It’s a sad fact, but while over 62% of Americans feel it’s important to communicate their funeral plans and wishes to the ones they love, only around 21% of them have actually done so.
It might be tough to think about, but ultimately, we all pass on. And because of that, you want to ensure that either your wishes or your loved ones’ are respected.
If you want to be prepared for the future, then you should read on. Here are the different types of funerals available to either yourself or your loved ones.
Full-Service/Traditional Funeral
This is one of the most elaborate kinds of funerals available. Everyone goes to a funeral within days of the death, and the ceremony is typically held in a church or a funeral home.
Usually, traditional funerals are religious, so it’s not uncommon to see a pastor, priest, or religious leader say a few words. The casket can be either open or closed.
After the service, everyone will move onto either a cemetery or crematorium. Soon after, the bereaved family might also have a reception in their home.
Direct Burial
On the other hand, if you want something short and sweet, you can opt for a direct burial.
Here, the deceased is placed in a coffin and lowered into the ground. There is no ceremony and in most cases, just the immediate family is there for the burial.
Scattering Ceremony
For those who wish to be cremated, you can have a scattering ceremony. Scattering ceremonies can be held after funeral services. The deceased can pick where they’d like their ashes to be scattered and their loved ones can gather for this ceremony.
Each person may want to say something before finally releasing the ashes into nature.
Celebration of Life
Funerals are known as somber affairs. But they don’t always have to be.
A celebration of life allows attendees to remember the deceased fondly and share cheerful memories of them. These can be religious or secular, and either formal or informal. In many cases, celebrations of life are held in entertainment venues or restaurants.
Often, people like to combine celebrations of life with official funeral ceremonies. So these act as a type of reception.
Know the Types of Funerals Available
After reading this article, you should now have a better idea of the types of funerals available to you and your loved ones. It might be worth it to sit down and discuss each option so you understand what each person’s needs are and which funeral type best suits them.
While it may not be the most pleasant discussion to have, at least you’ll come out of it with a better understanding of what everyone’s wishes are. In the end, this can take a lot of stress and burden off, which will let you focus on grieving.
If you found this article on the different types of funerals beneficial, then check out the rest of our blog for more insightful posts.
