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Components Of A Well Planned Funeral

Carmen and I found that many Agers and their families plan funerals on the spur of the moment. For example, about twenty percent of the people we interviewed don’t have a planned funeral. Once a loved one has passed; the family scrambles to put together a funeral.

Parts Of A Well Planned Funeral
Components Of A Well Planned Funeral

The information below describes the basic components of a funeral. We also cover funerals in detail here.

Disposition of the body

  • Burial
  • Cremation
  • Donation of body parts

For example, burials occur at cemeteries and cremations at crematoriums. In addition, organ donations are managed at the hospital.

Viewing or Not Viewing The Body

  • Viewings are usually based on religious traditions or deep personal beliefs.
    • It is good to know the deceased preferences in this category.
  • Regulations make viewings possible only when the body is properly prepared.
    • This means an intermediary like a Funeral Home or Mortuary is involved.

Types of Funeral Services

Types of Services

If you are religious, and a religious service or burial is important, go to a local religious representative where the service will take place for counsel and advice. They are experts; you are not. In other words, rely on the religious expet.

Religious Services

Religious services are religious. Below are the characteristics of religious services.

  • Follows religious traditions
  • Traditions can differ by denominations (i.e., orthodox, conservative, reform)
  • Led by a religious leader
  • Almost all faith-based organizations are responsive to inquiries for guidance
  • If you don’t have a Church, Synagogue, or Mosque; mortuaries, cemeteries, and hospitals can offer references.

Nonreligious Services

Nonreligious services are secular. Below are the characteristics of non-religious services.

  • Does not involve a religious leader unless they are trained in conducting non-religious funerals
  • Reading materials are usually secular
  • Also, musical selections are secular

Memorial Service

The term memorial service is used when the deceased’s body is unavailable.

Memorial services also can be religious or nonreligious.

Celebration of Life

Often held in conjunction with another service where mourning and the family are not the focus. In other words, some families choose a celebration as an addition to a traditional service.

Celebrations of life are just that: celebrations of a person’s life. They focus on the contributions of the deceased. They also focus on what the deceased meant to the broader community.

Other Resources On Components Of A Well Planned Funeral

For more information about funeral homes, mortuaries or cemeteries, click here.

Also, a good guide to funeral planning here.