Understanding the Process: Guide to Traditional Burials

Traditional Burials and Funeral Homes in Wernersville, PA

When dealing with the loss of a loved one, it is comforting to understand the process that lies ahead. This is particularly true for traditional burials, which remain the choice for many. This guide aims to break down the process managed by funeral homes in Wernersville, PA and provide you with the knowledge to navigate this challenging time.

The Role of Funeral Homes

A funeral home’s role is to provide support and manage logistics during a bereavement. They arrange transportation of the body, prepare legal documents, and provide services for the visitation, funeral, and burial. These professionals are also available to help in choosing a casket, a burial plot, and other necessary decisions.

Understanding Traditional Burials

Traditional burials involve a series of rituals, including a visitation (or wake), a funeral service, and a graveside service. The body is usually embalmed, dressed, and placed in a casket for viewing. Traditional burials allow for a physical place of rest, enabling families to visit and remember their loved ones.

Preparation of the Body

The preparation process varies based on cultural, religious, or personal preferences. Typically, it includes embalming to preserve the body, dressing the deceased in chosen attire, and applying makeup for a more life-like appearance during the viewing.

The Visitation (Wake)

The visitation, or wake, is a time for friends and family to gather and pay their respects to the deceased. It usually takes place a day or two before the funeral service and can be either public or private.

The Funeral Service

The funeral service is often held in a church, a funeral home, or at the graveside. It may involve readings, music, eulogies, or prayers, depending on the preferences and beliefs of the deceased and their family. The casket may be open or closed during this time.

The Graveside Service and Burial

Following the funeral service, a procession leads to the cemetery for the graveside service. This service includes final rites, after which the casket is lowered into the grave. The grave is then filled, and a headstone or grave marker is placed.

Aftercare Services

Once the burial is complete, many people assume that the role of the funeral home ends, but that is not necessarily the case. Many funeral homes in Wernersville, PA, including Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc., provide aftercare services to help grieving families navigate life after the funeral. This could include assistance with legal paperwork, counseling referrals, and advice on handling the personal effects of the deceased.

Commemorating the Deceased

Even after the funeral and burial, there are ways to honor the memory of your loved one. Many families choose to celebrate their loved one’s life annually on their death anniversary, while others might plant a tree or create a memorial plaque in their memory. Such rituals can be an essential part of the healing process, allowing families to remember their loved ones and feel close to them even after they’ve gone.

Personalized Burial Service

Personalizing a burial service can make the farewell more meaningful and reflective of the deceased’s life. This is achieved through curated playlists, unique transportation options like horse-drawn carriages, customized caskets, and bespoke ceremonies that highlight the deceased’s passions and achievements.

Navigating Traditional Burials with Funeral Homes in Wernersville, PA

Understanding the process of traditional burials can provide a sense of comfort and readiness during a difficult time. The support and guidance of a trusted funeral home are invaluable in this process. For the residents of Wernersville, PA, the dedicated team at Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. is here to provide compassionate and professional service, ensuring a dignified farewell for your loved one.

Are you looking for assistance in planning a traditional burial? Bean Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. is here to guide you every step of the way. Please call us at (610) 376-1129. We’re here to support you, offering the experience, compassion, and understanding you need during this difficult time.