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Do you know some of the different types of funerals?
Read on below to get a basic starter for 10 on some of the ways we can say goodbye to our loved one.
Funerals can vary in terms of cultural practices, religious customs, personal preferences and the wishes of the person. In this blog I’m going to give you a short introduction to some of the many different ways that we can say goodbye to our loved ones.
Traditional Funerals
These are often formal and follow established customs and rituals specific to a particular religion or culture. This type of funeral typically can include a religious service in a church followed by a burial or cremation. The family then often have a wake afterwards for people to share their memories of their late family member or friend.
Graveside Funerals
These services take place at the gravesite or cemetery. They may involve a brief ceremony held elsewhere or religious service followed by the burial of the person. These types of funerals can often take place when the actual service may have been held in a church without its own churchyard, or a celebration of life has been held at a different venue.
Cremation Funerals
This type of funeral involves the cremation of the body at a service at a crematorium instead of burial. The ashes may be kept in an urn, scattered where the family want to, or interred in a cremation plot
Memorial Services
A memorial service is a gathering that focuses on celebrating the life of our loved one, rather than the physical remains. It can be held with or without the presence of their coffin or their ashes. These services can quite often take place many months after the death and allows more people to come and celebrate the person than who could attend a funeral.
Green Funerals
Also known as eco-friendly or natural burials. This type of funeral emphasizes environmentally friendly practices. They may involve biodegradable caskets or shrouds, natural burial grounds and minimal use of chemicals.
Home Funerals
In some cases, you may choose to have the funeral or memorial service at your home. This approach allows for a more intimate and personal atmosphere, with family and friends gathering to pay their respects. However, a warning, there are many legalities attached to burying someone at home so this is not a choice to be taken lightly.
Celebrations of Life
This type of funeral focuses on celebrating the life and achievements of the deceased, rather than mourning their loss. It often involves sharing stories, memories and anecdotes that highlight the person’s positive impact.
Religious Funerals
Many different religions have specific funeral customs and rituals. These can include prayers, scripture readings, hymns, rituals and other religious practices that are significant within the respective faith.
All funeral practices can vary widely depending on cultural, religious and personal preferences.
As a celebrant I love being able to create and customize a funeral, whatever type their loved ones want, to reflect the unique wishes of the person and their loved ones.