What is the first thing that happens at a funeral?

A wake, also known as a reception, is where mourners gather to reflect on the life of their loved one. It normally happens straight after a cremation or burial and can be held at a family home or other appropriate venue.

What happens first at a funeral?

The visitation, or wake, is when guests come to pay their respects to the deceased and spend time with the family. The body is typically displayed in a casket (which may be open or closed) at the front of the room. Visitation usually takes place the day of or the day before the funeral ceremony.

What happens at a funeral in order?

A traditional funeral service typically has four components. They are the visitation, funeral ceremony, committal service, and a funeral reception. The family may decide to have more than one visitation at different times or just one.

Who walks in first at a funeral?

Unless they have chosen to be seated beforehand, the family comes next, chief mourner(s) first, walking with whomever he or she chooses. Close friends may follow, completing the procession. The family and pallbearers occupy the front rows, with friends filling vacant places on either side.

What do you call the beginning of a funeral?

What is a Wake? A wake, also known as a viewing, visitation or gathering, typically occurs before the funeral takes place. An urn or a casket is typically present, and the casket may be opened or closed. At this time, people pay their respects and offer condolences to loved ones of the departed.

What Happens at a Funeral

Who speaks first at a funeral?

The speech is ideally given by someone who knew the person well enough to gather and share memories and highlights of his/her life. Sometimes the choice is obvious within the family. There is often one person who seems to be the unofficial family spokesperson.

What are the 3 parts of the funeral?

Why don't they show the bottom half of a body at a funeral?

Sometimes legs are damaged because of the cause or death or because the deceased donated skin. In these cases, displaying the legs may be a distraction or reminder of trauma at the funeral service or viewing. Covering them is often the respectful thing to do. This doesn't only apply to legs but to other body parts too.

What is the order of family at a funeral?

The spouse is first, accompanied by children. Parents and siblings would be next, followed by extended family (grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc). Where should immediate family sit at a funeral? The immediate family members sit in the front rows.

Who sits in front row at funeral?

Friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and others typically sit on the left. The front rows are reserved for close relatives. If you are a member of the immediate family and there are step-parents or step-siblings, you must take into account where everyone will sit.

What is normal timeline for a funeral?

Average Time Between Death and Funeral

Most American funerals take place within one week or less from death. With the help of a funeral home, a week is typically enough time to make arrangements and contact loved ones. Historically, funerals had to take place after just a matter of days, because of decomposition.

What's the hardest part of a funeral?

Usually people say a short prayer by the casket and then proceed to share their condolences with the family. Attending a visitation can be the hardest part for people to attend, because it involves talking to the deceased's family.

Who walks in front of the coffin?

The officiant will usually lead the procession and pallbearers carrying the coffin tend to follow. Immediate family and close friends will often walk behind the coffin, followed by other guests.

Do they wash your hair before your funeral?

Blood in the hair is removed with washing and chemicals. The funeral director then washes the hair, funeral directors may do this either before or after embalming; Hairdressing is normally done after embalming has been completed.

What should you not say at a funeral?

Here are some examples of what NOT to say at a funeral:

S/he has had a long meaningful life. Don't worry too much, you will be fine. I have been through this, and I'm sure you too can be fine. Look on the bright side, she is in a better place now.

Why do they close the casket before the funeral?

A Closed Casket Funeral Preserves Final Memories

Many people choose to have a closed casket in order to preserve their final memory of the deceased. Closed caskets are also better for anyone who passed away from an accident that caused changes to their appearance.

Who is immediate family at a funeral?

Parents, spouses, and minor children are almost always considered to be immediate family, while siblings may or may not count. In addition, adoptive parents or children are also considered immediate family, although there is no blood relation. Half-siblings, step-siblings, and other near relatives are also ambiguous.

Who is the main person at a funeral?

The role of the funeral conductor is to preside over the funeral or memorial service. If you will be having the funeral or memorial service at a religious place of worship, the religious leaders there will likely lead the service. Otherwise, anyone can lead a funeral or memorial service.

Who stands in line at a funeral?

Typically, members of the immediate family stand in the receiving line at a funeral. The immediate family typically includes the spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, grandparents, and in-laws of the deceased. If the deceased had a large family, this could make for a rather lengthy receiving line.

Why do they cover your legs in a casket?

It is a common practice to cover the legs as there is swelling in the feet and shoes don't fit. As part of funeral care, the body is dressed and preserved, with the prime focus on the face. Post embalming, bodies are often placed without shoes; hence covering the legs is the way to offer a dignified funeral.

What do they do when they close the casket?

What Does a Closed Casket Consist of? As the name suggests, a closed casket funeral is a type of funeral during which the casket of your loved one remains fully closed throughout the wake, service, and burial. With this type of service, you won't be able to view your loved one's body at any point during the procession.

What happens when they close the casket?

In a closed casket funeral, the casket remains closed during the viewing and the funeral service. Family members and guests are not able to see the body, and some prefer this option for a variety of reasons.

How do you start a funeral ceremony?

For example, you might start out like this: “I would like to welcome you to this celebration of the life of (NAME), who (passed, entered into rest, went to be with his beloved wife Glenda, went to be with his Savior) on (date).

What does yellow mean at a funeral?

Red, Dark: grief, love, sorrow. White: humility, innocence, purity, reverence, spirituality, youthfulness (often used at the funerals of children) Yellow: devotion, friendship, loyalty.

What is a funeral checklist?

Obtain legal pronouncement of death from an attending doctor/hospice nurse or call 911. Choose a funeral home. Arrange transportation of the body to the funeral home (or coroner if an autopsy is required). Arrange embalming and preparation of the body if desired. Select clothing for the deceased to wear.