Funerary Terms You May Hear

There are lots of different terms that you may come across as you start putting funerary arrangements together for a loved one who has passed away. You do not want to worry about not understanding what the different terms mean, since that can make it more complicated to know which options to choose for the person. To help with this, there are some things that directors of funeral homes in Loudonville, NY want you to keep in mind.

There are terms related to preplanning that you may hear if your loved one left things prepared. It can help to know what these terms mean so that you know what to expect. You may hear about burial insurance, which is an insurance that the person got to pay for the costs of a burial. You can also hear about irrevocable trusts, which are arrangements your loved one made which could not be changed once they were set, while revocable trusts can be changed. By knowing what these terms mean, you will know if there is anything that you have to arrange and pay for of if everything is in order.

There are also words that deal with urns and caskets that you will want to know about. A catafalque, for example, is the stand on which the casket is placed during the service. You may also hear about columbarium niches. These are places in which an urn can be placed so that you can visit them at the cemetery. Innument is another term related to cremation, which means the actual placing of the cremated remains in the urn. Having an idea of what the terms mean can be crucial when making arrangements.

If you are starting to plan the kind of service you want to give your loved one, there are some terms that you may hear. A visitation is a service that is mainly for the family of the deceased, where people can go up and greet the person and give them their condolences. A viewing is a service where the casket is present, allowing guests to go up to it and say their goodbyes. There is also a celebration of life, which more people are opting for. A celebration of life allows you to honor the life of the person without only focusing on their passing. It can be more like a party than a regular service.

By keeping all of these terms in mind, you will be able to get the kind of options you need for your loved one. Read up on the different services that are available and always ask questions if you have any doubts or concerns. To make sure that you get the services you want for your loved one, you can turn to a Loudonville, NY funeral home like us at McVeigh Funeral Home, Inc. We are ready to answer any questions you may have. Stop by our location or give us a call right now to speak with one of our experts about any of this.