This service is what you would typically think of when it comes to a funeral home near College Park, MD. This would generally include a visitation, followed by some type of service, and then a burial. Depending on whether you choose to have an open or closed casket, the first part of the funeral would consist of either visitation or viewing. This gives friends and family a chance to give their respects and say their last goodbyes, as well as visit with the surviving family and give their condolences, reminisce, and visit. This is sometimes called a wake, as well.

The funeral service following the viewing can appear in many different ways. It can be held at the funeral home or at a church of the family’s choosing. The casket is often present, whether open or closed. If the casket is not present, such as if you chose cremation, it’s typically called a “memorial service” instead. There is typically either a family member or member of the clergy who will speak and eulogize, and often people allow for family and friends to come to speak and tell stories as well. After the service is over, the casket will be taken to the burial site in procession. Here, the ground is sanctified in a “committal service”, and people who wish to witness the lowering of the casket may do so. Kind words and last remarks may be spoken at this time as well. Commonly, after this is over, family and friends will gather to eat and further visit and reminisce in memory of their loved ones.

Cremation Services

If your loved one preferred to be cremated rather than a traditional burial, many funeral homes can help you with this as well. Cremation is a preferred option for many people because of the lower cost, lower environmental impact, and the freedom it allows for planning memorial services. There are also many meaningful ways you can store and display cremains, from traditional urns to jewelry and more. Many people wish for their ashes to be spread in places that they loved in life. Oftentimes, even though no casket will be present, the family will still choose to hold a memorial service. This can take place at the funeral home and may be similar to a funeral in many ways. You may even choose to hold a visitation or view prior to cremation, so that family and friends can say their last goodbyes. Most funeral homes have a reputable crematory that they trust, and you can be confident that your loved one will be treated with respect and dignity.

These are just a couple of the services offered at a funeral home like Donald V. Borgwardt Funeral Home, P.A. home. We can guide you through the process and make sure that everything is done according to the wishes of your loved one, as well as ensure that it works for your family. Our funeral home near College Park, MD, has been helping families memorialize their loved ones for many years, and we will make sure your experience is as worry-free as possible. That way you can focus on family and grieving during this difficult time. Please give us a call if you need help with funeral services in the future.