Type of Service

FUNERAL

  • A service to recognize the person who has lived and provide help to those in grief.
  • Usually held in funeral home or church
  • Casket is often present but closed with cremation following
  • Religious in nature but doesn't have to be

MEMORIAL CEREMONY

  • A time to commemorate the life of the person including favorite musical selections, poetry and speeches
  • Usually not religious...but can be. Often held in the funeral home or church
  • Urn may or may not be present
  • Candle lighting, balloon releases or other special services can be included

VISITATION

  • Allows family and friends an opportunity to pay their respects and express their love and support
  • Usually informal
  • Casket may be open or closed
  • Typically held in the funeral home

GATHERING

  • Family and friends come together to share memories and lend support
  • Usually informal
  • Casket is not present
  • Most often held in the funeral home

MEMORY TABLE

  • Pictures and mementos of the person who has died are displayed for people to reminisce
  • Can be part of visitation, gathering, funeral or memorial ceremony

GRAVESIDE

  • An intimate final goodbye
  • Usually a simple service with Scripture or poetry
  • Can be at the graveside if burial is preferred, at the columbarium niche if the urn is to be inurned or at a scattering garden

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