Gatherings

When it comes to bringing family and friends together the options are many.

Visitation/viewings
Visitations are often held before a funeral service or gravesite ceremony in order to allow loved ones to gather, and the community to pay its respect to the family. These can be as formal, or informal as you wish.

Funeral service
Funeral services can be held at a church, funeral home chapel, or any other appropriate setting. In any case, funeral directors and clergy are often very accustomed to working together. Many families choose to customize the service in order to reflect the personality of the person being honored. Things like special readings, music selections and pictures or videos can be especially meaningful touches.

Graveside service
Depending on the cemetery and time of year, services may also be held directly at the gravesite. Much like preburial, this service can be customized in various ways. Whether you involve clergy or choose to have friends or family members deliver some thoughtful words, the decision is yours to make. Do, however, check with the cemetery first as fees and requirements can vary from location to location.

Memorial service
Some prefer to hold a memorial service after the burial. This too can be held in a number of locations and can be as custom as you like. Many choose to display portraits of their loved one in place of a casket.