Choosing the Right Funeral Service: Traditional vs. Alternative Options

In recent times, there has been a change in the pattern of funeral service as alternative funerals have replaced the traditional kind. While others are still attracted to natural burial, others are still choosing modern themes that allow them to create meaningful tributes to their lost ones. Both funeral types are increasingly popular, but what are the major differences that separate them from one another? 

A traditional funeral generally features visitation to the bereaved family, which is shortly followed by a funeral service with the body present and, finally, a burial to lower the body into the ground. If the deceased is a religious person, a religious elder officiates the service and burial.

Visitation hours are usually held before or on the funeral day to allow family and friends to support each other. During the funeral service, some additional elements like eulogies and music are incorporated to reflect the deceased hobbies and past events. The body is transported to the cemetery after the funeral service for burial and the casket may be placed in the ground or in a columbarium. Shortly after, the family and friends can have a moment with their lost one before leaving. Many people have a reception after the burial to dine and sympathize with the deceased family.

An alternative funeral service is quite different from the traditional kind. Lately, there are many ways to handle funerals, and they include the following:

Most Christians believe in embalming a body after death, but other religions may not feel the same way. Muslims and orthodox Jewish faiths consider embalming as damaging the body, and they would rather not preserve the body before services. It is understandable to want to leave the body natural and as is, but there are reasons why embalming can be beneficial when it comes to holding services and viewing the body.

Home Funerals are cost-effective ways to send your loved ones to the afterlife. There is no need to hire a funeral director or director or even buy a casket, plus it allows you to make close memories. You can have as many people as you like and tailor the event to your preference. Before embarking on a home funeral, it's essential to check k with the local laws on restrictions on how you can handle the deceased body. 

Sea burials do not sound as fancy as you think. They are merely traditional funerals held at the sea. It is yet another environmentally friendly way to have a funeral. In some cases, the body is placed into a weighted casket and pushed into the sea. It is particularly done for people who loved the sea when they were alive. Likewise, it is important to check with the state laws to see if this is permissible.

Also called green funerals, natural funerals are rapidly becoming a popular choice among people. A natural burial is where the deceased is buried in the woodlands with a naturally-made coffin. The demand for this kind of burial is due to its environmentally friendly nature.

Are you looking to give your lost loved one a final moment before passing to the afterlife? Our team is here to help.. Hamel-Lydon Chapel & Cremation Services of MA is a funeral service provider that specializes in both traditional and alternative funeral services. Reach out to us today.