Types of Funeral Services that Delaware Funeral Homes Can Help Plan
Every religion and culture have different views of funerals and funeral homes in Delaware can help plan one based on your vision of what would be best for a deceased loved one. Death is often commemorated in different ways and the traditional funeral service often leads the pack. However, there are different types of funeral services to choose from and Delaware funeral homes can help you personalize them to best reflect the deceased's life.
The Traditional Funeral Service
With a traditional funeral service, the casketed body is typically present, either open or closed. Funeral homes in Delaware can plan a visitation or wake at their facilities. This entails mourners attending at specified visiting times to pay their respects and express condolences. Personal preference as well as culture or religion play a part in the structure of this event. Visitation can last a few hours on or before the funeral date or even for a full day in advance.
A formal funeral service can also be planned by Delaware funeral homes to include special speakers to give a eulogy or even a clergyman to express words of comfort and peace. Commemorating the deceased's life is the ultimate goal. While most funeral homes in Delaware have the facilities to host this service, it could also be held in a place of worship, a cemetery chapel, at graveside or even at an alternate location.
A procession to the cemetery from the funeral establishment or place of the service is the typically the next step in this type of traditional funeral. A committal service at the graveside might be undertaken as a final send-off before burial. Delaware funeral homes can help coordinate the logistics of each step of the process.
Funeral Homes in Delaware Can Also Arrange Memorial Services
A memorial service may seem exactly the same as a traditional funeral service. However, there are differences. For example, a memorial service might encompass the same elements such as a public visitation or wake in advance of the actual service. However, no body is present during this commemoration of the deceased's life. Typically, Delaware funeral homes may assist in planning this option if a burial has already occurred, if cremation was chosen as final disposition or in the event there is no body available such as a fire or being lost at sea.
Graveside Services are an Option Presented by Funeral Homes in Delaware
If you and your family feels the need to have a service to honor a loved one but does not want to deal with all the details or attention, graveside services are an option that Delaware funeral homes can help plan. Before burial of the casketed body or an ash-filled urn in a cemetery, a simple service can be conducted graveside. This type of committal service pays tribute to the deceased in a quiet, meaningful manner.
Combining Several Types of Services Together is a Possibility
Funeral homes in Delaware may arrange a funeral with both a traditional service as well as a memorial service. This situation helps address the commemoration of the deceased, especially if they had many family, friends and colleagues in more than one geographical place. A traditional service can be held in one location with the casketed body present while a memorial service could be held after final disposition in another place. Your choice of Delaware funeral homes can assist you with both events if requested.
This 21st century has brought many changes and views of traditional funeral services. Funeral homes in Delaware stay attuned to the latest trends so they can best serve the bereaved planning the death care of a deceased loved one. You can even choose elements of certain special rituals or ceremonies from other cultures or customs and incorporate them.
Delaware Funeral Homes Can Incorporate Organizational Customs
Some membership organizations have unique customs or rites of passage for members who have died. These customs can be performed separately or incorporated into the funeral service of your choice. Perhaps the most recognized custom is that of the military. A veteran may be eligible for certain military traditions such as a flag presentation to survivors and even a 21-gun salute.
What membership organizations or entities did the deceased belong to? Funeral homes in Delaware have experience incorporating some of these traditions into a funeral. Groups based on military experience such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the America Legion can be great sources. Knights of Columbus, Daughters of the American Revolution and the Elk or Moose Lodge are additional examples.
Whoever said that funerals were for the living was speaking the truth. A funeral creates the perfect opportunity for family and friends to say goodbye. The ability to provide support and condolences and express grief is important. Choose Heritage as your resource for Delaware funeral homes to ensure a thoughtful, organized funeral service for your loved one.