What Is a Funeral Service, and Why Have a Funeral?

When you hear the term funeral service, certain images probably come to mind. Depending on your culture and how you were raised, these images may differ from what others picture as a funeral service.

In the U.S., a funeral service is usually structured with similar traditional components. It is also held for common reasons. If you’re wondering whether or not to have a funeral service, here’s what you should know.

What it is

A funeral service is a structured ceremony. It is designed to acknowledge and celebrate the deceased and allow the living to mourn and say goodbye.

A funeral service typically consists of three parts:

• Visitation: Also referred to as a viewing or wake, the visitation is a time for guests to spend time with the grieving family. Guests are also usually given the opportunity to pay their respects to the deceased at an open casket. The visitation usually lasts between one and three hours and can occur any time before the main funeral service.
• Funeral service: This service usually occurs at a church, a funeral home or at the graveside. It is a time to remember the deceased, when one or more family members or friends may speak about the deceased. The service may also include the reading of religious passages or other meaningful text. Other common elements include music, prayer and singing.
• Committal service: For those who are buried, the funeral service will also include a committal service at the cemetery. Funeral attendees create a vehicle procession from the service to the cemetery. At the cemetery, additional comments may be made about the deceased, and then the casket is placed in the vault for burial.

Why it’s held

The purpose of a funeral service is usually threefold. First, it provides an opportunity to acknowledge the life and death of the deceased. They can be honored and remembered for all they have done. Second, it brings the grieving together for support during a challenging time.

Third, it gives the grieving an opportunity to say goodbye. Death is a profound change, and the ceremony can help people adjust to this change and experience closure. Without a funeral, it may be even harder to accept the death of a loved one and to make necessary life adjustments.

How to arrange it

Planning a funeral service may seem like a daunting task, and it can be challenging; however, when you work with a funeral service professional, it can be much easier. The funeral home staff can make the process as smooth and as simple as possible to help grieving family members navigate the decisions and details. They will work with you to ensure your loved one’s wishes are carried out and you have the opportunity to honor their memory and say goodbye.

We’re here for you

ICS Cremation & Funeral Home offers assistance with funeral services, cremations, obituaries and more. Contact us today with any questions about funeral services, prepaid plans, keepsakes, urns or other funeral related concerns. We’ve been helping people make arrangements to honor their loved ones for over 20 years. Reach us today at 386-752-3436.

Categorised in: Funeral Services

This post was written by Writer