Traditional funerals allow friends and family members to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes to their loved one. This is also a time to honor a life well-lived, cherish fond memories, and give a loved one a meaningful send-off. For more insight into what you can expect for your first time planning or attending a funeral, here’s a helpful guide.

What You Can Expect at Traditional Funerals

1. Visitation

A funeral visitation is an opportunity for family, friends, and colleagues to express their sympathy in the event of someone’s passing. Typically, a visitation is held at the funeral home, but they are sometimes held directly in the family home. In regards to visitation etiquette, it’s appropriate to arrive at any point during the allotted time frame and to stay for a minimum of about 15 minutes. If you wish to express your sympathies to the family, you should feel free to do so openly, but keep it brief out of respect.

2. Service & Eulogy

After the visitation period, a service will be held for close friends and family members to deliver their eulogies. The eulogies are heartfelt, personal speeches intended to honor a life well-lived.  This is also where funeral music, hymns, or other poems may be delivered, according to the family’s wishes and beliefs.

3. Burial Service

A burial service will take place at the graveside of the loved one during traditional funerals. It may incorporate prayers and readings before the casket is lowered into the ground. Often, friends and family members will scatter soil or toss flowers into the grave during the lowering. After this, guests will frequently congregate and interact before being escorted back to their limousines or other vehicles.

If you’re looking to plan a tasteful and memorable funeral service, look no further than Koch Liefer Funeral Home in Red Bud, IL. Whether you’re looking to hold a traditional burial or are opting for cremation, their staff can assist you. They offer a range of services for funerals, from pre-planning to grief counseling, to help you and your loved ones through this challenging time. To speak with a funeral director, give them a call today at (618) 282-2325 or visit them online.