We all deal with death differently. Some become withdrawn while others tend to surround themselves with plenty of people. The same logic applies in commemorating our departed. Funerals vary from one kind to the next. Families and friends celebrate the life the deceased one has lived while on this Earth in more ways than one, and for good reason.
Religions, cultural beliefs and personal preferences all come into play when choosing a funeral or memorial service. What is essential is paying tribute to our decease. Despite differences, there are similar components in various services namely:
- A service that sheds light on the life of the deceased with the presence of the body whether in a closed or open casket.
- Viewings when guests gather to mourn and express condolences while the body is present
- A procession towards the final resting place as well as additional ceremonies that may take place before the body is laid to rest.
Below we explore the different kinds of funeral services practiced throughout the world.
- Self Directed Home Funeral
Those who choose not to hire a funeral director can go for this kind of service. Self directed funerals are arranged and carried out personally by an individual or friends/families collectively—from filling out the paperwork to arranging the transportation for the deceased as well as holding a home vigil and purchasing burial or cremation items.
- Traditional Full-Service Funeral
Otherwise known as a traditional funeral, this includes a viewing, visitation as well as a formal funeral service. It uses a hearse as transportation for the body to be brought to the site/cemetery. It also includes the burial, entombment or cremation of the remains.
Among the other types of funerals, this is considered to be the most expensive one. Apart from the funeral home’s basic services fee, more expenses are added such as embalming and dressing the body; rental of the funeral home for the viewing or service; and use of vehicles to transport the family if they don’t use their own.
- Memorial Service
This type of service focuses on the life of the deceased without the body present. It usually follows burial or unattended cremation, or if the body has not been recovered (for example lost at sea, or missing).
A memorial service can take place in any location. Some families would also scatter cremated remains during a memorial service. Wherever it may be held, there must be a funeral director present during the occasion.
- Combination of Traditional & Memorial Service
A combination of these two services may apply when there is a viewing with the body present as well as a service without a body present. For example, a service could be held simultaneously with other guests overseas who can’t physically make it to the service where the body is present.
Most modern funeral services like this have become more popular nowadays thanks to technology.
- Graveside Service
This is a burial service held at the graveside in a cemetery of your choice entirely. There will be no changing of venues, which can be beneficial to those who want their privacy as well as convenience. A variation of the graveside service is having the burial before the memorial service itself.
- Direct Burial
Compared to other funeral services, direct burial does not include visitations, viewing, which means embalming is unnecessary. This type of service is typically a lot less than the traditional full service funeral. Should families and friends choose to be at the cemetery for the burial, the funeral home may charge additional fees for the graveside service.
- Direct Cremation
In this service, the body is cremated right after death without embalming. The remains are then placed in a container or urn without any viewing or visitation involved. It’s up to the family and friends whether the remains be placed in a crypt, cemetery, elsewhere or in the household. Like direct burials, this is also more cost effective than traditional services.
A crematory fee may be charged if the funeral home doesn’t own the cremation chamber. There may also be extra charges for the urn or container.
Depending on one’s religious and personal beliefs, each type of funeral holds its benefits. Whether you are pre-planning your funeral service or planning it for your deceased loved one, it’s best to think everything through prior to decision-making. It’s also beneficial to be ready for all the costs, expenses and extra fees that may come along the way. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from funeral directors and support from your friends and families should it become too burdensome.
Ultimately, it is about paying respect and tribute to the one who passed on.