A Traditional Funeral Service generally means that there is a period for mourning following a death in the family, there will be arrangements for public viewing of the deceased and a public funeral service at either a Church or Funeral Home. Burial or entombment usually follows at a local cemetery. Cremation may be an option to burial and is considered by some to be a traditional part of general funeral services.

While the Traditional Funeral Service as described above is based on historic area practices and public sensitivity, these services can be modified or adjusted to meet special needs or to stay within a predefined financial limit.

Three types of Traditional Services:

1. Traditional Service with the Visitation on one day, and the Funeral Service is held either at Church or the Funeral Home on the following day. Friends and Family usually go in procession to the cemetery for burial following the service.
   
2. One Day Traditional Service with a period for Visitation prior to the Funeral Service and burial. All rites and services are concluded in one day although the deceased may be moved from the Funeral Home to a Church for the Funeral Ceremony, and then a procession to the cemetery for the burial.
   
3. A Graveside Service is a form of traditional service but adapted in that all services are held entirely at the cemetery or mausoleum. The casket is not usually open for a public viewing, but arrangements can be made to do so. Family and friends meet at the cemetery at a predetermined time, and there is no funeral procession

One alternative to the traditional service is Direct Burial. Direct Burial and Direct Cremation provide no visitation or funeral service. This option is available and is designed to meet the needs of some families.

Costs vary somewhat from region to region and according to the type of services that are used. Funeral services are like anything else; the more elaborate the arrangement, the more it will cost. They can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Local customs that affect demand for the availability of facilities and services have an influence on cost.