After the passing of a loved one, you’ll likely want to do everything possible to create the most unique and memorable funeral service possible. However, if you’ve never had to plan one of these events before, you might not be sure how the day should be organized. While there’s certainly room to be creative and personalize the service, typically, there’s a basic order of events that most funerals follow. Understanding this timeline will help you organize a seamless and beautiful memorial that honors the memory of the departed.

A Basic Breakdown of What Occurs During Funeral Services

1. Introduction

Most funeral services are led by officiants or members of the clergy. As guests enter, they’ll be given programs to follow along with the schedule of readings and memorial speeches. Once everyone is seated, the leading party will provide an introduction to welcome the guests and share a bit of information about the deceased.

2. Readings

Following the introduction, friends and loved ones of the deceased will go up to the podium one at a time. If it is a religious service, they may read psalms and scripture excerpts. If the funeral is non-denominational, they might opt to share meaningful quotes and stories about the departed.  

3. Music

For religious ceremonies, there may be songs of hymns that are sung or played. These usually occur between readings for the duration of the service.

4. Closing

After all appropriate parties have spoken and shared their readings, the officiant or clergy member will bring the service to a close. This will usually include a final address that offers words of comfort, as well as reminders and details about the burial to follow.

5. Casket Transport

At this point, the deceased’s casket will be carried outside to the awaiting hearse. It may be brought out by either the funeral home staff or six assigned casket bearers, who are usually close friends and immediate family members of the deceased.  

6. Procession

Guests will then drive separately to the cemetery, following the hearse. Upon arrival, the casket will be brought to the grave site, where the deceased will be laid to rest.

If you need assistance putting together a touching and memorable funeral service, the team at Neely-Turowski Funeral Homes is here to help. With two locations in Livonia and one in Canton, MI, and more than 95 years of experience, they are dedicated to providing meaningful and compassionate support and expertise to families in need. Give them a call today at (734) 525-9020 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about what they do.