active role, something as simple as decorating the casket, can make a huge difference. It allows them to feel involved in the farewell, rather than just witnessing it from a distance. Experts say that these kinds of rituals provide children with a sense of comfort and help them process the reality of loss in a way that feels more natural (Callaghan Mortuary, 2024).
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Art has always been a way for children to communicate when words fall short. Picking up a marker or a paintbrush often sparks important conversations, questions like, “Where is Grandpa now?” or “Do you think he’d like this?” These moments, while difficult, open the door for honest discussions about death in a way that feels less intimidating. When kids are encouraged to take part in the goodbye, they begin to understand that death, as sad as it is, is also a natural part of life.

For many children, the idea of someone being gone forever is hard to grasp. Creating something visible, like a decorated casket filled with messages, drawings, and symbols of love, helps make that loss more tangible. A handprint, a note, a small drawing, these things become a connection, something they can hold onto even after the funeral is over. Grief counsellors often talk about how these physical acts of remembrance help children process loss in a healthier way (Green et al., 2020).

There are so many ways to get kids involved in this process:
  • Markers & Crayons  - Drawing pictures directly onto the casket.
  • Message Writing - Encourage them to write a note to their loved one, something they’d like to say one last time.
  • Handprints - Using non-toxic paint, kids can press their hands onto the casket as a way of leaving their mark.
  • Stickers & Photos - If drawing feels too overwhelming, they can place stickers or glue on pictures of special moments.
  • Favourite Quotes or Song Lyrics - Older kids might want to write down a song lyric or quote that reminds them of their loved one.​​
In many cultures, death is a subject that often gets tiptoed around, especially when it comes to children. But shielding them from it doesn’t necessarily protect them, it can sometimes make the grieving process even more confusing and isolating. Experts agree that when children are given space to express their emotions in a safe, creative way, they often cope with loss in a healthier, more resilient manner (Center for Loss, 2023). Funerals aren’t just about saying goodbye; they’re about honouring a life. And giving kids the chance to take part in that through something as simple as a drawing or a message can turn a moment of sadness into something truly special.

At Outside The Box Caskets, we believe every farewell should be as unique as the person it honours. Our DIY kraft caskets allow families to add their own touch - painting, writing, or decorating in a way that reflects a loved one's life and spirit. Get in touch with your local funeral director or contact us today to learn more.
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Personalising a plain kraft eco coffin from Outside The Box Caskets.
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Exciting News: Outside The Box Caskets Are Now Available in Australia!

27/11/2024

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Exciting News: Outside The Box Caskets Are Now Available in Australia!
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We’re so excited to share that Outside The Box Caskets are now available in Australia! This has been a dream of ours for a long time, and it feels incredible to see it finally happening.
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Made Locally, with Sustainability at Heart
What’s even better is that our caskets for Australia are being made locally in Sydney using Australian recycled cardboard. For us, it was so important to manufacture locally, not only to reduce transport emissions and environmental impact but also to support Australian suppliers. Sustainability and keeping things local have always been at the heart of what we do.

Now Available in Melbourne, Sydney, and the Gold Coast from December
Right now, you can find our caskets in Melbourne and Sydney, and from December, they’ll also be available on the Gold Coast. We’re so proud to be able to offer Australians a more sustainable, meaningful option for farewelling their loved ones.

Partnering with Scientia: A Shared Vision
One of the most exciting parts of this journey has been partnering with Scientia, our exclusive distributor in Australia. Scientia shares our passion for sustainability, quality, and giving families real choices.
If you’re a funeral home looking to stock Outside The Box Caskets, you can contact Scientia directly:

Website: https://scientia.com.au
Call Us Anytime: 1300 998 228

For families, Outside The Box Caskets are available through your local funeral home. Simply ask for us by name, and they’ll know where to find us. Isaac Leung, the founder of Scientia, is a true entrepreneur. He understands that the funeral industry is changing and that families increasingly want sustainable options. Together, we’re working to ensure Australians have access to these meaningful, eco-friendly choices.

The Same Beautiful, Eco-Friendly Design
Even though our caskets are now made in Australia, they’re still the same 100% biodegradable, eco-friendly designs we create here in New Zealand. Free from plastic, metal, or harmful chemicals, they’re perfect for cremation or natural burials. Families can also personalise them with messages, photos, or drawings to create something truly special and unique.

What This Means to Us
The feedback we’ve received since launching in Australia has been amazing. Knowing that people appreciate and value the effort we’ve put into these caskets makes it all worthwhile. We know our caskets won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. What matters is that they’re now a choice, a real, sustainable choice that’s here when people want it.

We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next. Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. Here’s to what’s ahead, more choices, more sustainability, and hopefully, making a difference!

The Outside The Box Caskets Team
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Personalise Your Farewell: How Cardboard Coffins are Changing Funerals

12/9/2024

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Personalise Your Farewell: How Cardboard Coffins are Changing Funerals
In recent years, a growing number of New Zealanders have begun to embrace the idea of eco coffins as a meaningful way to personalise their farewells. As people become more environmentally conscious, cardboard coffins are gaining popularity not only for their eco-friendly credentials but also for their versatility in personalisation. These coffins offer an eco-conscious choice for those wishing to reduce their carbon footprint, while also providing a canvas for individuals to express their unique personalities and stories.

In this piece, we will delve into how cardboard coffins are revolutionising the funeral industry, offering both sustainability and a personalised touch to commemorate a life well-lived.

Cardboard coffins present a unique opportunity for individuals to infuse their own stories and personalities into their final farewell. Unlike traditional options, these eco coffins can be customised with images, messages, and designs that resonate with the person's life journey. Families and friends can gather to decorate the coffin, adding a deeply personal element to the farewell process. This creative freedom allows for a ceremony that truly reflects the essence of the departed. Whether it's a tribute to a favourite hobby, a collage of cherished memories, or even a simple colour scheme that held personal significance, the possibilities are limitless. This personal touch not only honours the individual's life but also provides comfort and a sense of connection for loved ones. As more people seek meaningful and personalised ways to say goodbye, the appeal of cardboard coffins continues to grow, reshaping how we approach end-of-life ceremonies.

Cardboard coffins offer significant environmental benefits, making them an appealing choice for eco-conscious individuals. Made primarily from biodegradable materials, these eco coffins break down naturally, leaving minimal impact on the environment. Traditional wooden or metal coffins often involve resource-intensive manufacturing processes and can take decades to decompose, whereas cardboard coffins are designed to minimise ecological footprints. They are typically produced using recycled materials and are free from harmful chemicals or finishes that could leach into the soil. 

This growing awareness of environmental issues is driving more New Zealanders to opt for eco coffins, aligning their values with their end-of-life choices and paving the way for more sustainable funeral practices. Our Outside the Box eco-friendly cardboard caskets, designed and made right here in New Zealand, embody this ethos. For those seeking such an option locally, you can easily request one through your local funeral director, or view a link to our stockists here.

Over the past four years, Outside the Box has witnessed an increase in the number of people inquiring about and choosing cardboard coffins. This growing interest is exciting as it reflects a broader shift towards sustainable and creative farewell practices. While affordability remains a consideration, it is the unique blend of personalisation and sustainability that truly captures the imagination of our customers.

Our cardboard caskets offer a unique opportunity for personal expression that traditional casket options may not provide. Eco-conscious burial options in New Zealand with cardboard caskets are gaining popularity, as more families choose to honour their loved ones in a way that reflects both their values and personal stories.
This growing trend signifies a thoughtful and intentional approach to farewells, with more people seeking personalised and sustainable funeral experiences that reflect the individuality of their loved ones.
As funerals evolve, the desire for both personalisation and sustainability becomes increasingly important. Biodegradable cardboard coffins provide an ideal solution, allowing families to create a meaningful, environmentally conscious tribute.

At Outside the Box, we take pride in offering locally made, sustainable funeral products that help celebrate life in a way that leaves a lasting, positive impact on the planet and honours the legacy of those we've lost.
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Embracing Farewells: The Importance of Funerals in Healing

21/8/2024

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Green burial with a biodegradable cardboard casket from Outside The Box Caskets.
If you’re considering an eco-friendly burial, explore the range of biodegradable cardboard caskets - sustainable options that honour both your loved ones and the environment.
Embracing Farewells: The Importance of Funerals in Healing
Funerals play a vital role in helping us process grief and come to terms with loss. While it might seem easier or more cost-effective to opt for direct cremation, skipping a traditional funeral can leave us with unresolved emotions that impact our ability to heal. A funeral provides a supportive environment for saying goodbye, building community connections, and honouring the life of the person we've lost—steps that are essential on the journey to emotional recovery. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of funerals, the crucial role of funeral directors, and alternative ways to find closure if a traditional funeral isn’t an option.

Why Funerals Matter: Finding Closure and Saying Goodbye
Funerals offer a dedicated time and space for us to say our final goodbyes, which is a critical step in accepting loss and beginning the healing process. When we gather with others to reflect on a loved one’s life, it allows us to fully acknowledge the reality of their passing. This helps us move beyond denial or shock, encouraging emotional healing by providing an opportunity to express our grief openly and share our feelings with others who are also mourning. Missing out on this step can lead to prolonged or complicated grief, making it more challenging to move forward.

Building Support and Community
One of the most significant aspects of a funeral is the way it brings people together, creating a communal space for shared grieving and mutual support. Being surrounded by friends and whānau during such a difficult time helps alleviate the sense of isolation that often accompanies loss. This gathering fosters a comforting network of emotional support, which is crucial for healing. Beyond the immediate comfort of shared stories and memories, the support from this community can extend into practical help and ongoing companionship, easing the mourning process long after the funeral.

Honouring the Deceased
A funeral is more than just a farewell; it's an opportunity to honour and celebrate the life of someone special. It's a moment to recognise their impact and legacy, offering comfort to those left behind. Through personal stories and memories shared during the service, we paint a fuller picture of the deceased’s life, ensuring that they are remembered and respected. This collective remembrance can bring a sense of closure, focusing on the positive aspects of their life. Without such a ceremony, there may be a lingering sense of incompletion, leading to unresolved emotions.

The Psychological Impact of Missing Funerals

Prolonged Grief: When we skip a formal farewell, we might find it harder to reach closure, potentially extending the grieving process. Without a structured opportunity to say goodbye, mourners may feel stuck in emotional limbo, unable to fully accept the reality of their loss. This can manifest as persistent sadness, depression, or difficulty moving on. The absence of communal support that a funeral provides can make the grieving process even more isolating and challenging. Addressing these emotions through a structured ceremony is often crucial to preventing the long-term effects of unresolved grief.

Feeling Isolated: The absence of a funeral can leave mourners feeling isolated, as they miss out on the communal support that these gatherings offer. Funerals serve as a critical point of connection where whānau and friends can lean on each other for support. Without this collective grieving experience, feelings of loneliness can intensify, making it harder to express emotions and receive the support needed to heal. This isolation can complicate the journey through grief, making it a much more challenging and prolonged experience.

Unexpressed Emotions: Funerals provide a vital outlet for emotions, allowing us to openly express our grief. When this opportunity is missed, unexpressed emotions can lead to complicated or prolonged grief. Mourners may suppress their feelings, which can later manifest in unhealthy ways, such as emotional numbness or persistent sadness. The absence of a communal grieving experience means there’s no shared validation of these emotions, which is essential for emotional healing. Unresolved feelings can impact not only emotional well-being but also physical health, making a structured ceremony a crucial step in the healing journey.

Alternatives to Traditional Funerals

Small Gatherings: If a traditional funeral isn’t possible, hosting a small gathering with close friends and whānau can serve as a meaningful alternative. These intimate events offer a space to share memories, support each other, and honour the deceased in a personal setting. Small gatherings can be tailored to reflect the personality of the deceased, making them more personal and meaningful. Whether it’s sharing stories, playing their favourite music, or watching home videos, these gatherings allow for direct interaction and emotional support, fostering closeness and a sense of community.

Personal Rituals: Creating personal rituals is another meaningful way to honour the deceased and process grief when a traditional funeral isn’t an option. Activities such as planting a memorial tree or setting up a remembrance space at home can provide a lasting tribute to a loved one. These rituals offer routine and purpose, helping mourners channel their emotions in a constructive way. They can be revisited over time, offering ongoing opportunities for reflection and connection. By establishing private rituals, individuals can find solace and closure, honouring their grief in a deeply personal manner.

Funerals play a crucial role in the grieving process, offering a structured opportunity to say goodbye, build community support, and honour the life of the deceased. Skipping this step can lead to prolonged grief, isolation, and unexpressed emotions, which can complicate the healing journey. However, if a traditional funeral isn’t possible, small gatherings and personal rituals can provide meaningful alternatives that offer comfort and closure. At Outside The Box Caskets, we understand the importance of these final farewells and are here to support you in finding the right way to honour your loved one.
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The Rise of Personalised Funerals

6/8/2024

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The Rise of Personalised Funerals
It’s really heartening to see how funerals in New Zealand and Australia are changing. People are moving away from traditional settings like churches and crematoriums and opting for more unique and personal venues. Think beaches, art centres, and local clubs. This shift allows families to create farewells that truly reflect their loved ones' personalities and the memories they leave behind (Mirage News, Funeral Director Daily).

A lot of this change is driven by a desire for more meaningful and personalised funerals. Recent research shows that more than half of Australians would prefer farewells in places other than the usual church or chapel, with parks and beaches being popular choices. It's great to see funeral directors getting on board with this trend, offering more flexible and creative options that cater to modern attitudes.

At Outside The Box Caskets, we're excited to be part of this movement. Our eco-friendly caskets are designed to allow families to add a personal touch to a farewell. Made from recycled cardboard and sustainable materials, they enable families to honour their loved ones in a way that feels right for them and kind to the environment.

Our eco caskets can be personalised, serving as blank canvases for families and friends to decorate with messages, memories, and mementos. This hands-on approach can be very healing, allowing families and friends to express their grief and celebrate the life of their loved one in a personal way.

Personalising a funeral isn't just about the location or the casket. It's about creating a ceremony that resonates with the individual's life and the memories shared with family and friends. This can include everything from the choice of music and readings to the style of the service and the personal touches that make it special.
We’re thrilled to see these changes taking place and to support families in planning the kind of farewells that truly reflect their loved ones' lives. It's all about creating meaningful, memorable, and fitting tributes.

​The shift towards personalised funerals is a positive one, reflecting broader changes in societal attitudes towards death and remembrance. This trend allows for more meaningful and personal farewells, ensuring that each service truly honours the unique life of the individual.
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​Celebrating Green Burials with Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors

24/7/2024

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​Celebrating Green Burials with Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors

We are honoured to share some meaningful moments from a recent green burial
facilitated by Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors, showcasing one of our eco-friendly
Outside The Box cardboard caskets.

Green burials, also known as natural burials, are becoming increasingly popular in
New Zealand. As more people seek environmentally friendly alternatives to
traditional burials, green burials offer a beautiful and sustainable option. Natural
burials minimise environmental impact by using biodegradable caskets, avoiding
harmful embalming chemicals, and allowing the body to decompose naturally. This
practice not only conserves natural resources but also promotes the health of local
ecosystems. By embracing natural, biodegradable materials, green burials support
the cycle of life and provide an eco-conscious way to lay loved ones to rest.
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Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors are among the funeral homes that have shown
exceptional support for families choosing green burials. We are grateful for their
support of Outside The Box Caskets and their commitment to offering our
biodegradable caskets as an option for families. By sharing these photos, we hope to inspire more families to consider this eco-friendly choice. For more information on green burial sites in your area, visit this link.

We thank Robert J. Cotton Funeral Directors and other funeral homes across New
Zealand for their support in promoting green burials. Their dedication to sustainability allows families to honour their loved ones in a way that respects and protects the environment.

Outside The Box Caskets are available to funeral homes across New Zealand,
offering a departure from the ordinary. Crafted from 100% biodegradable, recycled
cardboard, our caskets honour your loved ones and the planet. Our eco-friendly
caskets provide a unique and personal touch to the funeral process. They support
environmentally conscious practices and offer a meaningful, personalised option.

For more details, visit our website at Outside The Box Caskets.
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Our eco caskets and ashes urns are available from Funeral Directors across New Zealand.
Design registrations are held in New Zealand, Australia, Europe, United Kingdom, China, South Africa and the USA.
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