If you’re beginning to preplan your funeral service, you may feel confused about where to start. With so many options for customization and unique touches, it can be difficult to figure out how to put together a memorial that perfectly suits your preferences and legacy. The following guide offers a basic breakdown of the most common types of funerals, so you can better decide which will be right for you. 

3 Common Types of Funeral Services

1. Traditional

A traditional funeral service involves embalming the body and placing it in a casket. Prior to burial, you may opt to host a wake or memorial service. During this time, visitors can come and listen to sermons, speeches, or songs, depending on your opinions regarding religion and how you want your life to be celebrated.

After the service is over, the body is transported to the burial site. Here, the guests may stand by as the body is buried. This option is ideal for those seeking a grander remembrance and who want to give their loved ones the opportunity to say their final goodbyes in a group setting. 

2. Cremation

Cremation offers two options: direct or indirect. With the former, the body is cremated immediately after passing, prior to any services. With indirect cremation, the body may be preserved to allow for a wake before the ashes are created.

Once the body has been cremated, you have a few options. For example, the ashes can be scattered in a significant location, divided amongst family members, placed in a mausoleum, or turned into jewelry. This option is ideal for those who want to avoid the cost of a burial plot and casket or want to accommodate multiple family members.

3. Natural

Some newer funeral services involve returning the body to the Earth. For example, you may opt to have your body buried at sea, or you may opt to be cremated and have the ashes become part of a tree or natural ecosystem. This option is best suited to those who were passionate about the environment during their lifetime and want to honor those respects after they pass. 

If you need help preplanning your funeral service, talk to the team at Dennis George Funeral Home. Serving the Cleves, OH, community since 1997, they assist with every aspect of funeral planning, from choosing a casket to arranging memorial services. Give them a call at (513) 941-6700 to schedule a consultation. You can also visit their website for more information on their services.