Funeral Arrangements

Like everything else in the world, funeral service is evolving and Bay Gardens is leading the way. In no way does it resemble the funeral homes of old. Our setting includes light and airy décor, a striking two-story waterfall and a botanical theme that integrates fresh floral arrangements and other greenery throughout our extra-wide hallways and numerous reception areas.

At Bay Gardens we believe that every life tells a story. Whether you chose a traditional funeral or a more contemporary option for planning a service, we are here to help you come to the right decision for your family. Together we can create a unique meaningful ceremony to express the genuine individuality of your loved one. We offer families a uniquely beautiful setting in which to gather together with friends and family.

In the first year of operation Bay Gardens won the prestigious American Society of Interior Designers Award. Our unique environment offers a sensitive touch of warmth and comfort. With reception facilities and catering services, you can create an event that will be long remembered—all at one affordable price for your family.

Bay Gardens is family owned and operated, which means we do not answer to a board nor shareholders allowing us to keep prices competitive with the latest offerings for celebrating a life available to you.

What can I expect during the first visit?
During this first visit, the funeral director will ascertain how the family is doing and what you have in mind. He or she will record necessary information for important documents required by the province of Ontario and start working with you on the obituary. The director will present all the options that are available to you and explain them clearly. The services you chose will be creatively tailored to your specific needs. The choice is entirely yours concerning what type of services you will require. You set the tone and pace for your loved ones service.

What should I bring to the funeral home?
During the first visit, the funeral director will ask you for information such as: the deceased’s social insurance number, if there were any prearranged funeral details, are there cemetery deeds or other paperwork, the deceased’s personal information such as place of birth and death, parents names and places of birth, and other information on the surviving family members.

You may wish to bring in the clothing for your loved one at this time. Clothing can be whatever type of apparel you find appropriate and that your loved one would have preferred.

Typically, it is during the second appointment that you also may choose to bring in photographs, video, or music that is important to your family and to the memory of your loved one. Our specialists can even create a professional quality video “life story” DVD. If you choose this option, please select around 100 photos and 4-6 songs from your personal collection. You may email photos, video and music to info@baygardens.ca as well. Be clear about the family name of the deceased in the subject line and the topic of the email (“life story DVD”).

What kinds of funeral services are available?
The ceremony to honor your loved one may be either a traditional funeral with religious services or something more contemporary; the ways to celebrate a life are numerous. The design of a funeral or memorial service may be a lively celebration or wake, a small reception or memorial event, a traditional funeral service, or an elaborate over the top memorial celebration of life.

That's where we can help. Our suggestions, based on knowledge and experience, will help you create a memorable service. We have designed many funerals for people of all different walks of life and from many different faiths and traditions.

You can select the perfect location for the celebration, and the most suitable time of day for it to be held. Featuring a selection of your loved one's favorite music, or most beloved hymns or prayers will make will make the event uniquely personal.

Prearranged Funerals: You can choose in advance which services you would like to have for your funeral or that of a loved one. Then you can make affordable monthly payments until the plan is paid in full or you pass on. Depending on the type of plan, there may be a payout of residual funds after the service is paid for.

Host A Post Funeral Reception
Why drive across town when you can walk across the hall? At Bay Gardens you are able to hold everything under one roof. We have thought of every detail for your guests from specialty teas and coffees, to closets in every room, to full catering kitchens for receptions. We have ample parking with well over 200 parking spots available for your guests.

You can chose whether you would like a hot sit down meal or cold foods such as sandwiches and assorted trays such as fruit, vegetables, and sweets. Our own in-house caterer provides superior quality meals at extremely competitive prices.

Your funeral director can give you catering information in a clear and easy to understand format so you can see what your options and their various prices.

Bay Gardens has full catering kitchens at all its locations. We can also suggest a caterer to your family if that is something you would prefer. We are also able to coordinate receptions at any location of your choice.

What kinds of headstones and markers can I choose?
During your visit to the funeral home, your funeral director will go over various options including materials, types and prices.

For ground burial, you may choose either an upright grave marker or a flat marker. We are able to offer great service and prices for monuments and markers.

Are counselling services available to friends and family?
At Bay Gardens we are proud of our award-winning bereavement services. You will be comforted to know that we have a wide array of bereavement services available. Please visit our resources & support section for more information.

Bay Gardens Funeral Home extends free bereavement support to the families they serve and to everyone in our community. Since the inception of our services in 2005 we have won ”best bereavement” in both Hamilton & Burlington each year. This year, as last, we won Best Funeral Home from the readers of the Hamilton Mountain News, Burlington Post, and the Hamilton Spectator. We are very appreciative of this expression of community support.

Feel free to drop in to any location to find out more information or call or email us today! Remember: we are at your service 24 hours a day. 

Call us at Bay Gardens Hamilton (905-574-0405)  or Burlington (905-527-0405) for the answers to these and other questions you may have about making funeral arrangements.