General Services Overview
There are three sessions of services that can be done when somebody passes away. Traditionally people would do all three, but you don’t have to. Here are the three services:
Viewing
A viewing is usually the first of the three sessions, and it is, quite simply, a viewing of the deceased’s body. The body is put on display with either an open or closed casket for the family, friends, and/or general public to view, respect, and remember.
Funeral/Memorial Services
After the viewing, a funeral or memorial service is often conducted to eulogize the deceased. This is where you give the history and life story of your loved one. You can also talk about the memorable stories, life accomplishments, and sing their favorite songs.
Graveside Services
The graveside service is usually the culmination of your loved ones disposition. Here you meet at the gravesite and say your final good-byes before the body is permanently laid to rest. Many people elect to have all three, some, or none of the above services. It is entirely your preference. You should know that each service has a price, and to cut the overall cost of the funeral, you can eliminate one or more to save money.
Direct Burial
Much like the direct cremation we talked about earlier, you may select a direct burial. Direct burials are similar to direct cremations in that they allow for no services whatsoever. It is quite literally a direct burial, meaning that the funeral home will pick you up and drive you directly to the burial plot for burial. There is no embalming, makeup, or change of clothing involved.
At first look this sounds a little awkward, but direct funerals are great for people who have little money, want to be buried, and don’t want all the services and stuff that traditionally come with them.
Elect to have a direct burial. If you want to have a traditional burial but don’t have the money for all the services, you can hold a
memorial or celebration of life service without the body present and save thousands! Following these instructions on general services, I am going to talk about each service in depth and discuss how you can save money. I will show you how to use alternative methods in order to still have the services you want but at a fraction of the cost.
Eliminate all or some of the service. Save money by using alternatives or eliminating one or more of the funeral services listed above. Don’t get caught up in what is traditional. Don’t worry about what others will think. It’s your funeral, so have it the way you want it.
- Viewing
- Funeral Service
- Graveside Service
Viewing
A viewing is usually the first of the three sessions, and it is, quite simply, a viewing of the deceased’s body. The body is put on display with either an open or closed casket for the family, friends, and/or general public to view, respect, and remember.
Funeral/Memorial Services
After the viewing, a funeral or memorial service is often conducted to eulogize the deceased. This is where you give the history and life story of your loved one. You can also talk about the memorable stories, life accomplishments, and sing their favorite songs.
Graveside Services
The graveside service is usually the culmination of your loved ones disposition. Here you meet at the gravesite and say your final good-byes before the body is permanently laid to rest. Many people elect to have all three, some, or none of the above services. It is entirely your preference. You should know that each service has a price, and to cut the overall cost of the funeral, you can eliminate one or more to save money.
Direct Burial
Much like the direct cremation we talked about earlier, you may select a direct burial. Direct burials are similar to direct cremations in that they allow for no services whatsoever. It is quite literally a direct burial, meaning that the funeral home will pick you up and drive you directly to the burial plot for burial. There is no embalming, makeup, or change of clothing involved.
At first look this sounds a little awkward, but direct funerals are great for people who have little money, want to be buried, and don’t want all the services and stuff that traditionally come with them.
Elect to have a direct burial. If you want to have a traditional burial but don’t have the money for all the services, you can hold a
memorial or celebration of life service without the body present and save thousands! Following these instructions on general services, I am going to talk about each service in depth and discuss how you can save money. I will show you how to use alternative methods in order to still have the services you want but at a fraction of the cost.
Eliminate all or some of the service. Save money by using alternatives or eliminating one or more of the funeral services listed above. Don’t get caught up in what is traditional. Don’t worry about what others will think. It’s your funeral, so have it the way you want it.