Saying goodbye to a loved one is never easy. Additionally, deciding how to honor their memory can add an additional layer of complexity to an already difficult time — as each family has its own traditions, beliefs, and financial considerations that directly impact the final farewell.
Understanding the range of options available for funeral services empowers families to make the correct, most informed decisions for their loved ones’ services. Our experts have put together a helpful guide detailing each of the nine options you should know and consider as you go through the decision-making process. Read on to learn more.
9 Types of Funeral Services To Consider For Your Loved One
There are many different types of funeral services to consider for your loved one. We’ve summarized what each has to offer below.
1. Traditional Service
“Traditional” funeral services typically include a visitation or viewing, allowing the loved ones to pay respects to the deceased and offer condolences to the family. When this happens, the body is usually embalmed and presented openly in a casket. This is not a requirement for a traditional funeral service, however.
After the viewing, a formal service often follows at a funeral home, place of worship, or another chosen location. This service can be religious or secular, and often includes readings, eulogies, and music. After the service, a procession may take the body to the cemetery or secondary location for burial.
2. Direct Burial
A direct burial remains true to its name, and describes a process in which the decedent is immediately buried without any sort of service or visitation. Embalming may or may not take place, as there will be no formal visual visitation.
As there are typically less steps involved in a direct burial, this type of funeral service is fairly inexpensive compared to others. This makes it ideal for families who are looking to save money on their loved ones services, or for those who wish to have a condensed process to bring on the closure and healing steps often associated with a passing.
3. Full-Service Cremation
Full-service cremation is similar to what you’d expect from a traditional funeral service. A typical experience includes the option for a viewing or a visitation, as well as a family memorial service so that loved ones and friends can pay their final respects before the cremation occurs. After all of the services are done, cremation will take place — and the cremated remains can either go home with the family members, or be put to rest in a predetermined location in a mausoleum, columbarium, or burial area.
4. Direct Cremation
Direct cremation is similar to direct burial, in that there are no services preceding the cremation of the passed on loved one. In this process, the person will be transported to the crematorium after death occurs. The cremation will then occur, typically without witnesses. Like full-service cremation, remains can be given to the family or put to rest in a burial area, columbarium, or mausoleum.
5. Wake
A wake is a general term that describes any sort of a formal viewing or visitation for a decedent. Wakes are opportunities for loved ones and friends to pay final respects to a decedent, and their remaining living family members. It may or may not be associated with any sort of full-service cremation or burial package, depending on how your family chooses to arrange services.
6. Memorial Service
Memorial services are unique. Unlike funerals, memorial services don’t usually include a viewing of the body, and are typically held after the burial or cremation. This unique logistical arrangement allows ample time for planning, and for loved ones to travel to the location of the memorial service, if needed.
7. Celebration of Life
This type of funeral service, as the name implies, focuses on celebrating the life of the deceased. Often, loved ones and friends will come ready with picture slideshows, joyful stories, and memorial items from the decedent, coming together in a celebration of who the loved one was and is in the afterlife.
Unlike a funeral, noise is to be expected. Many choose to have the deceased’s favorite music fill the room, creating an uplifting atmosphere and making sure the service doesn’t feel too somber. Some families might even choose a theme for the celebration of life, honoring the decedent a final time with the colors, patterns, and elements that they once favored in their lifetime.
8. Graveside Service
Graveside services are usually intimate services that take place at the burial site. They are usually shorter rituals where the casket is lowered into the ground, allowing those gathered can pay their last respects. They can be stand-alone events, or they can take place after a traditional funeral or memorial service occurs.
9. Receptions
Receptions are similar to memorial services, in the sense that they occur after the other services take place. They are considered somber social gatherings that allow those celebrating the decedent to refresh themselves and find closure with other members of the family and friend group.
Often, those at a reception will honor their passed on loved one with speeches and other forms of celebration. They might also share stories, music, or images of the loved one while they were still alive, reliving the memories and sharing the joy that those moments once held.
Graveside Services vs Memorial Services: Key Differences
Graveside services and memorial services are two of the most popular types of funeral services, and with good reason — they allow time to respectfully honor and celebrate the decedent before the final farewell occurs.
Understanding the differences between the two types of gatherings is key to making the right decision for your loved ones. We’ve summarized key differences of each below.
1. Simplicity and Affordability
Graveside services usually appeal to those wanting a simple and often more affordable service. They mainly focus on laying the deceased to rest,and often involve smaller gatherings than a formal memorial service would.
Memorial services are usually planned separately from the burial, and require more logistical and financial planning than graveside services do. They can be useful if you are wanting to accommodate a larger gathering, or if you wish to have a formal, separate gathering to honor the loved one who has passed on.
2. Gathering Size
When planning upcoming services, it’s important to remember that cemeteries often limit the number of attendees. As such, graveside services typically host smaller gatherings than memorial services do.
Memorial services can have as many or little people as the family would like, so long as the location of choice can accommodate all of the attendees.
3. Personalization
A memorial service offers flexibility and endless possibilities for personalizing the service. This looks different for many families, and can include themes, decorations, music, and activities that represent your loved one’s interests and passions.
In contrast, Graveside services tend to be more somber and follow a fixed traditional pattern.
If you’re not sure which type of funeral service to choose for your loved one, don’t worry — your funeral director can help you decide on the right service for your unique needs and preferences. Additionally, no matter what type of what service you choose, most funeral homes allow you to set custom rules or standards to personalize the service — so you shouldn’t be limited by traditional or preconceived expectations.
Choosing a Type of Funeral Service
Asking the following questions can help you get the most out of your upcoming family funeral service:
What are the deceased’s wishes?
Before you begin evaluating which type of funeral service is best for your friend or family member, it’s important to note that the deceased may have outlined their preferences in a will, living trust, or during pre-need arrangements. If they have, those wishes will typically be carried out and held above any changes requested by living family members.
Deviations can be made based on family needs and current circumstances; however, in certain cases. We recommend speaking to your funeral director to clarify the best course of action for your family’s specific situation.
What are your religious or cultural customs?
If the decedent was deeply religious or culturally immersed, you might find that religious traditions might naturally dictate the structure and components of the service. However, this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.
Regardless of whether there are specific religious customs to follow, families often incorporate readings, music, or personal stories into the service — creating a personalized tribute to their loved one’s legacy.
What are your budget considerations?
Funerals can quickly get expensive, from casket selections and viewings to venue rentals and catering for the repast. It’s best to be upfront with your chosen funeral director to receive a clear understanding of all expenses, selecting the right options that align with your current financial situation.
What type of tone feels appropriate?
Do you envision a formal affair when you say a final farewell to your loved one? Or would you prefer a joyous gathering celebrating the individual’s passions and contributions? Determining your ideal way to say goodbye will shape the overall tone of the service, and can give you a sense of peace as you continue on through the planning process.
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Arrange a Custom Farewell with Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home
While choosing from the many different types of funeral services may seem overwhelming, working closely with your family and funeral director can make the process less stressful.
The experts at Schoppenhorst, Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home are here to guide you through the process, helping you create a beautiful final tribute to your loved one’s memory and legacy.
