Funeral, memorial service, committal, wake, visitation, calling hours - what does
it all mean? Funeral terminology can be really confusing to anyone who hasn’t had
to arrange a funeral before.
You will find a list of commonly-used terminology below.
Please give us a call today if you have any further questions. We are here to help.
Words are in alphabetical order by title. Click on a word to read the definition.
A medical examination of the body of the deceased by a pathologist to determine the cause of death.
A legal document issued by a government office which allows for the burial of the deceased.
A structure, room or space that includes niches, which are recesses used for the permanent placement of cremated remains.
The part of the service that occurs at the place of final disposition. If burial is chosen, the committal is held at the cemetery. If cremation is chosen, the committal may be at the funeral home or place of the family's choosing.
A heating process which incinerates the remains.
The name for the chamber of a mausoleum in which the casket is placed.
A legal document containing vital statistic information about the life and death of the deceased.
A speech given at a funeral or memorial service about the life of the deceased.
A ceremony which honors the life of the deceased. The body of the deceased is present in a casket.
The process of designing the funeral or memorial service and providing information for the necessary paperwork after a death occurs.
Also known as a service folder or memorial folder, this provides information about the deceased and the funeral service. It is handed out to guests at the service.
A document published by our funeral home which lists the retail prices of goods and services.
A payment given as a token of appreciation by the family to the minister or officiant of a funeral or memorial service.
Also known as an honorary casket bearer, these are friends or members of an organization or group who act as an escort or honor guard for the deceased. They do not carry the casket.
The act of placing the body of the deceased in the ground; burial.
The act of placing cremated remains into an urn.
A building or structure found at a cemetery which contains several crypts or vaults in which caskets are permanently placed.
Also known as a service folder or funeral program, this provides information about the deceased and the funeral service. It is handed out to guests at the service.
A service to honor the life of the deceased at which the body is not present. (Cremated remains may be present in a cremation urn.)
An adjustment process which expresses grief or sorrow and reorganizes life after a loss.
A recess inside a columbarium used for the permanent placement of cremated remains.
A published notice, usually in the newspaper or online, that gives a biographical sketch of the deceased. The obituary also provides information about the funeral or memorial service and the visitation.
An arrangement made by the cemetery whereby funds are set aside from each purchase. The income from these funds is used to care for and maintain the cemetery plot indefinitely.
The music played at the close of the service.
A funeral in which arrangements were completed before the time of need, whether by the deceased themself or a representative.
The music played prior to a service.
The movement of the funeral from one location to another, such as from the funeral home to the cemetery.
A keepsake book signed by guests who attend the visitation or service.
As in "lie in state"; a time when the deceased is placed on public view so that family and guests can pay tribute to and honor the lost loved one.
One who lives longer than another person. Surviving family members are often listed in the obituary.
A container which holds cremated remains. Urns come in many different styles and material types.
Also known as calling hours, this is a time prior to the service for family and friends to gather at the funeral home or the family's residence to pay their respects.
A woman who has lost a spouse through death.
A man who has lost a spouse through death.
Here are some of our best suggestions for writing and sending meaningful sympathy cards.
How to express your sympathy when you can't make it to the funeral
A funeral and memorial service both serve the same purpose – to honor and celebrate the life of your loved one with friends and family.
