Traditional Funeral Services

The Basics of Traditional Funeral Services

A funeral service, whether traditional or more modern (memorial service or celebration-of-life), has two functions: to acknowledge the death and lifetime achievements of an individual and to bring grieving family members and friends together in support of one another during this difficult time.

If you are interested in making funeral arrangements for a loved one, we invite you to call us to begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ceremony after a funeral called?

A reception after funeral service is called a wake. It is a special gathering of family and friends to mourn the passing of the person or to celebrate their life.

What are the parts of a funeral service?

Funeral service can be made up of various ceremonial activities highly depending on spiritual beliefs and family’s requests. This gathering is specially designed to also meet the emotional needs of the bereaved family.

Is funeral a ceremony?

By way of virtue, yes! Funeral is a ceremony connected to the final disposition of the body either by cremation or burial. Funeral is observed with attendees from family and friends of the deceased then followed by funerary practices accordingly with the deceased spiritual beliefs.

Visitation

This is often called a viewing or a wake. Guests come to pay their respects to the deceased by viewing their casketed body and spending time with the grieving family. A visitation can occur at any time before the funeral service.
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Funeral Service

This event commonly takes place at the funeral home, a church, or at the graveside. It can include music, the reading of literary or religious passages, a eulogy, prayer, and the singing of hymns.
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Committal Service

If the family plans to bury the deceased, this stage involves the vehicle procession to the cemetery.
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Funeral Reception

Many choose to host this post-service gathering (or repast) at a reception hall. This is considered a time to share memories, laughter, and support.
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Source:

Rostad, Curtis, "The Basics of Funeral Service", Indiana Funeral Directors Association, 2014

Traditional Funeral Services

The Basics of Traditional Funeral Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitation

Funeral Service

Committal Service

Funeral Reception