Funerals 101

Funerals-101 (“I didn’t know I could do that!”)
The first consideration consumers should consider is if they want a “traditional burial” service, cremation with a service, or a hybrid between the two.  Of course there are what we in the business refer to as “immediate burial” and “direct cremation” options as well which I’ll also explain.
Traditional burial was formerly the standard by which all other service types were compared.  The deceased person would be taken to the funeral home where they would be embalmed (replacing the blood with chemicals to render the body sanitary for public viewing and to create a pleasant viewing experience), dressed and casketed.  There would be calling hours – sometimes called a “viewing” or “visitation”, which would occur the night before and may even take place over the course of two days.  The next day people would reassemble at the funeral home for a short period; a procession would leave the funeral home and go to a church where a service would be held, then a procession to a cemetery for burial.
Cremation – There are virtually unlimited options here which I’ll try to keep in synopsis form
a) Embalming, dressing, casketing and viewing/calling hours either all in the same day or the evening before with services the following day at the funeral home or church.  After the services, the deceased would be taken to the crematory thereafter.  The cremated remains may be retained by family or buried at a later date with or without ceremony.
b) Visitation/calling hours may be held with or without cremated remains present.  Funeral services can be held at the funeral home the same day or evening of the visitation/calling hours and burial may or may not take place thereafter based on preference.  Cremated remains may be retained by family or buried after the services with or without ceremony.
So many options!  Time is usually not a factor here.  While Connecticut law prohibits anyone from being cremated until 48hours after death, the services can be delayed to suit multiple preferences.  With such a mobile society today, family and friends are spread more widely throughout the state, country or even across the globe.  Services can be timed to coincide with other events that would bring people together.
Immediate burial is a relatively inexpensive option to those who for religious reasons or just personal preference do not want cremation.  There is typically no embalming, calling hours/visitation, funeral services etc.  A burial then takes place with or without ceremony.
Direct cremation is the least expensive option of all.  There are no services of any type, no burial etc.  Formal documents are signed to allow the cremation to take place and once the cremation is complete, the cremated remains are returned to the responsible party to take custody of them.
Options are many.  Remember my motto?  “If it’s not illegal, immoral or unethical, I’m on board!”  If you have questions about a service type you would like considered, please call or email me.
Mark Kalinowski at Church & Allen Funeral Home 860-889-2374 or Mark.Kalinowski@Dignitymemorial.com

I will next be posting a 3-part series for Veterans.  Come back and visit.