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.

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.
Button
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, or the singing of hymns.
Button
Committal Service

If the family plans to bury the deceased, this stage involves the lowering of the casket into the grave, typically accompanied by spoken words or prayer.
Button
Funeral Reception

This post-service gathering (or repast) is considered a time to share memories, laughter, and support with family and friends.
Button

Source:

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

Traditional Funeral Services

The Basics of Traditional Funeral Services

Visitation

Funeral Service

Committal Service

Funeral Reception