Traditional funerals used to be the dominant services offered by funeral homes in Bronx, NY, but life celebrations have been growing in popularity for the last few decades. Part of the reason why life celebrations have become so popular is personalization. But both these types of funerals have their pros and cons.

Traditional Funerals Include All Services Involved In Funeral Arrangement

Traditional funerals include visitations, viewing or wakes, formal funeral service, and burial services. They always include religious rituals, and sermons and involve going either to a church or a temple. A hearse is often used to transport the body to different venues such as the church, cemetery, tomb, or to cremation facilities. The family of the deceased pay for services such as embalmment, dressing, and washing of the body, and also for the venue where the services are held. They also need to buy a casket for burial or for viewing if they are choosing cremation.

Celebration Of Life Is An Alternative To A Traditional Funeral

So many of the aspects everyone associates with traditional funerals are missing in a celebration of life. There is mourning during a celebration of life ceremony but their also joy, music, and food. A celebration of life is all about celebrating the life of the deceased rather than focusing only on death. Family and friends gather and share great memories they have about a relative that has just passed. Even the venues where they gather to memorialize their loved one is often personalized. A celebration of life is held after the body has been cremated or embalmed and buried.

Traditional Funerals Have A Foundation On Culture And Religious Identity

In cultures where religion or spirituality is the pillar that holds the community together, a traditional funeral is preferable. This is because there is a strong belief in the afterlife and the importance of praying for the deceased. Religion or spirituality in this context helps the families grieve, believing they will see their deceased relative one day. Other people prefer the traditional option because it looks more formal and predictable. A celebration of life can be a little chaotic, especially for people who are used to traditional funerals.

Celebrations Of Life Feel More Inclusive

Since celebrations of life are not bound by culture or religion, they can take any form you please. Every family member can offer ideas about how to celebrate the deceased's life and the ideas can be implemented in full or partly. It makes everyone who loved the deceased feel they contributed in some way to the final sendoff of their loved one. Depending on the circumstances, a life celebration may actually be cheaper than a traditional funeral that involves a visitation, viewing, memorial service, and other practices.

We offer cremation services in Bronx, NY to people who prefer either a traditional ceremony or people who would rather have a celebration of life. Let us help you arrange a funeral that honors the life of your loved one.