If you haven’t organized final services for a loved one before, you might not know what kind of terms you will hear from funeral homes in DeLand, FL. Since you are already grieving, it can be hard to understand everything going on around you. It’s best to understand some of the simple terms before you approach a funeral home so you are ready. Of course, understand that any funeral home should treat you with compassion and respect at all times. If there’s something you don’t understand, just ask. In the meantime, here are some of the terms that might come up.
Funeral Or Memorial Services
People use the word “funeral” associated with many different types of services, but a funeral usually refers to a service where the deceased person’s body is present in a casket. A memorial, on the other hand, is very open-ended and can be held anywhere. Memorials can be large and traditional or can be more of a cremation service with a scattering of the ashes.
Interment And Inurnment
These two words are often used interchangeably since they seem so similar, but they are two separate terms that mean different things. Interment is the burial of a body while inurnment is the burial of cremains. Urns can be buried just like a casket can. When you are using these terms, take care not to mention internment instead of interment as that means the imprisonment of large groups of people. The two words are very close but mean very different things.
Wake, Viewing, And Visitation 
All of these terms refer to people greeting and visiting with family and friends before the service, but they mean slightly different things as well. A wake is the most traditional term but isn’t used that often today. The family would often gather and hold a vigil around their loved one’s body, and friends could visit and pay their respects. A viewing is similar, but not something we hear very often. People might hold a viewing to indicate the casket would be open. Visitation is the most common term and can take place the day before or hours before the funeral service. The casket can be opened or closed.
These are just a few of the terms you might run into when planning final services with a funeral home in Sanford, FL. Keep in mind that funeral professionals will treat you with compassion and respect at all times and they do their best to honor your loved one in the way you see fit. If you have any questions at all, no matter how basic, even regarding terms—just ask. Those at Baldauff Family Funeral Home and Crematory understand you are going through a tough time and we want to make it as easy as possible for you by helping you get through the planning with all the information you need. We’re located at 1233 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763 and you can ask questions when you call (386) 775-2101. You can even start the planning process online by looking over our website at https://www.baldaufffuneralhome.com/.
