Services

Traditional Funeral Services

We believe strongly in helping families choose the right service options at an affordable price. Our traditional funeral services offer families experiencing grief a choice on how they want to memorialize their loved ones. Call us today at (208) 664-3143.

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When someone dies, their loved ones often have to make funeral arrangements. This can be a difficult process, and many people don't know what to expect. We will discuss the traditional funeral service and what happens during the funeral process. We will talk about the different parts of the funeral ceremony and what they mean.


The funeral process can be long and complicated, but it doesn't have to be. You can make funeral arrangements as simple or as complex as you want. The most important thing is that you take the time to plan and think about what you want.



Visitation or Wake

A visitation or wake is an opportunity for guests to pay their respects to the deceased and their family. During a funeral service, you may not have this opportunity. The body is placed in a casket during the visitation and is either open or closed, depending on the family's wish. People frequently offer a brief prayer around the casket before expressing their condolences to each family member. If there are a lot of other guests, it's a good idea to say something basic to each family member, such as "I am sorry for your loss."


In some cultures, the family or relatives will hold a vigil every night for several days during the wake. The funeral home can personalize the visitation to be as unique as your loved one with a tribute video, items or displays that were important to your loved one, or simply pictures displayed. They will work with your family to design the perfect gathering experience.

Funeral Service

The funeral ceremony's objective is to honor the deceased's life, reflect on the impact he or she had on those left behind, and say last goodbyes.  The funeral is usually held within a week of the death, although this may be extended if relatives are traveling from far away.


A traditional funeral service will typically last about an hour and will be officiated by a clergy member of your chosen religion. However, the
funeral home will have life celebrants that lead services where clergy may not be chosen. The celebrants are trained in creating experiences that help start the healing process. It will be held at either a funeral home, church, or another place of worship. The funeral director will work with the family to design a service that honors their loved one with stories, music, or scripture.

Graveside Service

A graveside or committal service is typically held immediately following the funeral service but it can also be a small intimate gathering of those closest to you. After the funeral service, there will be a procession to the burial site led by the funeral director. The pallbearers will carry the casket of the deceased while family and friends follow behind. At the burial site, there is a brief committal service before the casket is lowered into the ground. 


In the case of a
cremation service, after the funeral ceremony. The family will gather at the crematory site if witnessing is available. The funeral director will place the casket into the cremation chamber and start the process. The family can choose to stay and watch or leave and return at a later time to retrieve the urn.

Funeral Reception

After the committal service, families often have a social gathering with food and refreshments. It allows the family to thank guests for coming, as well as for everyone to share memories and provide support to one another. 


This is also the time to catch up on relatives and friends that have come a long way.  If the funeral was at a funeral home, they will most likely have a room available. If the funeral was held at a church, then usually the family will host the funeral reception at their home or a nearby hall.


Final Thoughts

A funeral is a very personal experience. While there are many traditional aspects to a funeral service, the family has the final say in how the funeral will be conducted. The funeral director's job is to ensure that the family's wishes are carried out and to provide support during this difficult time. If you have any questions or would need assistance with planning traditional funerals, don't hesitate to call English Funeral Chapels at (208) 664-3143.

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