Top Reasons Why Burial Services Are Still Very Popular

There is an option of cremating the body of the deceased after the soul has left. This method of disposal is getting huge attention these days saying that it’s an affordable option, a greener option and time-saving one as well.

All these things may be true, but they certainly cannot suppress the popularity of burial services.

Yes, burial services have their own share of benefits as opposed to cremation and other options and here in this post, we will have a look at some of them.

A Traditional Way to Say “Goodbye”-

  • You may agree or not, but the fact is that for centuries and centuries, this has been the most preferred method of saying “good-bye” to the deceased.
  • This is generally an honour, a respect that you show to your loved one and because it is an age-old method, it has still remained a preferred one in the western world.

Permanent Gravesite to Visit-

  • According to those involved in offering burial services near my location, these services are better because you always have a place, where you can visit the deceased.

Burial services

  • This place is given different names like graveside, mausoleum, etc. and it can be visited whenever you miss the loved one too much.
  • In some religions, visiting the grave at the cemetery is considered by some to be a sacred event and allows them to feel a connection to their loved one during their visit.

Follows Religious Requirements-

  • A very strong reason that has kept this method the most preferred one is the religion connections.
  • Yes, in some religions, any other body disposal method is prohibited and only burial is recommended.
  • This means that if the funeral event is religion-based, the family will have no other option than to follow what’s said in sacred scriptures and go with burial services.
  • Jewish families and those practicing Islamic traditions also have strong religious and social commitments to burial.

You can check here where Funeral Directors serve in Sydney .View List suburbs of Sydney.

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO UNDERSTAND RELATED TO PRE-ARRANGED CREMATION SERVICES

The society in the west is getting liberal day by day and one sign is the way they have accepted cremation as a form of funeral.

Another sign is the ever-rising popularity of pre-arranged cremation services that allow the deceased to document down the wishes that he/she want to be completed after the departure.

The process can be very simple to complete provided that you go through the steps discussed here in this blog.

Choosing a Provider-

  • In terms of funeral services, there is always a necessity of a service provider to help in the smooth completion of the process.
  • This would mean that you will first have to choose a reliable funeral home and you can pick the best one by placing the following questions and seeking answers that pacify you.
  • If you move from the area or are travelling when you pass away, is the provider responsible for handling the arrangements?
  • What type of memorial service you want and what they can arrange for you in prearranged cremation services?
  • Can they arrange traditional pre-arranged funeral services, a small private gathering or another customized event?

  • Determine what is your wish for the final disposition of your ashes and what they can do for you?

Communication is Key –

  • According to the experts, in the process of selecting a funeral home for prearranged cremation services, communication between you and shortlisted funeral homes would be the key.
  • Therefore, regular communication is important as this will grow the understanding between two parties and this way, avoiding confusion will also become easier.
  • In terms of pre-arranged funeral services as well as prearranged cremation services, it is also important that you note down all your wishes separately too, other than in the contract letter.
  • This way, things would become easier for the family members to handle and arrange a successful event that would make its mark in the hearts of the attendees.

Did you know? Important Things to Plan Along with Pre-Arranged Funeral Services

UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT OF NON-RELIGIOUS FUNERALS

People may not realise throughout the event, but when the funeral event gets over and they take an estimate of the overall expenses, they realise that it was far more than assumed. This has been the story of most of the testimonials and reviews, feedback, etc. that we see on the Internet.

This is why, there has been a huge rise in the popularity of no-religious funerals as they are immensely economical and above of all, less time consuming as well. But for that too, you will have to search for “funeral home near me” and contact one for making necessary arrangements that we are discussing here in this post.

What Is A Humanist or Non-Religious Funerals?

  • According to the experts from funeral homes, this is basically a non-religious ceremony, where celebration of the life of the deceased is done and he/she is given a memorable farewell.

    non-religious-funerlas-1
    Funeral Home
  • In this ceremony, a tribute is paid to the deceased and at the same time, there are no religious connotations and recognition of the grief of death.
  • The attempt of the funeral director in terms of non-religious funerals is to keep the entire event as personal and as affordable as possible.
  • This means that rather than focussing on the precision of traditions and religious belief, their entire focus would be on the loved one.
  • A humanist celebrant can help guide you through the process of arranging a non-religious funeral.

How Can You Personalise Non-Religious Funerals?

  • As far as personalisation is concerned, the first thing is that one has to be aware that the funeral home has this duty of offering personalised solutions according to the law.

Read Also: Elements of Religious and Non-Religious Funerals

Some popular elements that you could include in a service, regardless of your beliefs are:

  • Celebrant or Officiant’s introduction
  • Tributes to the deceased from family and friends
  • A moment for reflection
  • Readings from family and friends
  • Introduction and closing music
  • Closing words from the Celebrant or Officiant
  • Committal
  • A wake or memorial to finish the ceremony

HOW ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE IN DIFFERENT CHRISTIAN FUNERALS

Dealing with the death of a loved one is the hardest phase of life and in some religions, things become even harder because of different rituals, belief and so on.

Something similar is seen in Christian funerals because this religion encompasses a vast range of denominations and because of this, versatility increases manifold times.

There are several differences in how different kinds of Christian funerals are carried out and based on this, we will have a look at some basic guidelines to help you feel comfortable and perform a Christian funeral service.

Catholic Funerals –

  • According to funeral directors, this denomination of this religion has several rituals to follow right from formal to casual.
  • For example – you will see that the last rites are usually performed before the services and then, the mass is generally held before burial.
  • In this event, friends and family members, relatives, etc. are welcomed and encouraged to be the part of the event.
  • In this event, the priest appointed by the funeral director will speak sacred chants and loved ones will light candles and the congregation will pray together.
  • In this type of event, flowers are considered as the perfect way to express our love for the deceased and offer condolence to the bereaving family.
  • But there is also the option of offering cash donation to the charity of which the deceased was the part of.
  • If you plan to take flowers with you, make sure that the flowers are delivered before the funeral or mass.
    Another very impressive option is of taking a refreshing fruit basket sent to the family home afterwards.

Protestant Funerals –

  • Those who are non-Catholics are given the name of Protestants and this has several names included in it like Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Church of God and many others.
  • Rituals of mostly life events are similar in all of them, except the ceremony to be arranged during the passing away because some adhere to a predetermined outline.
  • Then, there are some who are more liberal and thus, allow the ceremony to be held more freely and more easily.
  • As at Protestant funerals, flowers are welcomed and encouraged and experts say that a Lovely arrangement of roses, carnations, lilies, tulips, or a mixed arrangement are perfect.

NON-RELIGIOUS FUNERALS SERVICE AND THE CONCEPT BEHIND IT

Civil or non-religious funerals are a perfect opportunity for friends and families to remember the deceased and to mourn or celebrate the life of the deceased.

This concept is slowing getting more and more popular but experts say that to get the best out of it, you will first have to understand the concept of non-religious funerals and the reasons behind its popularity.

Only then, it is possible that you will be able to get the fullest worth out of the investment.

What Is A Civil Or Non-Religious Funerals Service?

  • According to the experts of non-religious funerals services, this ceremony is held with the goal of remembering the loved one who has just passed away.
  • However, the different point her is that in this type of event, no religious traditions or belief, ideologies are followed.
  • This means that in non-religious funerals, the religious belief of the person who has passed away is followed.
  • But here too, the entire focus is on the belief and life of the person being remembered or celebrated, and their family and friends.

When Should Civil Or Non-Religious Funerals Service Be Held?

  • As an answer to this question, every funeral director will say that this service can be held before or after the person’s final committal.

Where can a civil funeral service be held?

  • Experts from different funeral homes say that this service can be held burial sites that are often referred to as ‘chapels’, crematoria venues, etc.
  • There are numerous other places, where this event of non-religious funerals can be held and not to mention, the funeral homes too are an ideal location for these funeral ceremonies.

What’s included?

  • The fact is that there are no religious processes or traditions included, but this could generally include blessings, prayers or hymns.
  • Then, there is always a liberty of using all the creative and alternative ideas for the funeral service and you don’t have to stick to any set customs or rituals.
  • These non-religious funerals can include the songs, words, music and other tributes that reflect the life of the person who died, but won’t include prayers or hymns.

Some Crucial Tips for Choosing and Using Pre-Paid Funerals Plans

Upon getting in touch with the staff of a funeral home, you will come across a w whole plethora of pre-arranged funeral services. Now the point is that those looking to make money will try and convince you to avail all of them as this way, they will be in profit.

However, you need to be very selective and ensure that you get only those needed by you rather than opting for a particular package made by them.

In fact, the rules too say that you have the right to get only the services needed by you rather than the entire package.

However, there are some tips for choosing and using pre-paid funeral plans and here in this post,

we have a look at some of them. These tips are basically the questions to ask to the funeral homes and some of them are –

Does the plan allow you to choose your funeral director?

  • According to the experts of pre-arranged funeral services, a good funeral plan allows you to make this choice.
  • Other than this, you need to ensure that the plans offered to you include a contribution to third party costs and this could also include disbursements.
  • This would mainly include the fee of the doctor or the minister and here, an important thing to know is that these costs are outside the fee of the funeral director.
  • Experts say that if the plans offered too you are restricting you from making contributions to the third party fees, you will have to rethink about choosing it.

Where Is Your Payment Held?

  • According to the experts of pre-arranged funeral services, you need to make sure that the money is fully secure.
  • Experts say that you need to further ask as to what if the funeral director goes out of the business or what if the person dies abroad.
  • Furthermore, as a user, you also need to check whether you are able to transfer your plan to a new funeral director.
  • You should check carefully that you have the appropriate level of cover depending on your travel needs.

UNDERSTAND THE NORMS OF CATHOLIC CREMATIONS

Upon going through the preferences of a catholic church, you will come across a whole new aspect that they keep in related to funerals of the last ceremony of a person’s life.

You will see that in a majority of options, they prefer in-ground burial at catholic cemeteries or even an entombment of the deceased person’s body. But in the past few years, things have changed swiftly and people have started getting inclined towards catholic cremations as well.

The main reason is the fact that it is a less time consuming option as well as a more affordable one too.

However, a number of things are to be kept in mind while preferring this option and they have been discussed here in this post.

Burial Items Required for a Catholic Cremation:

If you believe that burial is the best option, you will have to look for one of the most reliable catholic cemeteries in Penrith. Other than this, a number of other burial items would be required and the list starts from here.

Gravesite:

  • (The space or plot within a cemetery) or mausoleum (private or public structure interring multiple people)

Urn

  • The vessel to house the cremated remains

Vault

  • A concrete enclosure that serves to protect the urn and also provides safe footing for visitors

Opening-and-closing service

  • You will require an opening of a gravesite fir burial and then, back-filling would also be needed for the same site.
  • Then, some landscaping would be needed to restore the appearance of a gravesite.
  • Something similar would be required for interment in a mausoleum.

An interesting fact regarding this method is that it will lower the cost of cremation service significantly and you will simply have to get in touch with one of the best catholic cemeteries for this.

You may also know about:  Some Ceremonies and Rituals Related To Catholic Funerals

Some Norms for Funeral Rites with Catholic Cremation:

  • According to reputed funeral directors, the cremated remains are to be buried in a cemetery
  • The alternative to this is entombment in a mausoleum or columbarium (cf. OCF, no. 417)
  • Experts say that it is not permitted at all to scatter the cremation remains

COMMON QUESTIONS & ANSWER REGARDING CREMATION SERVICES

The popularity of cremation services can be determined by the fact that at present, more and more people are choosing this method as the method of disposing their body.

In America, it has been researched that more than 50 percent are choosing cremation services rather than funeral services and this has got several reasons behind it.

Those who are avoiding it, they are doing so because of the fact that they have some questions and confusions in their minds regarding this.

Here in this post, we have tried and cleared some confusions by answering some questions.

Will There Be Witnesses?

  • The answer is yes, but it will entirely depend upon the facility chosen by you.
  • If you have chosen a cremation viewing room, it will depend upon the guests, whether they want to witness the process or not.
  • This question might arise that why would anyone like to see a cremation and the answer is that some people some people find solace is watching the body of the loved one for the last time.
  • For some people, witnessing the cremation helps with the grieving process.

How Does a Cremation Funeral Work?

  • There are different types of cremation services in Penrith and depending upon the one chosen by you, the process would also suffer a lot.
  • The main difference is that when someone chooses to cremation, there is often a memorial service in place of a funeral.
  • A memorial service happens when the deceased loved one’s body is not present and this fact sets these two processes apart from each other.

What Does Cremation Cost?

  • This is the most common question asked by the people and the answer is that the cost would fluctuate depending on different types of cremation services in Penrith.
  • However, the point that will bring you at ease is that no matter how lavishly you spend, cremation services will always be economical than funeral services.

HOW DIFFERENT KINDS OF CHRISTIAN FUNERALS ARE CARRIED OUT?

Important events of life, the birth, the wedding and the death, all are very auspicious in all religions and cultures and people from all sects and cultures take them personally.

The same is the situation with Christians and in this post, we will discuss Christian funerals and how they differ from funeral services offered in other religions and sects, to understand this in a better manner, we have to first understand that Christian religion has two parts, i.e. the catholic and the protestants.

So in this post, we will try and understand both these groups and their traditions related to Christian funerals.

Catholic Funerals:

  • According to reputed Christian funerals service provider in Penrith, the type of event of a catholic funeral could be anything from a casual to a formal event.
  • In this event, you will observe that the mass is generally organised before burial and friends and family are welcomed and encouraged to come.
  • During this event of “Mass”, the priest will chant some hymns from their sacred books and the loved ones will light candles, and the congregation will pray together.
  • Then, its food time, where the family of the deceased arranges food for all the guests either at the home or at the funeral home.
  • In most cases, graveside services are very common and there is nothing objectionable in following along with the funeral procession from the funeral home to the graveside.
  • This is generally done to show support for the family and respect to the deceased.

Protestant Funerals:

  • Those who are not Catholics are called Protestants and this could include a number of beliefs like Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Church of God, and many others.
  • The essence of funeral services are almost the same in all of them, but one thing that differentiates them from each other is the formality of the services.
  • You will find some of them staying very strict towards the outlined rules, while some are found performing the formalities in a free manner.
  • For example – Any suit or dress appropriate for church services will be suitable funeral attire.
  • During the service, which usually lasts between 30 minutes and one hour, the minister will read scriptures and lead the congregation in prayer.

USEFUL TIPS RELATED TO THE SELECTION OF FUNERAL MUSIC

There was a time when selecting funeral music meant that you will have to look at the playlist provided by the chosen funeral home.

However, things have changed drastically and because funeral homes have started offering tailor-made services, the options in terms of funeral music have increased a lot.

Now the funeral music can of the choice of the family member or it could be the music or songs that the deceased used to hear the most.

But still, there are a number of things to keep in mind while choosing the funeral music and here are some of them.

FIVE TIPS FOR SELECTING FUNERAL MUSIC OR SONGS:

Think About The Person You Are Memorializing:

  • As said above, this happens to be easiest method of selecting funeral music or songs as in this case; you will simply have to remind yourself about the music that the deceased used to hear the most.
  • Because the time has changed, one good thing has happened is that the funeral music you select does not have to be traditional “funeral music”.
  • Alternatively, you can choose anything that you think will honour the deceased and the same is the case with funeral stationery too.

Decide What Type Of Tone You Would Like To Set

  • Choosing funeral music for a funeral event can become simple by one one more method that you simply have to listen to the songs you are considering with that in mind.
  • Depending upon the mood that you want to set during the event, you can choose the funeral music accordingly.

Consult With Family Members

  • Yes, this is another method that would simplify the entire process of choosing, not just the funeral music, but also the funeral stationery.
  • Being the family members of the deceased, they will definitely have suggestions that you wouldn’t have thought of.

Ideally, the funeral songs and music you select should:

  • Honour Your Loved One
  • Set The Tone For The Service
  • Help The Mourners Reflect On The Life Of The Person Being Memorialized
  • Offer Comfort In A Time Of Grief
  • Be Meaningful To The Deceased

Other than this, the selection process can be made simple by understanding the lyrics or the words of the funeral music chosen by you. This way, you will be able to decide as to which songs relate the most with the deceased.