FAQ | Peaceful Decisions

Funeral Terminology for Client Families

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Words and phrases commonly used by funeral providers

Terminology: The first contact with the funeral home:

First Call: The initial contact notifying the funeral home of a death.

Arrangement Conference: The meeting with the funeral director to discuss the service plans; the selection of services and merchandise with family.

Funeral Arrangements: The details of the service and disposition that are decided by family

Death certificate: The legal document identifying the deceased, medical information, and disposition.

Informant: The person who provides the information about the deceased for the death certificate

Obituary: A biographical written notice of a deceased person

Death notice: A newspaper announcement publicizing the death of a person

Transfer of remains/removal: The transporting of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home

Embalming: The disinfection and temporary preservation of a deceased human

Service Terminology:

Funeral Service: A ceremony held to honor the deceased, with the body present

Memorial Service: A ceremony held to honor the deceased, without the body present

Graveside Service: A ceremony held for the deceased at the burial site

Celebrant: The person who leads the funeral, memorial, graveside service

Officiant: Traditionally, the religious person who leads the service

Eulogy: A speech given to honor the deceased

Viewing: A designated time to view the deceased prior to a service

Calling Hours/visitation/visiting hours: Designated time to pay respects to the family of the deceased

Memorial Package: Book, Folders, Prayer Cards, and Acknowledgment Cards: The products created for the service, about the deceased, for the family and friends to keep as mementos.

Terms related to Disposition:

Burial/Interment: The placing of the deceased in a gravespace

Casket: A rigid rectangular container for the placement of the deceased, constructed of wood or metal, typically used for burial or entombment

Coffin: A hexagonal-shaped container for the placement of the deceased

Grave liner: An outer container to protect the casket from the weight of the earth, without the ability to be sealed

Outer burial container: An outer container to protect the casket from the weight of the earth, which is sealed

Cemetery: A designated area for the burial/interment of the deceased. Cemeteries typically have the standing tall headstone placed at each gravesite

Memorial Park: A designated area for the burial/interment of the deceased. Memorial parks have flat stone or bronze markers at each gravesite

Mausoleum: A building that contains space for the crypts

Entombment: The placing of the deceased in the mausoleum crypt.

Cremation: The process of disposing of a deceased by intense heat

Alternative container: A container designed for the placement of the deceased, used for the cremation process

Inurnment: The placing of the cremated remains in an urn, and burial of the urn

Urn: A container designed for the cremated remains, can be made of wood, stone, glass, metal, pottery, or ceramic.

Viewing the Deceased

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Depending on your experience, you may know this event as viewing, wake, visitation, or calling hours.

It is a time set aside for family and friends to respect the deceased and the deceased’s family.

Traditionally the deceased is placed in their casket for the visitation. This public “viewing” of the deceased typically happens before the funeral service. A viewing is possible for any type of service and disposition selected.

Can Peaceful Decisions by my funeral director?

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We cannot act as a funeral provider to complete the final arrangements. Neither can we create legal documents, such as death certificates, wills, powers of attorney, advance directives, nor pre-paid funeral plans.

The Peaceful Decisions team consists of many subject matter experts on end-of-life issues. Once death occurs, it may appear that the process moves at lightning speed. It is important to understand that you have the power to slow the process. You can reach out to the Peaceful Decisions team for guidance and information during your time of need. We will respond within 12 hours of your initial contact.

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I had a horrific experience with a funeral home, is there any recourse?

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You are the client and have every right to share your concerns with the funeral provider as you experience challenges. Contacting the regulating board that oversees funeral service in each state is the last resort for recourse. A handy downloadable pdf guide to available resources is provided here.

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What is the correct time frame to schedule a funeral or memorial service?

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The answer is up to you! A memorial service, without the deceased’s body present, can be held at any time and at any place. Scheduling a funeral service traditionally can fall into a set time-frame depending on where you live and your culture. Choosing a traditional funeral with the deceased ‘s body present for burial or cremation with a viewing/visitation may limit your options. To extend the date and time of service you might consider embalming.

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How do I create a unique final service?

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The first question of creating a personalized service is who was this person? Answering the question of what were their accomplishments, their hobbies, their joys can provide a foundation for a memorable tribute. Today, there are so many options to ‘personalizing’ service that it can be overwhelming when making funeral arrangements.

The Peaceful Decisions team can help you create a one of a kind final tribute for your loved one or yourself. Our clients gain a sense of relief by starting this conversation prior to the need.

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If I am unhappy with my funeral home, can I change funeral providers?

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Yes. There are times when this decision is made in haste, and when engaging the funeral home staff, there might be some dissatisfaction. If extreme, making a change to another funeral home is an option. Please note that the costs for services provided by the first funeral home must be satisfied.

The Peaceful Decisions team suggests that you begin the conversation about end-of-life planning and funeral home selection before the need arises. We are here to help guide you on your path to education, enlightenment, and empowerment.

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Do I have to purchase a casket for a direct cremation?

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You do not. However, the FTC states that a funeral provider must offer an “alternative container” for direct cremation. the “alternative container” is typically constructed with fiber-board or pressed-wood and is necessary to protect the deceased’s body in the handling and transport to the crematory. It is not decorative.

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I have paid for my funeral in advance, can the plans be changed?

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Depending on the state regulations; a pre-paid funeral contract may be altered by the legal next of kin. In many cases, a family is able to change the type of service and merchandise at the time of death. The monies paid can be applied to the new arrangements.

Connect with a Peaceful Decisions Advisor for an Advance Planning contract review.

I am not a religious person; do I need to have clergy at my service?

Posted in FAQ.

The decision to have a religious or non-religious officiant is based on the traditions, culture, and comfort level of the surviving family and friends. If you or your family do not feel the “pull” to have a religious service, utilizing a Celebrant may be the best answer for you. The Celebrant will interview family and friends and create a eulogy and service that is befitting of the deceased.

The Peaceful Decisions advisors are available for guidance on choosing a Celebrant.

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