What to Expect During a Funeral?

Funerals are somber affairs attended by people who are in a great deal of pain. As a guest, you don’t want to offend grieving family members or cause any sort of disturbance. This desire to be considerate can make people anxious about attending a funeral service. At Darte Funeral Home, we believe the points mentioned below can help feel more at ease:

Seating Arrangements

Close friends and family members sit at the front. Guests should only sit there if they are invited by the family to do so. Funeral directors will guide you towards your assigned seat when you enter. If you are late, find a seat at the back and make sure you’re not disrupting the service in any way.

Viewing the Body

Funerals can be an open casket, closed casket, or restricted. If it is an open casket, you can view the body and say your goodbyes. Closed caskets are often used if the deceased has died violently in an accident or assault. No one is allowed to view the body if that's the case. Some families choose restricted viewing and only allow a few people to see the body. The funeral director will provide instructions on the matter.

Service at the Burial Site

A large part of the funeral service happens in the funeral home.  Once that is done, the body is transported to the burial site and there’s a short graveside service as well. This service is usually private and only involves close friends and relatives.

Reception

Families hold a small reception with drinks and refreshments at their place of residence or a dedicated venue. These receptions are invitation-only and you should only attend if a family member requests your presence.

If you want to know more about funeral services or need to book one, reach out to us at Darte Funeral Home. You can call 905-937-4444 or use our contact form.