Funerals can be a difficult topic to talk about. Still, it’s important to know the difference between wake and funeral services. While both wake and funeral services are ways to remember and pay tribute to an individual who has died, each service serves a different purpose and is a unique way to pay tribute to the deceased and their family. Planning which kind of service best suits your loved one and the wishes of their family is a vital part of the grief process.
Furthermore, understanding the two can help you plan the memorial for your loved one and will ensure that their final farewell is as meaningful as possible.
Funeral
Funeral services are a ceremony to honor the deceased and celebrate the life they lived. This can be either a religious service or a secular service. During a funeral, a eulogy and readings from sacred texts and prayers are usually given. A memorial service is also a part of a funeral and is a way for mourners to give thanks for the deceased’s life.
A funeral is a more structured and official eventusually led by a clergy or important community figure. It may also include singing, readings, and religious rituals. When planning a funeral for a deceased loved one, you should consult a funeral director for details. Typically, funerals take place at a church or cemetery. They are more formal and require conservative clothing.
The first thing you should do is decide what type of memorial service you want. There are several types to choose from – froma traditional funeral to a celebration of life. You should select a service that is both fitting to the deceased and the deceased’s family. If you plan to hold a wake, you should decide if you are going to have an open or closed casket.
A funeral can be a very emotional event. You will have to prepare for emotional reactions from relatives and friends. You should also consider the type of religion or culture your family follows. Some people find comfort in a religious ceremony.
Wake
A wake is a type of gathering of family and friends before the funeral. The purpose is to remember and celebrate the life of the deceased. It is often held the night before or at least the day of a funeral, but can also be held in other circumstances. During a wake, people pray, share memories, play music, and take part in other forms of remembrance. At a wake, the deceased’s body may be present.
It can be organized in a funeral home, church, or family residence. Typically, it is held before the funeral and includes the deceased’s body. It may also include an urn with ashes. The casket may be open or closed, and visitors can have a good look at the deceased. Some families choose to keep children away from the wake, while other parents encourage children to attend.
The most important difference between a wake and a funeral is the number of people attending. A wake is generally a more informal, come-and-go affair, while a funeral will be more formal and run longer. You can usually expect to see more of your family at a wake. You should double-check with the family and your funeral director if you are not invited.
The best part about a wake is that it is typically open to the public. This makes it a great way to gather close friends and family around the deceased. The wake is an excellent way to commemorate the deceased’s life and to offer support to the surviving members of the family. It is also a chance to share stories about the deceased. It is also a good idea to wear a dress or suit that reflects the importance of the deceased to you.
Learn more about the difference of wake and funeral services as you check out Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary. Browse through their website at sunsethill.cc to learn more about their offered services and grief and healing programs.
