Modern vs. Traditional: What are the different types of funerals?
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Modern vs. Traditional: What are the different types of funerals?
A funeral can be an expensive event. According to the Cost of Death Survey, the average cost of a burial in New Zealand is $10,206. The average cost of a cremation is estimated to be $7,316. Planning ahead, however, can reduce the costs. How much you spend on a funeral is really up to you. You might not realize it, but there are different options you can choose from. Each funeral option offers ...
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A funeral can be an expensive event. According to the Cost of Death Survey, the average cost of a burial in New Zealand is $10,206. The average cost of a cremation is estimated to be $7,316. Planning ahead, however, can reduce the costs.
How much you spend on a funeral is really up to you. You might not realize it, but there are different options you can choose from. Each funeral option offers a different experience and a different price tag. Finding which option is right for you will help you send off your loved one in a way you feel comfortable. Plus, you can send them off with a budget that won’t break the bank. Here are some of the most popular types of funerals:
Table of Contents
Formal Funeral Services
A funeral service is a formal ceremony based on the religious or cultural beliefs of the deceased. This type of service usually takes place within a few days of a person’s death.
A formal service offers people the chance to get closure by paying their last respects to the deceased and their immediate family.
A formal funeral service is a structured ceremony, with a beginning, middle and end. The deceased is moved from their home or funeral home to the church or crematorium. Here the ceremony begins with scripture readings, hymns, a short sermon, and a eulogy. The deceased is then moved by procession to the cemetery for burial or to the crematorium for cremation.
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Memorials & Celebration of Life Services
A memorial service (sometimes called a Celebration of Life service) is a ceremony for celebrating or remembering the life of the deceased. It takes place after the body has been buried or cremated. So unlike a funeral service, the body of the deceased is not present (unless in the form of cremated remains).
Since you aren’t restricted by having the body present, a memorial service can be held any time after death. This type of service can also be held anywhere – in a favorite park, at the beach, in a restaurant, by a lake, or in your local community center.
Having the service in a spot that holds special memories, often helps to make the service happier, more personal, and more intimate than a traditional funeral service.
Memorial services are usually informal. They are usually a good option for the non-religious as well. A memorial service gives family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances an opportunity to gather together to hear stories, give tributes, and celebrate the person’s life. The service is usually a reflection of the deceased main loves and favorite things in life.
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Graveside Services
A graveside service is a short, scripted ceremony held at the grave site of the deceased. It usually follows a longer and larger church service and funeral procession to the ceremony. Families sometimes forego the funeral service and simply hold the service at the grave site.
Typically, a graveside service will last 30 minutes.
Usually, a member of the clergy or someone close to the deceased will officiate. They may say a few prayers or blessings depending on the religion or beliefs of the deceased. For example, if the deceased is Jewish, their family might throw dirt on the coffin at the end of the ceremony according to their tradition. The entire ceremony is short and generally reserved for immediate family (others can stand at the back).
Visitation Services
It is a common practice in many cultures to spend time with the deceased or immediate family before the funeral service, burial, or cremation. This is usually referred to as visitation.
The body may or may not be present. If the body is present, the casket is normally closed. Funeral home staff are generally on hand to assist.
At an informal visitation, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances are encouraged to come and spend time with the immediate family in a private home, a social hall, or at a place of worship.
Talking with Loved Ones: Funeral Choices
Dying is an inevitable part of life. No matter how inevitable it is, it’s still difficult to talk about funeral and burial wishes. When you have that conversation, you need to ensure that your final celebration is a reflection of who you (or they) are.
If talking to others about their wishes, run through the varying options. As well as the above you can choose from the following:
. . . the options are near endless.
Ask your loved ones how they would like to mark their final ceremony. Ask them if they want to be cremated. Ask them if they have life insurance to cover the funeral costs. Ask them if they want something traditional or more modern.
Talk to them about religious needs. Do they want an intimate affair or should it be open to everyone? The more questions you ask, the less stressful planning the perfect funeral will be.
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Modern vs. Traditional: What are the different types of funerals?
A funeral can be an expensive event. According to the Cost of Death Survey, the average cost of a burial in New Zealand is $10,206. The average cost of a cremation is estimated to be $7,316. Planning ahead, however, can reduce the costs. How much you spend on a funeral is really up to you. You might not realize it, but there are different options you can choose from. Each funeral option offers ...