The 5 Parts to a Funeral
Overview
Published: 11/30/2009
by Funeral Home Resource Team
Photos
Planning a funeral is a sad task no one enjoys doing. Not only are you in a period of grieving, but funeral planning can be very stressful as well, especially if you have no idea where to start. For some, it is easier to plan ahead, whether for themselves or for a loved one. Sometimes, this is not possible, or was never considered. If possible, you should discuss each portion of the funeral with a close family member, loved one or funeral director. Any specific desires for any or all portions of the funeral should be written down as well. A funeral director can help you in all of the details, paperwork and even provide grief counseling. A list of local Funeral Directors can be found at www.funeralhomeresource.com.
1. The Funeral Wake or Visitation
The visiting of the deceased before the funeral is often referred to as the wake or viewing (also referred to as visitation). This is a time for friends, family, and other loved ones to see their departed loved one for the last time. This is a time to grieve together and come to terms with the fact that they have gone. Prior to the actual visitation, you will plan certain details such as whether to have an open or closed casket, what type of casket you want, the clothing and personal items the deceased will be buried or viewed in, whether the remains will be cremated or buried, and where the viewing will be held.
2. The Tribute
The Funeral Tribute is a formal ceremony where friends and family typically gather in a funeral home, church or chapel. This is a time for loved ones to pay tribute to the deceased. This is often done through talks, speeches and eulogies. Often, scriptures or poems are read and songs may be incorporated as well. Before the tribute you or the Funeral Director will plan for any particular passages or songs that will be read or sung. During this time, you will also consider where to host the funeral, and whether you wish to have flowers or perhaps donations in lieu of flowers to a particular charity in the deceased’s name. When donations are preferred it is generally noted to donate to a particular charity—usually one that is relevant to the death of the family member, this could be cancer research, a hospice group, or an organization the deceased was passionate about such as an animal rescue group, womens shelter or other charity.
3. The Procession
The Procession is the part of the funeral where the family members follow the hearse in their cars (or rented vehicles such as limousines to hold a large number of family members) as they make their way to the burial site.
4. The Interment
The Internment is when the casket or urn is at its final resting place or when the ashes are being scattered at the very end of the funeral. Songs, poems, or speeches may be considered for this portion of the funeral.
5. The Reception
The funeral reception takes place after the funeral. This is an optional part to the ceremony. This is a time usually spent at a family member’s home. Family, friends, and neighbors may stop by, expressing their losses and reflecting upon the deceased person’s life. This is another time to grieve and remember the deceased person.
1. The Funeral Wake or Visitation
The visiting of the deceased before the funeral is often referred to as the wake or viewing (also referred to as visitation). This is a time for friends, family, and other loved ones to see their departed loved one for the last time. This is a time to grieve together and come to terms with the fact that they have gone. Prior to the actual visitation, you will plan certain details such as whether to have an open or closed casket, what type of casket you want, the clothing and personal items the deceased will be buried or viewed in, whether the remains will be cremated or buried, and where the viewing will be held.
2. The Tribute
The Funeral Tribute is a formal ceremony where friends and family typically gather in a funeral home, church or chapel. This is a time for loved ones to pay tribute to the deceased. This is often done through talks, speeches and eulogies. Often, scriptures or poems are read and songs may be incorporated as well. Before the tribute you or the Funeral Director will plan for any particular passages or songs that will be read or sung. During this time, you will also consider where to host the funeral, and whether you wish to have flowers or perhaps donations in lieu of flowers to a particular charity in the deceased’s name. When donations are preferred it is generally noted to donate to a particular charity—usually one that is relevant to the death of the family member, this could be cancer research, a hospice group, or an organization the deceased was passionate about such as an animal rescue group, womens shelter or other charity.
3. The Procession
The Procession is the part of the funeral where the family members follow the hearse in their cars (or rented vehicles such as limousines to hold a large number of family members) as they make their way to the burial site.
4. The Interment
The Internment is when the casket or urn is at its final resting place or when the ashes are being scattered at the very end of the funeral. Songs, poems, or speeches may be considered for this portion of the funeral.
5. The Reception
The funeral reception takes place after the funeral. This is an optional part to the ceremony. This is a time usually spent at a family member’s home. Family, friends, and neighbors may stop by, expressing their losses and reflecting upon the deceased person’s life. This is another time to grieve and remember the deceased person.
