Traditional Service
Traditional Service
Many families prefer to choose a traditional worship-oriented funeral ceremony. A traditional ceremony typically includes:
Viewing at the place of worship or funeral home, either prior to the ceremony or the evening before The funeral ceremony itself, conducted at the funeral home or place of worship Procession to the cemetery for a final committal service
Being traditional does not mean being without choice. Each funeral is tailored to your preferences. Some of the areas that can reflect your personal choice are:
- The flowers for the ceremony
- Music – can be contemporary, jazz, traditional hymns, etc
- Merchandise – the casket and burial vault selection
- Memorial folders
- Obituary laminations
- A collection of photographs, mementos or remembrances to be placed in the casket or displayed in their own special section
Memorial Service
A Memorial Service is when the deceased is not present. It may take place at the funeral home, the family’s home, or church. This is a time to remember your loved one through fellowship with friends and family. The memorial service can also be an addition to a traditional funeral service. For example, having a traditional funeral service here and then a memorial service back in the deceased’s home town. Or, a memorial service can be done after a burial or cremation if this meets the need of the family.
Committal Service
The Committal Service is a brief service at the gravesite after a traditional funeral service but prior to the burial. This is where family and friends say their final good-byes at the final resting place by placing flowers or sometimes sand on the casket. If the committal service is the only service then it becomes what we call a Graveside Service and it may be accompanied by a visitation the night before or before the service itself. The graveside service is a more lengthy service consisting of scripture reading, eulogy, poetry, and music.
Cremation
Just because a family has chosen cremation does not mean that a funeral ceremony to honor the person who has died can not take place. There are several options such as a visitation or gathering of family and friends at the funeral home or another location. A funeral or memorial service can take place either before or after cremation. This service can, again, take place either at the funeral home, place of worship or any other location you may choose.
Every service is tailored to the family and we want to make sure that you are aware of all the options and choices that are available to you. The personalization of your ceremony can be accomplished by:
- Your flower selection
- The music chosen
- Type, color and size of urn
- Prayer cards or memorial folders
- Family collection of photos, remembrances and mementos
- Most families choosing cremation decide on burial of the cremated remains.
- Whether it is private graveside service, or for friends and family, it is an important final moment.