Each culture and religion has different rites and ceremonies that need to be performed at the funeral. These days, many funeral homes also provide tons of other funeral services that suit your budget, beliefs, and choice. But understanding all of these services at a time of loss can be very tedious. In this article, we work to explain the most basic types of funeral services and what sets them apart.

Traditional funeral services
One of the most common funeral services offered by many funeral homes is the traditional funeral. This includes a service before which families can come and visit their loved ones. These visitations often include viewing of the body. The service could consist of a prayer session conducted by a religious figure and have eulogies given by family members. This type of traditional service is suited for those who are more spiritual or religious in nature. Most funeral homes will have various services to ensure that the funeral is aligned with your religious beliefs and faith. This includes how the body will be presented, the prayer service or vigil, and even the burial rites that will be performed. Of course, due to these aspects, traditional funeral services are costly compared to the other types of funeral services.

Non-religious funeral services
Most funeral homes also offer non-religious funeral services. These kinds of services are more commonly referred to as humanist funerals. These funerals focus on providing a respectable farewell to the deceased. It also usually allows you to celebrate life. Non-religious funerals most often omit religious practices but instead focus on ensuring that the deceased gets a well-deserved tribute. Most loved ones offer written tributes to the funeral home. The celebrant then reads out these tributes and the service usually ends with a moment of silence. Humanist funerals are very personal, and they are the perfect choice for those who seek an organized function that is not religious.

Burial at sea funeral services
Another type of funeral service that is quite common is a burial at sea. This funeral service involves releasing the deceased’s body into the ocean from a boat or an aircraft. Typically, this type of funeral involves spreading the individual’s ashes into the ocean. But in some cases, individuals want to have a full-body burial at sea. In such cases, it is best to go through a company that works in this specific field or specializes in this service. This is because full-body burials at sea are a very regulated process that the Environmental Protection Agency oversees. This type of funeral service is best for those who loved the sea or worked for the Navy, Coast Guard, or Marines. It is also the preferred way of burial in certain religions. Burials at sea can be more affordable than a traditional burial funeral service.

Green funeral services
Most funeral services are not very eco-friendly or green, as they require many resources and materials. But given the rise in the global climate crisis, most individuals are now opting for greener funerals. A natural funeral requires fewer resources when compared to a traditional religious or non-religious funeral. Not to mention, it completely avoids embalming fluids, cement, steel, and various non-biodegradable substances that are used in traditional burials. Natural funeral services also avoid the carbon waste that is generated during a cremation. The body is wrapped in a bio-degradable shroud before burial. This ensures that the body becomes completely one with nature. Individuals can also opt for green funerals that protect workers’ health, have little to no carbon emissions, and save natural resources and habitats. These types of funerals are perfect for those who love contributing to saving the environment. They are also suitable for those who would love to spend the time outdoors.

Direct cremation funeral services
Funeral services are typically a costly affair. So, if you’re looking for something more affordable, you could opt for the direct cremation service. Direct cremations are much cheaper, as they do not require any embalming fluids, mortician services, and caskets. With direct cremations, there are usually no services or visitations beforehand. Instead of having a service beforehand, those opting for direct cremations can hold a memorial service after the cremation has been conducted. In most states across the country, in the case of a direct cremation, you need not get in touch with a funeral home or director. In the case of a direct cremation, you can simply contact the crematory, who will take care of the service. A direct cremation is also an excellent option for those who seek privacy.