Traditional Funeral Services

The Basic Elements of Traditional Funeral Services
 
Traditional funeral services feature:
 
Visitation: Often called a viewing or a wake, during this time mourners come to visit with the grieving family and pay respects to the departed while viewing the casketed remains of the loved one. A visitation can take place at any time prior to the funeral service.
Funeral Service: This is commonly held at the funeral home, a place of religious worship or at the graveside. Parts of this service can incorporate music, reading selections, the singing of hymns, prayer and a eulogy.
Committal Service: If the family has chosen to inter the loved one, this portion includes the vehicle procession to the cemetery.
Funeral Reception: Often families decide to hold a gathering after the service called a repast at a reception hall. During this event, attendees recount memories of the deceased and provide each other with support.
 
Whether the funeral service is traditional or more contemporary such as a memorial service or a celebration of life, it serves two functions. It celebrates the life and accomplishments of the deceased and it gathers mourners together to support one another during this time of great loss.
 
Should you need to make final arrangements for a loved one, please call us at 708-532-5400 to initiate the process.
 
Online Source:
 
Rostad, Curtis, “The Basics of Funeral Service,” Indiana Funeral Directors Association, 2014.