Traditional Services

When a traditional service has been selected, typically ceremonies are designed with the casket in mind. Families participate in a viewing followed by a funeral service. This option though, is not your only choice.

There are different elements you can choose from when arranging a traditional service, depending upon your individual needs and preferences.

  • Immediate Burial means that your loved one's physical remains will be buried or entombed without a public service or gathering.
  • Visitation (also called a "viewing", "wake" or "calling hours") allows family and friends to gather in a room with the departed loved one (in an open or closed casket) and gives everyone the opportunity to say goodbye and offer their support and sympathy to the bereaved.
  • Funeral Services can take place at a funeral home, in a church, or other location. The service is a ceremony which serves to celebrate, honor, and remember the life of the deceased. Whether traditional or unique, both the visitation and the funeral service can be personalized to reflect the individuality of your loved one. For more information on personalization, visit our page on Celebrating Life.
  • Graveside, Chapel or Committal Services are held at the cemetery, and allow family and friends to be present as their loved one is transferred to his or her final disposition through interment.

When a family chooses a traditional service, that usually involves three distinct phases: visitation, the funeral, and the burial service. These generally follow the casket from the funeral home through the final burial at a cemetery. While this arrangement works for some families, it's not the only option available and it might not be the ideal solution for others. We'll work with you to understand your needs and create the perfect plan for you and your loved one.