Often times when you hear the word “funeral”, it may mean a single funeral service event, or it might be used to mean many services after a person passes. Because of this, it can be confusing to know what term is actually for what service. To help make more sense of the many services that are available after someone dies, directors of funeral homes in Tualatin, OR. break down the various terms as well as explain what service they refer to.
The funeral service is the single event that most people are familiar with. The deceased is typically present in the casket in the front of the room. The casket may be open or closed. There is an order to this service and normally begins with an officiant welcoming guests and saying a prayer or scripture reading. The program will then move along and include music selections, other readings, as well as eulogies given and the obituary read. It closes with the officiant saying any last remarks and a closing prayer.
The graveside service, which is also called a committal service takes place after the funeral at the cemetery. Friends and family will gather and the officiant will once again begin the service with a short introduction and reading. This service is much shorter than the funeral and will end with the body being lowered into the grave. These services may be public where anyone can attend, or some families may wish to have them private and for family only.
These two events are very similar and both take place before the funeral service. These events are not as formal as the funeral and do not have a specific order of service. Rather, these events are a come-and-go type of affair with guests arriving and leaving at their own will anytime between the designated times. Often times light refreshments such as cookies and punch will be served.
With a visitation, the body of the deceased is normally not present. Guests come and offer their support and condolences to the mourning family. During a viewing, the body of the deceased is present. This allows guests to not only offer condolences to the grieving family but also approach the casket (if they wish) and say any final goodbyes.
This is an event that takes place after the funeral. It can be for anyone to attend or the family may have it for close friends and family only. It might be held at the funeral home or church but can also be held at a family home, outside in a park, restaurant, or anywhere else the family may decide. The purpose of the reception is to provide a gathering place for guests to continue remembering and honoring their loved ones.
If you would like more information on services provided by funeral homes in Tualatin, OR. feel free to reach out to us anytime. We are here to help you in any way we can and make your loved one’s services meaningful and unique to them.