Saying goodbye to a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences we can go through in life. During this time, the thought of planning a funeral can feel overwhelming and daunting, particularly if we're not familiar with the terminology and options available. That's why it's essential to educate ourselves about the funeral planning process so that we can make informed decisions and ensure our loved ones receive the farewell they deserve. 

To help with this process, we've compiled a list of 20 essential funeral planning words in alphabetical order to help you navigate the process. Whether you're planning a funeral for a loved one or preparing for your own end-of-life arrangements, understanding these terms can help you make informed decisions and alleviate some of the stress that comes with this difficult time. From burial and cremation to obituaries and wakes, we'll cover the terms you need to know to make the funeral planning process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Burial: The act of placing a deceased person's body into the ground or a tomb. 

Cemetery: A place where the deceased are buried or interred. 

Casket: A box used to hold a deceased person's body during a funeral service. 

Cremation: A process in which the body is burned, reducing it to ashes. 

Cremation jewelry: Jewelry made from a small portion of the ashes or is designed to hold a small amount of ash of a loved one who has been cremated. Shop our Most Popular Cremation Necklaces

Death certificate: A legal document that lists the cause and date of a person's death. 

Embalming: A process of treating a deceased person's body with chemicals to delay decomposition and prepare it for viewing. 

Eulogy: A speech or written tribute given at a funeral or memorial service in honor of the deceased. 

Funeral: A ceremony or service held to honor and celebrate the life of someone who has passed away. 

Funeral director: A professional who arranges and coordinates funeral services. 

Funeral insurance: A type of insurance policy that helps cover the costs of a funeral. 

Funeral procession: The line of cars or people that follow the hearse from the funeral to the cemetery. 

Headstone: A marker placed at a gravesite to identify and commemorate the deceased. 

Memorial service: A service held after a funeral, which can include speeches, music, and other tributes to the deceased. 

Obituary: A written announcement of a person's death, often including biographical information and details about the funeral service. (INSERT LINK TO OUR OBITUARY BLOG)

Pallbearer: A person who helps carry the casket during a funeral. 

Pre-planning: The act of making funeral arrangements in advance, often done to ease the burden on loved ones after death. (INSERT LINK TO OUR preplaning BLOG)

Urn: A container used to hold the ashes of a cremated person. Shop our Most Popular Urns

Visitation: A time set aside for friends and family to view the deceased's body and pay their respects before the funeral or memorial service. 

Wake: A gathering held after a funeral, typically involving food and drink, where family and friends can remember the deceased and provide support to one another. 

Funeral planning is an essential part of honoring the memory of a loved one who has passed away. Preplanning can be a way to ease the burden on loved ones who are left behind. By understanding the essential funeral planning words we've listed in this blog post, you can navigate the process more confidently and make informed decisions. From choosing a casket or urn to planning the funeral ceremony and arranging for visitation and wake, there are many aspects of funeral planning to consider. However, with the help of a funeral director or by pre-planning, you can ensure that your loved one's final wishes are met and that their life is celebrated in a meaningful way. 

We hope this guide has been informative and helpful as you navigate the funeral planning process during this difficult time. Remember, taking the time to plan and prepare can help you find peace and closure as you say goodbye to your loved one.

Additional Resources

How To Preplan Your Funeral - 10 Step Guide

10 Netflix Shows On Death, Grief And The Afterlife

How To Talk To Your Kids About Death - 5 Movies That Can Help