Choosing What Fits You Best: A Guide to Different Types of Funerals
Why Understanding Funeral Options Matters
Planning a funeral is one of the hardest things we’ll ever face. Whether you’re making arrangements for yourself or someone you love, the process can feel overwhelming and heavy. There are so many decisions, and often very little time to make them. One of the most important questions is: what type of funeral feels right?
The truth is, funerals are not one-size-fits-all. The type of service you choose can honor your values, reflect your personality, and give your loved ones a meaningful way to grieve and remember. Knowing the options ahead of time — and putting your wishes in writing — can ease the burden on your family when they need comfort most.
This guide breaks down the most common and trending types of funerals, explains what makes each unique, and helps you decide what’s right for you.
1. Traditional Funeral Services
A Traditional Funeral Service is usually held in a funeral home, church, or chapel. This type of funeral typically includes a viewing or visitation, funeral ceremony, and burial. This provides a familiar, structured way for family and friends to gather. This is the most common choice in the U.S. People typically select this type of funeral due to their preference for tradition, religious or cultural significance, and for its clear structure.
2. Graveside or Committal Service
A Graveside or Committal Service is a ceremony held at the burial site. This can follow a traditional service or stand alone. It’s often shorter and more intimate. People typically choose this type of service due to its simplicity, and its focus on the final resting place.
3. Cremation Services
In this type of service, the Body is cremated, and is either with or without a preceding funeral service. Ashes can be kept in an urn, scattered, or buried. This can be combined with memorial service(s). People choose this due to their specific preferences. It is typically a lower cost and offers flexibility for the memorial timing. It also offers a variety of ways to honor the final remains.
4. Memorial Services
A Memorial Service is held after burial or cremation, often days, weeks, or months later. This type of service offers flexibility when it comes to the location — from funeral homes to parks or private homes. In this type of funeral, the focus is on remembering the person rather than viewing the body. People choose this option due to their personal preferences and/or because it offers more time to plan, and provides flexibility and opportunity for personalization.
5. Celebration of Life
This type of funeral focuses on joyfully honoring the person’s life. It may include elements like storytelling, music, photos, or unique tributes. This is typically less formal and often non-religious. It emphasizes positivity, personal touches, and offers comfort for families who prefer something uplifting.
6. Direct Burial or Direct Cremation
A Direct Burial or Direct Cremation does not involve a formal service, viewing, or visitation. The body is buried or cremated shortly after death. Families may hold a private memorial later. People generally choose this option due its lower cost, minimal arrangements, and simplicity.
7. Green or Eco-Friendly Funerals
A Green or Eco-Friendly Funeral involves using biodegradable caskets or shrouds. This process does not involve using embalming chemicals. This may take place in a natural burial ground. People use this option for environmental values, simplicity,and a preference for a natural return to the earth.
8. Home Funerals
In a Home Funeral, the family cares for the body at home with guidance from a funeral director (laws vary by state). In this Funeral Type, the ceremonies take place in the home. This option is usually selected due to a preference of intimacy, personal involvement, as well as cost savings.
9. Military Funerals
Military Funerals honor veterans with traditions such as flag presentation, gun salute, or Taps. This is often coordinated through the VA or military service branch. This option is selected to honor and recognize service and sacrifice.
If you or a loved one wishes to have a Military funeral, here are two helpful Veteran resources:
10. Non-Traditional and Personalized Funerals
Non-Traditional and Personalized Funerals may include themed services, unique locations, or other personalized and/or creative elements. Examples include: ash scattering at sea, motorcycle processions, and tree-planting ceremonies. People usually select this funeral type due to the ability to customize this to their specific wishes, allowing them to reflect their personal passions and values in a unique way.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
When determining which funeral type is best for you or a loved one, it’s best to start by considering your religious, cultural, environmental, and/or personal values and wishes. Another major consideration is your budget. It’s also usually a good idea to talk with your family about what would bring them comfort and as well as discuss your personal wishes.
Remember: A Funeral Is About Love, Not Just Logistics
Choosing a type of funeral isn’t just about making arrangements. It’s about creating space for remembrance, reflection, and healing. Planning ahead means your family won’t have to guess what you would have wanted — and that gift is priceless, especially in the midst of grief.
Start today by determining which funeral type is best for you or your loved one and getting organized. Document your final wishes in writing in an organizational tool like our Funeral Planning Questionnaire and funeral planning binder. We also have a 4-part bundle that covers every aspect of end-of-life planning. Whether it’s traditional or unique, simple or elaborate, your funeral plan is part of your legacy.
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