Traditional Funeral Service
Traditional Funeral Service
What is a Tradition?
A way of doing something that has been passed down from generation to generation, is perceived to have value, and is considered to be the proper thing to do.
A Traditional Funeral Service generally means that there is a period for mourning following a death in the family, there will be arrangements for public viewing of the deceased and a public funeral service at either a Church or Funeral Home. Burial or entombment usually follows at a local cemetery. Cremation may be an option to burial and is considered to be a traditional part of general funeral services.
While the Traditional Funeral Service as described above is based on historic area practices and public sensitivity, these services can be modified or adjusted to meet special needs or to stay within a predefined financial limit.
Three types of Traditional Services:
1.) Traditional Service with the Visitation on one day, and the Funeral Service is held either at Church or the Funeral Home on the following day. Friends and Family usually go in procession to the cemetery for burial following the service.
2.) One Day Traditional Service with a period for Visitation prior to the Funeral Service and burial. All rites and services are concluded in one day although the deceased may be moved from the Funeral Home to a Church for the Funeral Ceremony, and then a procession to the cemetery for burial.
3.) A Graveside Service is a form of traditional service but adapted in that all services are held entirely at the cemetery or mausoleum. The casket is not usually open for a public viewing. Family and friends meet at the cemetery at a predetermined time, and there is no funeral procession.
Alternatives to Traditional Services
Today, funeral arrangements are as individual as the person for whom and by whom they are made. A ceremony may be individualized to reflect a specific interest or hobby of the deceased. It may highlight one's occupation or ethnic background and therefore, hold special meaning for those present.
The funeral ceremony is not unlike other ceremonies that distinguish our lives. Baptisms, graduations, weddings, and such all serve to recognize a significant event in a person's life. The funeral ceremony likewise recognizes the final event in that person's life and offers loved ones a chance to say a last goodbye.
One alternative to the traditional service is Direct Burial. Direct Burial and Direct Cremation provide no visitation or funeral service. This option is available and is designed to meet the needs of some families.
All aspects of funeral arrangements are a combination of personal preference and financial circumstances. Our funeral directors can provide detailed information on all of the available options along with specific costs for each. He or she can also explain legal requirements and be sure all proper forms are completed.
How Does A Funeral Director Help In Making Arrangements?
A funeral director is trained to assist with every detail of making funeral arrangements. This includes offering advice and guidance throughout the decision-making process, answering questions about local customs and costs, assuring that legal requirements are met, and providing whatever equipment, facilities, and technical services are necessary or desired. A funeral director is prepared to carry out the wishes of his or her clientele with understanding and consideration for everyone concerned. When it is practical or possible, making funeral arrangements in advance can provide the peace of mind that all the details have been taken care of in a way that is satisfying to oneself and one's survivors. A family discussion combined with the counsel of a funeral director can assure that everyone involved feels comfortable with the arrangements. Certainly we all would prefer that our loved ones be able to say afterward, "I'm glad we did" rather than "I wish we had." Preplanning can help accomplish this goal.
Today, making any kind of funeral arrangements involves many choices and decisions. It is helpful to consider all the options and take time to ask questions before making final decisions about such an important event. It is the intent of the funeral director to help make the entire experience as positive as possible.
Can There Be Services Or Ceremonies When Cremation Is Chosen?
Certainly.
