What is the line of cars after a funeral called?

A funeral procession is a procession, usually in motor vehicles or by foot, from a funeral home or place of worship to the cemetery or crematorium.


What are funeral lines called?

Typically led by a hearse, a funeral procession comprises family and close friends following the coffin of their loved one as it is taken to its final resting place. Also known as a funeral cortege, a traditional funeral procession will begin at the funeral home or at the home of the person who has passed away.

What is the car that follows a hearse called?

During a traditional funeral procession, the hearse will take the coffin to the funeral service and is often followed by limousines or private cars carrying chief mourners. It is also possible to arrange a particular route you want the funeral cortege to take.


What is the order of the receiving line at a funeral?

What Order Do People Stand in the Receiving Line? If the deceased was a married adult with children, the deceased's spouse, children, and parents usually begin the line. If the deceased was not married, the children and parents might be the first to receive the guests.

What are the stages of a funeral?

A traditional funeral service typically has four components. They are the visitation, funeral ceremony, committal service, and a funeral reception. The family may decide to have more than one visitation at different times or just one.


PROVIDING FUNERAL VEHICLES TO FAMILY BUSINESSES SINCE 1952



What is the order of family at a funeral?

The spouse is first, accompanied by children. Parents and siblings would be next, followed by extended family (grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc). Where should immediate family sit at a funeral? The immediate family members sit in the front rows.

What is coffin vehicle called?

A hearse is a long black car with a very specific purpose: carrying a coffin to a church or cemetery.

Who should be in the first car at a funeral?

The Order of Your Funeral Cars

If tradition is your preference you should use at least two limousines. Immediate family members, so parents, children and spouses, would ride in the first limousine. Other family members and friends ride in the second.


What is a funeral second line?

Funeral Second Lines

Jazz funerals are a big part of New Orleans culture, and with jazz funerals, comes second lines. During a funeral second line, the hearse is moved from the funeral to the burial service, joined by guests. A jazz band accompanies the procession to celebrate the life of the deceased.

Why does a man walk in front of a funeral car?

When the cortege is ready to leave, the funeral director will ask everyone to make their way to their cars. The funeral director will then walk in front of the hearse for a short distance. This is a mark of respect to the deceased and also gives following cars an opportunity to join the cortege.

What is the tea after a funeral called?

Repasts are less formal than a funeral service or memorial. They are typically open to everyone who came to the funeral, though they can also be private, depending on the family. What is the purpose of a repast? They're a way to celebrate the life of your loved one and to come together as a family.


What is a funeral prelude?

A prelude refers to an introductory piece of music at a funeral program. It is a welcoming song that precedes the funeral ceremony. A religious catholic funeral includes a prelude reflecting the life of the deceased one. The Catholic Choirs provides a prelude to open the service.

Why would a funeral be 2 weeks after death?

With today's preservation methods, families have a bit more time to prepare and get affairs in order. This helps families make arrangements, and to pick a day to hold the funeral. A standard funeral can be up to about 2 weeks after the date of death.

What is Tandem burial?

A tandem is a mausoleum space designed to accommodate two caskets lengthwise.


Who walks in first at a funeral?

Unless they have chosen to be seated beforehand, the family comes next, chief mourner(s) first, walking with whomever he or she chooses. Close friends may follow, completing the procession. The family and pallbearers occupy the front rows, with friends filling vacant places on either side.

Do you tip a funeral driver?

Funeral procession drivers

These are professionals, and it's common to tip an additional 10-25% of the fare. Some limo or transportation services actually include this gratuity as part of the bill, so check what's included in the cost before leaving an additional tip.

Who should not attend a funeral?

Funerals are emotional events and if there is family conflict, estranged relationships, or other reasons that can make the occasion uncomfortable, then the better personal choice may be to not attend. Funerals are a way for friends and family to say their goodbyes, reminisce, or grieve, and ultimately find closure.


What does a white hearse mean?

• Hearses in western culture are generally black because that is the color that symbolizes mourning. Some funeral homes use white hearses to symbolize a “new life,” but white and gray hearses are rare.

What's the hardest part of a funeral?

Attending a visitation can be the hardest part for people to attend, because it involves talking to the deceased's family. A good recommendation is to say something simple such as “I am sorry about your loss”, especially if there are many other guests waiting to share their condolences.

Where does ex wife sit at funeral?

Attending the Funeral

Do not seat yourself in the family section, as it is more common for an ex-spouse to be seated with friends of the deceased. The only exceptions are if you need to sit with young children or if you were specifically invited by the family.


What not to say at a funeral?

Here are seven things to avoid saying at a funeral or to someone grieving the loss of a loved one.
  • “They're an angel now.”
  • “I know how you feel.”
  • “They look so good.”
  • “Don't cry” or “Go ahead and cry.”
  • “At least it wasn't worse.”
  • “God is sovereign.”
  • “Let me know if I can help.”
  • What can you say instead?


Why do they cover the legs in a casket?

It is a common practice to cover the legs as there is swelling in the feet and shoes don't fit. As part of funeral care, the body is dressed and preserved, with the prime focus on the face. Post embalming, bodies are often placed without shoes; hence covering the legs is the way to offer a dignified funeral.

How long does a body last in a coffin?

If the coffin is sealed in a very wet, heavy clay ground, the body tends to last longer because the air is not getting to the deceased. If the ground is light, dry soil, decomposition is quicker. Generally speaking, a body takes 10 or 15 years to decompose to a skeleton.


How long do caskets last?

How long does a coffin last? There is no coffin or casket that will last forever. Bronze or copper caskets will tend to last longer but they will also break down over time, bronze will last the longest though. On average, the casket will last to about as little as 5 to 20 years or as long as 80 till 125 years.

What is the night before a funeral called?

Visitation, Wake or Viewing

Held the night before or immediately prior to the funeral service, the visitation – also called a wake or a viewing – provides a way for friends and acquaintances to pay respects and offer condolences. If a casket is present, you can choose to have an open or closed casket.