A traditional funeral is the service most commonly associated with the funeral process. It comprises embalming, dressing and casketing the deceased so a public visitation may be held, usually from two p.m. to four p.m. and seven p.m. to nine p.m. the day before the funeral service. The funeral service may take place at either the funeral home or in a church, and the family may decide to have a prayer service at the cemetery as well. Funeral services are usually officiated by a clergy member from a church.

Immediate disposition entails the disposition of the deceased without viewing and public visitation. This can be done either through immediate burial or direct cremation. Immediate burial is basically a funeral service with no embalming so therefore no visitation, it is a funeral service with in-ground burial.

Direct cremation is a service option where there is no visitation or funeral service. The funeral home removes the deceased from their place of death and after arrangements are made and the proper authorizations signed, the deceased is taken to the crematory. A memorial service may be held at the convenience of the family. The deceased’s cremated remains may then be buried, scattered or kept by the family.

The third option for services is to have embalming, visitation and funeral service followed by cremation instead of in ground burial. This has the financial advantage of not having to purchase a vault, and the ability to use a less expensive rental or cremation casket. This allows the family to obtain the benefits of the visitation and funeral process, while still choosing cremation as final disposition.