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What is a Funeral?

Here are some elements that are typically included in a traditional funeral service:

Visitation

This is a period of time in which guests come to pay their respects to both the deceased and the grieving family members.  Traditionally, visitors would come to view the person's casketed body and pay their respects to the family, but sometimes rather than having a body present for the visitation, the family chooses to have photographs, videos and other personal mementos on display for visitors to remember their loved one by and celebrate the person's life.  A visitation can occur at any time before the funeral service.



This event commonly takes place at a funeral home or church, and is usually a more formal ceremony that is led by a clergy or a celebrant.  It often includes music, the reading of literary or religious passages, perhaps a eulogy, prayers, and perhaps the singing of hymns.


With decades of experience in funeral service, we are familiar with all faiths, cultures and traditions. Let us assist you in designing a meaningful, healing experience for all of your family and friends.

Funeral Service or Funeral Mass

Committal Service

A committal service is a brief ritual, often involving prayer. A committal service takes place at the graveside following a funeral, or in the case of cremation, takes place prior to the person being cremated. If burial will be taking place, this stage involves the procession to the cemetery and a brief service at the graveside before the burial takes place. Technically-speaking, it is a service committing the body to the grave, and is the final ceremony of the funeral.  The committal service marks the moment when the loved ones of the deceased pay their final respects prior to the person being buried or cremated.

Reception

A reception is a gathering after the service, and provides family and friends with an informal time to share stories, memories, laughter, and support often over a meal or refreshments.


During this difficult time, convenience is key. Families appreciate that everything can be taken care of in one location at Smith’s.  We proudly offer elegant and comfortable reception facilities and professional catering services, including beer and wine.  Let us host your guests and look after everything so you don't have to think about anything other than sharing memories and feeling supported among family and friends.


If you are interested in learning more about funeral service options, or have questions about making arrangements for a loved one, we invite you to call us and we will guide you through the steps involved.


Our role is not only to walk your family through the funeral process, but to help you make choices along the way to create a meaningful funeral and begin the healing process. If you haven’t planned a funeral before, we are here to educate you about all of the parts and pieces of the funeral.  Our goal is to help you plan something meaningful and memorable to you – whatever that may be.

Funerals may be about the person who died, but they are for the living. A good funeral puts you on the path to good grief and healthy mourning.
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