At Funerals by Design we are here to help you to “go your own way” with authentic, compassionate and affordable funerals, cremations and celebrations of life that truly reflect the person whose life we are celebrating.
As an independent funeral director, we offer a better way to say goodbye to the people you love, by changing the way that funerals are done.
Funerals By Design founder and owner, Karin Slade, is a Northern Beaches funeral director as well as a wake caterer. Although Funerals By Design is located in the Northern Beaches of Sydney, we provide complete funeral packages to the greater Sydney area.
Our professional funeral directors will help you with every aspect of creating a meaningful farewell and are available 24/7 to help you and answer any questions. Just call Karin on 0412 269 049.
We are here to help and can do as much or as little as you’d like. Just let us know how best to support you.
No two human beings are the same so why should all funerals follow a formula?
Traditional or contemporary, inside or outside, large or small, in person or virtual … our authentic and affordable funerals are designed to truly reflect the personality of life we are celebrating.
There are so many ways we can help you make the funeral and wake as personal as you like, such as choosing a meaningful location, using music in different ways, presenting photos and videos, incorporating their personal items into the decorations and serving favourite food and drinks.
Whether you are preparing for the death of someone close to you or creating your own funeral and wake plan, Where There’s a Will There’s a Wake was written to support you in owning your end-of-life choices, so you can “go your own way”, take the pressure and stress away from your family and friends, and create funerals and wakes that truly reflect the life you are celebrating.
Where There's a Will There's a Wake breaks through the myths of the funeral industry and explains the legal requirements around death and funerals. But most importantly, it gives you all the resources you need to make funerals and wakes a heartfelt, personal and appropriate celebration of life, rather than a tragedy.
Find Out MoreWe all have to get our paperwork in order, but it can be totally overwhelming to know just where to start and what you need to include.
This is why we’ve created the “Frog Files” to help people of all ages and stages of life to get organised before they croak!
Frog Files are about a lot more than just writing your will. Your Frog Files will guide you through EVERYTHING you need to do to take away stress and confusion for your family and loved ones, as well as ensuring your wishes are respected so you can “go your own way”!
Find Out More
I was completely lost as to what to do in organising my late father’s funeral as I have never had any knowledge of what to do, where to start, or what it should cost. Then I spoke to Karin and all of my fear, worry and concern left me. She reached out like a friend with true empathy and sympathy for my position and with the utmost sincerity held my hand through the whole process. The personal touch, honesty and amazing attention to detail is the basic benchmark for Karin and her team. Karin, with all of my heart and that of my family, Thank You!
Owen McInnes
My mum passed away last year. It was a sad and emotional time. Karin lovingly took care of my mum's funeral and cremation arrangements so professionally that we all felt relieved and blessed. She is like a caring family member. Thanks again Karin for your patience and kindness that we’ve received from you during those sad times.
Brad Iranzadi
Highly recommend Funerals By Design. Karin is amazing and made the process of organising our dad's funeral so easy. She was our first call and basically dropped everything and came to my mum's house to start the process.
Rohan Fisher
I would like to thank Karin for the care and attention she displayed with my family and I when we lost our father, husband, grandfather and great grandfather in early March 2021. Her advice and efficiency in getting everything done at such a difficult time was second to none and saved us a lot of worry.
Karin allowed us to tell her how we wanted to handle things without dictating to us what we should do. Thank you so much for everything you did to make things easier and financially cheaper for us at such a difficult time.
Warwick Jock Nihill
Karin and Sarah have totally changed my whole view of how funerals can be done. I’ve also had so much feedback from everyone who was there in person or watched the livestream or even used the link to watch the funeral later. Prior to the funeral, people were questioning our choice of outdoor location – now they are telling me it has totally changed their view on what a funeral looks like.
Jacinta King
Karin recently took care of my mother in law who passed away recently. Our family were blessed to have her knowledge, care and support.????❤
Penny Holbrook
A lovely, personable and transparent service. Staff were lovely. The funeral Director was up front about costs & choices, was very flexible with making time for us. For a family of 10 children, she was exceptional at navigating everyone’s needs. At a difficult time it is very reassuring to be guided through this process by someone kind, helpful & knowledgeable. Highly recommend this wonderful service.
Jessica Sekulich
Dear Karin, Our family just wanted to send bucket loads of appreciation to yourself and your wonderful team! What a feast, it was spectacular, we have received so many kind remarks and comments since , everybody not only loved the food but your relaxed fun loving disposition even at a sad time…you really are a 💎 gem!! You’re whole team were just so lovely! We will never forget the sight of you joining the dancing whilst juggling home made vanilla slice and sticky date pudding!! Once again, our sincere gratitude and especially for making our Dads send off, one we will remember with a lighter heart because of you.
Taylor family
