There’s something about the tradition of a regular funeral service that has made it something people have used for centuries. Funerals generally have several services included, like a visitation, the actual funeral, and then a burial service in cemeteries in Colonial Beach, VA. If you have been invited to these events, here is some information about each so you can fit in and feel comfortable with what is happening.
The Visitation/Open House
Visitation services are more open house-type events. They come and go as you please and you don’t have to get there right at the start time and stay for the whole event. In fact, unless you are immediate family, you shouldn’t. Most people stay for 20-30 minutes. These events often take place the day before the funeral and sometimes, you might attend just the visitation to show your support. You also don’t have to feel like you have to approach the casket and you can dress in a more casual manner.
The Funeral
The funeral is going to be a formal, somber event and you never want to be late. You are going to wear something dark, most likely, and conservative, though it’s no longer necessary to wear black specifically. You will want to follow along with the service the family has laid out, even if you are of a different fair. Stand when they stand and sit when they sit out of respect for what they have planned. There might be a receiving line after the funeral and you should share your condolences with the family.
The Cemetery Burial
Often, after a funeral, the family will give instructions as to where you should line up to process to the cemetery for the burial portion of the service. You get in line in your car and follow each other to the cemetery. There is usually a tent on-site with a few chairs in the front for the closest family members. Everyone else stands as this final goodbye process doesn’t take all that much time.
The Reception
After the burial is complete, those who are invited will go to another location for a reception. This might be in a family home, in a restaurant, at a community center, within a local church, or any number of other places. The family generally has a meal together and is able to spend more time together catching up. This less formal time is a good place to share memories, laughter, and maybe even a few more tears.
You can take gifts to any of the above events to pass them off to the family. There will generally be a card basket to drop sympathy cards and memorial money, but you can bring flowers and other items as well. If you have questions, the professionals at cemeteries in Colonial Beach, VA can certainly answer them for you. They can also direct you to the proper outlet if you want to know things they are not privy to at this point in the process. They are here to help in any way they can.
