Understanding the Different Types of Funeral Services in Calgary

Planning a funeral for a loved one is a deeply personal and often emotional experience. With so many decisions to make, understanding the various types of funeral services available can help you choose the one that best honors your loved one’s wishes and legacy. At Prairie Rose Cremation & Funeral Services, serving Calgary, Airdrie, Didsbury, and Red Deer, we are here to guide you through this process with compassion and sensitivity. Below, we outline the different types of funeral services to help you make an informed choice that reflects your loved one’s life and beliefs.

1. Traditional Funeral Service

A traditional funeral service is one of the most common types of funerals and typically follows a set structure. It usually includes a viewing or visitation, a formal funeral ceremony, and a graveside or burial service. This type of service allows family and friends to gather, pay their respects, and support each other during a time of loss.

The traditional funeral often takes place at a funeral home, a place of worship, or even a family home. A viewing or visitation gives family members and friends the opportunity to say their goodbyes, while the formal ceremony usually features eulogies, readings, and music. The graveside service, which follows the ceremony, is often more intimate and includes final prayers or words before the burial.

Why Choose a Traditional Funeral Service? A traditional funeral service offers a structured and familiar way for family members and friends to grieve together. For many families, this type of service provides comfort in its formal structure, giving space for collective mourning while honoring cultural or religious traditions.

2. Memorial Service

Unlike a traditional funeral, a memorial service is typically held after the burial or cremation has taken place. It serves as a time to remember and celebrate the life of the deceased. Memorial services are more flexible than traditional funerals, as they can be held at a wide variety of locations such as a family home, a park, or a place of worship.

One of the key benefits of a memorial service is that it allows families to take more time to plan and prepare, as there is no immediate need to hold the service before burial or cremation. These services can be highly personalized, with the focus on celebrating the deceased’s life through stories, music, and tributes.

Why Choose a Memorial Service? A memorial service is ideal for families who prefer to focus on celebrating the life of their loved one rather than the mourning process. The added flexibility in timing and location allows more room for personalization, making it easier to create a service that reflects the individual’s unique legacy.

3. Graveside Service

A graveside service, sometimes referred to as a committal service, takes place at the cemetery, either immediately following the funeral or as a standalone event. This service is typically shorter than a traditional funeral and focuses on the burial or entombment of the deceased.

Graveside services can be intimate and often include close family and friends. Prayers, readings, and words of comfort are typically offered by clergy or a designated speaker, providing a final opportunity for reflection before the burial.

Why Choose a Graveside Service? Graveside services offer a simpler, more intimate way to say goodbye. This option may appeal to families who prefer a shorter, more private service with fewer formalities than a traditional funeral.

4. Cremation Service

Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular option for families. A cremation service can be paired with either a traditional funeral, a memorial service, or a graveside service, depending on the family’s wishes. In some cases, families choose to hold a brief service at the crematorium before or after the cremation process.

After the cremation, the cremated remains may be kept in an urn, buried in a cemetery, or scattered in a meaningful location. This allows for greater flexibility in how the family wishes to memorialize their loved one. Cremation services can also incorporate religious or cultural rituals, providing a respectful way to honor the deceased’s beliefs.

Why Choose a Cremation Service? Cremation services offer flexibility in how the family chooses to remember their loved one. It can be paired with any type of service or conducted on its own, allowing for greater personalization. Cremation is also often a more affordable option compared to traditional burials.

5. Celebration of Life

A celebration of life is a more modern approach to funerals, focusing on joyfully remembering the deceased rather than mourning their passing. These services tend to be less formal and can be held in a variety of locations, from family homes to outdoor venues, depending on the individual’s personality and preferences.

Celebrations of life typically include stories, music, and tributes that highlight the positive impact the individual had on their loved ones. The tone of these services is generally uplifting, providing a supportive environment for family and friends to reflect on the good times shared with the deceased.

Why Choose a Celebration of Life? For families who want to focus on the positive aspects of their loved one’s life, a celebration of life is an ideal choice. It allows for creativity and personalization, offering a more relaxed and joyful way to remember the deceased.

Choosing the right type of funeral service is an important part of honoring your loved one’s life. Whether you prefer the structure of a traditional funeral, the flexibility of a memorial service, or the uplifting nature of a celebration of life, there are many options to consider. At Prairie Rose Cremation & Funeral Services, we are here to guide you through these choices with empathy and care. Our goal is to help you create a meaningful service that reflects the legacy of your loved one and provides comfort to those who grieve - don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions.