Types of Funerals
What are my options for funeral ceremonies?
Each culture and religious belief defines a funeral a little differently. Today, we commemorate a death in a several different ways.
- Traditional funeral services typically include one or more visitations/viewings, a funeral ceremony with an open or closed casket, and a procession to the cemetery where additional ceremonies may take place.
- Memorial services commemorate the life of the deceased without the body present. They are usually following burial or cremation, or if the body has not been recovered (e.g., lost at sea).
- Combined traditional funeral services and memorial services — a visitation and a service with the body present, as well as one or more memorial services without the body present.
- Graveside services are held at the cemetery, either in a chapel or beside the grave, immediately prior to burial.
- Non-commemorative funerals are when the deceased is buried (i.e., direct burial), cremated (i.e., direct cremation), or donated to medical science without any formal service to remember the life that has passed.
Military, fraternal and other organizations have their own unique ceremonies or rites for members who have died. These ceremonies may be conducted separately or included in traditional services. For example, services for a military veteran might include the presentation of the American flag to survivors and a 21-gun salute.
For more on personalizing funeral programs see:
Planning Meaningful Ceremonies
Choosing Funeral Music
Selecting Funeral Readings
Writing Obituaries
Writing Eulogies
Arranging Funeral Transportation
How do I decide whether to have open casket viewings?
There are differing views on the role of an open casket. Many feel it is an unbecoming and uncomfortable practice, prefering to remember the deceased as he or she was in life not in death. However, many experts on grief and mourning believe that viewing the body is an important step in beginning to heal because it causes mourners to confront the reality of death. Of course, religious customs also dictate whether or not there should be an open casket.
Is a member of the clergy required to preside over the ceremonies?
Clergy generally preside over faith-based funeral services, however, the family can choose anyone to lead the ceremonies. Oftentimes, family and friends take part in services, in conjunction with the clergy, to share personal thoughts and memories.
How many days after a death should a funeral be held?
There is no rule of thumb regarding the timing of funerals. Ample time should be allowed for family and friends to gather with special consideration given to out-of-town mourners. The availablility of the funeral home and preparation of the grave site are other considerations. Religious practices dictate the funeral schedule as well. Environmental conditions, such as frozen ground, can sometimes delay burial. State laws may limit the amount of time allowed to pass prior to final interment.
Where can funeral and memorial ceremonies be held?
Funeral services are typically held in a funeral home or cemetery chapel, a religious sanctuary or at graveside. However, funerals can be held at any location that will accomodate the number of people in attendance. In selecting a location, consideration must be given to seating, parking, restroom facilities, access for the disabled and climate control. Accessibility for the casket is another factor to consider. Today's funeral homes are designed accomodate all the logistics of a funeral ceremony.
What time of day can funeral and memorial ceremonies be held?
Funerals are generally held in the morning or afternoon allowing time for services and a procession to the cemetery. Afternoon funerals may be preceded by a morning visitation. Evening visitations and funeral services are increasingly chosen for the convenience of those who have work day commitments.
Who shall I select as pallbearers and how many are needed?
Pallbearers are traditionally men who are family members or friends of the deceased. Usually there are six pallbearers, three on each side, to carry a standard size casket. Honorary pallbearers may also be selected to walk alongside but not carry the casket. This is a good way to involve someone as a pallbearer who may not be physically able to carry the casket.
For more on meaningful funeral services and funeral programs see:
Planning Meaningful Ceremonies
Choosing Funeral Music
Selecting Funeral Readings
Writing Obituaries
Writing Eulogies
Arranging Funeral Transportation