Funeral Vocabulary and Its Meaning

Every industry has its own vocabulary and jargon, and the funeral industry is no different. If you have not had to plan a funeral before, some of this vocabulary can make it difficult to understand the process and what needs to be done. As directors of funeral homes in Barrington, IL  we understand this can be frustrating so we have put together a list of some of the most commonly used words as well as their meanings.  

Funeral Vocabulary and What it Means  

Bier – This is the stand for the casket. Typically this bier will be in the front of the room for the funeral service allowing the casket to rest on top. 

Casket bearer – A casket bearer is someone who has been chosen to carry the casket. These are most often close friends and family members. These individuals are also more commonly referred to as “pallbearers”. 

Cemetery Services -This term is used to refence the associated costs with the cemetery. These costs typically include expenses for the grave liner, grave vault, and installation of the headstone, or grave marker. It may also include the price for long-term maintenance and care of the gravesite.  

Committal Service – This term refers to the ceremony that takes place after the funeral at the gravesite. This service is much shorter than the funeral and takes place at the cemetery. 

Direct disposition – Direct dissipation refers to having decided to forgo a funeral or other service and having either a direct burial or direct cremation.  

Epitaph – If the funeral director talks about creating a epitaph, this is the what will be written on the headstone. These are often short and either a poem, quote, or religious text.

Eulogy – A eulogy is a speech given at the funeral. This is normally written and delivered by a family member or close friend and talks about the loved one as well as their relation to them. 

Funeral Rule – The funeral rule refers to the Federal Trade Commission’s regulation that was created in 1984. This regulation sets rules and laws to help protect the rights of consumers when it comes to fair funeral pricing.  

Green Burial – A green burial means that it is a very natural and organic process. Eco-friendly materials are used and the body typically does not have any embalming or other chemical services applied.  

Officiant – This is the person who will lead the service. This could be a religious leader, friend, or community master of ceremonies. 

Procession – The procession is the group of friends, family members, and other guests who proceed to the cemetery from the funeral. This could be done on foot or by car depending on the location.  

Visitation – This refers to the event that happened prior to the funeral and gives guests a chance to come and go, mingle with other guests, say their final goodbyes, and offer their condolences to the grieving family.  

While these are not the only terms you may hear and not be familiar with when making your arrangements with funeral homes in Barrington, IL, we hope this gives you a good head start.