If you’ve begun funeral planning for your loved one, there are a few different options available. Choosing the funeral services best suited to their life and personality will help you send them off in a memorable, dignified way. If you need assistance deciding on a type of memorial, here are a few options available to your family.

What Are the Different Types of Funeral Services?

1. Burial

A traditional burial is typically the standard choice if your loved one’s funeral wishes aren’t known. It first includes a viewing or visitation where attendees pay respects to the grieving family. There is then a funeral service to reflect upon their life, followed by a graveside memorial before the casket or coffin is lowered into the cemetery plot. If the ceremony will have an open casket, embalming is recommended to preserve the body. Each stage of the service can be private or open to the public.

2. Cremation

Cremation is another popular option. Before or after the body is brought to the crematorium, you can have a memorial service or viewing similar to one held for a burial. You can also elect to have no ceremony or service, which is helpful for families who are concerned about cost. The ashes will be given to you in a temporary container. You can choose to scatter these in a public or private location. You may also transfer the remains to a permanent, beautiful urn to place in a burial plot, mausoleum, or keep at home.

3. Military

A military funeral is officiated by the country’s military to honor a deceased veteran. It can be done for burial or cremation, and costs are usually covered by the government. The loved one is buried at a national cemetery reserved for veterans, and the funeral service generally happens at the onsite committal shelter. Sometimes, you can arrange to have a public service given at a local funeral home and then another ceremony exclusive to the family at the cemetery. These can be officiated by a religious military figure or someone you choose. The ceremony may include a playing of “Taps,” 21-gun salute, color guard, and uniformed officials who present the family with the burial flag. Due to the close proximity of plots in military cemeteries, graveside services aren’t generally available.

4. Religious

Many religions have specific funeral customs and rites. For example, Orthodox Judaism and Islam don’t permit cremation. Christian traditions—  including Catholicism—  now do, but don’t recommend scattering ashes at sea or in a public space. If your loved one is religious, their funeral, graveside, or memorial service can be overseen by a religious official.

For help deciding on a type of funeral service for your loved one, turn to Adzima Funeral Home. Serving Stratford, CT, they accommodate all types of memorials with elegance and respect. With over 100 years of experience, they assist with funeral planning, obituary writing, scheduling, transportation, and anything else your family needs during this difficult time. They are available 24/7. Learn about their services online, and call (203) 375-2200 to begin planning.