You’re getting ready to put a loved one to rest. You’ve made the arrangements. And now all that’s left is figuring out what type of service you want for your family member or friend.
Types of funerals can involve a lot of planning, from the pallbearers to the text of the eulogies. Many people also wish they knew what type of funeral service to have in advance so that their families and friends could join them as they journey to the other side.
Are you looking for the answer to “What type of funeral should I have?” Keep reading for a guide to the different types of funerals.
Traditional Funeral
A traditional funeral is a formal and structured ceremony that follows a set of cultural or religious customs. It typically involves a visitation or wake, where friends and family gather to pay their respects to the deceased and offer condolences to the bereaved family. This is followed by a funeral service held at a worship or funeral home, where prayers, hymns, eulogies, and readings may be shared to honor the deceased’s life.
A religious leader or a designated officiant may lead the service. After the service, a procession proceeds to the burial site or crematorium for the body’s final disposition.
Graveside Funeral
In a graveside funeral, the focus is primarily on the burial of the deceased. Friends and family gather at the gravesite, where a brief ceremony or memorial service occurs.
This may include prayers, readings, and eulogies delivered by loved ones. The casket will then be lowered into the ground.
Attendees may be able to place flowers or other mementos on the burial site as a final tribute. Graveside funerals often provide a more intimate and personal setting for saying goodbye to the deceased.
Memorial Service
A memorial service is a gathering to remember and honor the deceased’s life. Unlike traditional funerals, a physical body may not be present at the service. It can occur at various locations, such as a funeral home, community center, park, or even the deceased person’s home.
Memorial services allow family and friends to share memories, stories, and anecdotes about the deceased person. There may be speeches, eulogies, musical performances, and visual displays, such as photo montages or videos, to celebrate and reflect on the life lived. Families often find comfort in planning a memorial service that suits their budget, as it offers flexibility in managing the average funeral cost.
Cremation Funeral
A cremation funeral involves cremating the deceased’s body as an alternative to traditional burial. The funeral service may take place before the cremation or after the cremated remains (ashes) have been returned to the family.
The service can be held at a funeral home, place of worship, or any meaningful location. It may include prayers, music, readings, and eulogies.
Discover the Different Types of Funerals to Choose From
Funerals are an important way to commemorate the life of a loved one and provide a time for mourning together with friends and family. The types of funerals that are best for you depend on the wishes of the deceased and their family members.
Use this guide to evaluate your funeral options and choose a funeral that best honors your loved one’s wishes. Reach out to your Funeral Director for assistance in making these decisions.
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