Commonly Used Funeral Terminology

After your loved one passes away, you will need to meet with a director from a funeral home in Willits, CA. to make the final arrangements. While the director is there to help you in this difficult time, they may use terminology you are not familiar with. Of course they will be happy to explain anything you do not understand, but to make this process easier, it is a good idea to know a few of the key terms you may hear. As directors, we have put together a list of commonly used funeral vocabulary as well as their meanings. 

Bier 

This is the stand that the casket its on before the burial. Typically this stand will be at the front of the church or funeral home. 

Casket Bearer 

Also called “pallbearers”, these are the individuals who will carry the casket during the funeral as well ass to the gravesite. 

Cemetery Services 

This term is a blanket term that includes additional costs for burial. These costs may be for opening and closing the grave, installing grave liners, placing grave markers and more. 

Epitaph 

This is the short phrase or passage that is engraved into the headstone 

Eulogy 

These are speeches delivered at the funeral from friends or family. They typically include a story or memory of the loved one. 

Family Room 

This is a space designated for the family of the deceased to gather and give in a private setting. 

Funeral Rule 

This refers to the law that was set by the Federal Trade Commission in 1984 and regulates and protects consumers’ rites when it comes to funeral pricing. You can learn more about this law by visiting the FTC website. 

Officiant 

This is the person who leads the funeral service. Typically this will be a priest or other religious leader. 

Procession 

This refers to the friend and family who attend the funeral and then in a “procession” travel to the cemetery 

Register Book 

Also called a guest book, this book sits in the front of the room during the funeral for guests to sign their names and pay respect to the deceased. 

Selection Room 

This is an area in the funeral home where goods such as caskets are displayed and available for purchase. 

Transit Permit 

You may need this is you are transporting the deceased over a long distance or if you are crossing state lines. 

Visitation 

Also known as a viewing, this is a time for friends and family to view the body, pay their respects and say their last goodbyes 

Wake 

This is also a time for family and friends to gather and view the body but this tends to have a more religious tone as it normally takes place overnight with prayers read and a religious leader attending. 

Final Thoughts 

These are not all of the terms used in the funeral industry, but they are some of the most common and the ones you are most likely to hear. Knowing what these words are as well as their meanings will hopefully allow you to feel more comfortable and confident when meeting with your funeral director from funeral homes in Willits, CA.