Are you wondering what funeral types there are, how they differ, and the cost involved with each?
Whether you’re pre-planning for yourself or arranging a service for a loved one, understanding the different funeral types can help you make informed decisions that align with personal, cultural, or religious beliefs.
Let’s look at the most common types of funerals, memorial options, and considerations like funeral preparation and costs.
Funeral Types and Services
In general, there are two basic types of funerals:
- Burial: The body is buried intact, for example in a cemetery.
- Cremation: The body is cremated, and the ashes are placed in an urn or scattered
All other funeral types are variations of these two main categories. For example, a burial at sea is a cremation where the ashes are scattered at sea and a Celebration of Life ceremony also involves either a burial or cremation beforehand.
For this article, we’ll be looking at funerals based on how the service is conducted, rather than just focusing on what happens to the body. This is the approach most people are familiar with when choosing a funeral, as it focuses on the experience of saying goodbye, rather than just the technical details.
These are the most common types of funeral services, ceremonies, and events found across the world:
- Traditional Funeral Service
- Cremation Funeral
- Graveside or Committal Service
- Green Funeral (Natural Burial)
- Home Funeral
- Celebration of Life Ceremony
- Direct Burial
- Military Funeral
- Wake, Viewing, and Visitation
- Scattering Ceremony
- Anonymous and Unattended Funerals
+ all types of other religious and cultural ceremonies and customs. Let’s look at each of these in a bit more detail.
Traditional Funeral Service
A traditional funeral service follows a structured format, often including a wake or visitation, a religious or secular ceremony, a burial, and a post-service gathering. This type of funeral is commonly held in a funeral home, a (Christian) church, or another place of worship.
Key Features:
- Visitation or wake (viewing of the body)
- Formal ceremony led by a religious leader, funeral director, or family member
- Burial in a cemetery, often with a graveside service
- Reception for family and friends
How much does a traditional funeral service cost?
Traditional funerals tend to be among the most expensive, typically ranging from $7,000 to $12,000. Costs include funeral home services, embalming, casket, burial plot, headstone, and other fees.
Costs can vary a lot by the choices you make such as event locations, casket materials, burial plots etc.
Personalizing a Traditional Funeral
For many, a traditional funeral provides comfort through familiarity. Yet, even within this framework, there is room for heartfelt personalization. Importantly, not every traditional funeral centers on religious rites but can also be held non-religiously.
Cremation Funeral
Cremation has become increasingly popular due to its affordability and flexibility. A cremation funeral can be paired with a traditional service or held as a more intimate gathering.
Types of Cremation Services:
- Direct Cremation – No service or viewing; the body is cremated shortly after death.
- Cremation with Memorial Service – The cremation takes place first, and a service is held later with or without the ashes present.
- Traditional Cremation Funeral – A full service with a viewing before cremation.
How much does a cremation funeral cost?
Cremation costs vary but are generally more affordable than traditional funerals. Direct cremation, for example, can cost as little as $1,000 to $3,000, while cremation with a memorial service may range from $3,500 to $6,000.
Embracing the Flexibility of Cremation Services
Cremation is a popular choice for those who seek flexibility.
One user family told use they chose cremation not only for its practical benefits but also because it allowed them to hold two separate celebrations—one immediately following the cremation and another, more elaborate memorial service several weeks later. This flexibility meant they could invite distant relatives and friends who couldn’t attend the initial gathering.
The beauty of cremation lies in the freedom it provides during funeral preparation. Whether you decide on a small, private service or a large, festive memorial type event, cremation can be tailored to reflect personal tastes.
Even when cost is a factor, many families find that cremation offers a way to honor their loved ones without compromising on the personal touches that make the service truly unique.
Graveside or Committal Service
A graveside service, also known as a committal service, takes place at the burial site rather than in a funeral home or church. It is typically shorter and may be held in addition to or in place of a traditional funeral.
Key Features:
- Takes place at the burial site
- Usually a brief service with prayers or readings
- May include the lowering of the casket
How much does a graveside or committal service cost?
Since there is no funeral home service involved, costs are generally lower, averaging between $1,500 and $4,000 depending on cemetery fees and burial plot costs.
Green Funeral (Natural Burial)
For those who wish to minimize their environmental impact, green funerals offer an eco-friendly alternative. This type of funeral avoids embalming chemicals, metal caskets, and concrete vaults, allowing the body to decompose naturally.
Key Features:
- Biodegradable casket or burial shroud
- Natural burial grounds instead of traditional cemeteries
- No embalming or use of harmful chemicals
How much does a green funeral cost?
Green burials often cost less than traditional funerals but more than direct cremation. Prices typically range from $2,000 to $5,000.
Celebrating Life with Green Funerals
In our ever-changing world, more people are turning to eco-friendly options like green funerals. From biodegradable materials and to eco-friendly locations, green funerals and burials offer a great way for an emotional connection to nature.
Green funerals appeal not only to environmental values but also to those who wish for a simpler, more natural farewell. They challenge the idea that saying goodbye must be a grand, expensive affair. In fact, many families find that a green funeral offers both a heartfelt tribute and a sustainable way to celebrate life, aligning perfectly with the values of someone who cared deeply about the planet.
We are big fans of sustainability and eco-friendliness and have partnered with Reegy to provide green options in our memorial wizard module!
Home Funeral
A home funeral allows families to care for their loved one’s body and conduct a private ceremony at home before burial or cremation. Some choose to involve a funeral director, while others manage the process themselves.
Key Features:
- Body kept at home for up to three days
- Family-led care and rituals
- Personal, intimate atmosphere
Please be aware that some countries and jurisdictions do not allow home funerals for health and safety reasons.
How much does a home funeral cost?
Home funerals are among the most cost-effective options, typically costing between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on burial or cremation expenses.
Celebration of Life Ceremony
Unlike traditional funerals, a celebration of life focuses on joyfully honoring the deceased rather than mourning. These events are often more casual and may take place in a park, banquet hall, or even a favorite restaurant.
Key Features:
- Personalized tributes and storytelling
- Less formal and religious than traditional services
- Can occur days, weeks, or even months after death
How much does a celebration of life ceremony cost?
Since there’s no burial or extensive funeral home services involved, celebration of life ceremonies are often lower in cost, typically ranging from $500 to $3,000, depending on the venue and catering.
A Celebration Beyond Ritual
Sometimes, the best way to remember someone is not through a formal service but via a memorial that focuses on celebrating the life that was lived. These memorial services can often feel more like reunions—a time to laugh, share stories, and celebrate the quirks and passions of the person who has passed away. O
Memorial services can be especially meaningful when they’re designed around the interests and personality of the deceased. Whether it’s a quiet, intimate gathering or a vibrant celebration of life, the focus is on the memories rather than the loss. And in many cases, these services can be scheduled at a time that works best for everyone, giving family and friends the opportunity to come together when they feel ready.
Direct Burial
A direct burial is a simple and cost-effective funeral option where the body is buried shortly after death without a formal ceremony or viewing.
Key Features:
- No embalming, viewing, or formal service
- Body is buried soon after passing
How much does a direct burial cost?
Direct burials are one of the most affordable options, typically costing between $1,500 and $4,000, including cemetery fees.
Military Funeral
Military funerals honor those who served in the armed forces. They include special protocols such as the playing of Taps, a flag-folding ceremony, and a gun salute for eligible veterans.
Key Features:
- Coordinated through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- Military honors, including an American flag presentation
- Burial in a national or state veterans’ cemetery (optional)
How much does a military funeral cost?
Many costs are covered for eligible veterans, including burial in a VA cemetery and a government-provided headstone or marker.
Wake, Viewing, and Visitation
These services allow loved ones to gather and pay respects before burial or cremation. They are often part of other options but we’ve included them here separately, as well.
- Wake: Traditionally a Catholic tradition, it includes prayers and reflections at the deceased’s home or a funeral home.
- Viewing: A time for friends and family to see the body and say final goodbyes, often held before a funeral.
- Visitation: A gathering where attendees offer condolences to the family, with or without the body present.
How much do Wake, Viewing, and Visitation cost?
These services are often included in traditional funeral packages but can add $500 to $1,500 in additional expenses.
Scattering Ceremony
A scattering ceremony is held when a loved one’s ashes are spread in a meaningful location, such as at sea, in a national park, or another significant place.
Key Features:
- No formal structure; fully customizable
- Often held outdoors
- Can be accompanied by a memorial service
How much does a scattering ceremony cost?
Depending on travel and location fees, costs range from $1,000 to $4,000.
Anonymous and Unattended Funerals
Silent funerals or anonymous burials are relatively unique to Germany and some other European countries, but similar concepts do exist elsewhere.
In the case of an anonymous burial, the body is put into an unmarked grave and usually, there is no one attending the funeral. Therefore, the anonymous burial is often referred to as a silent burial. However, this depends on your jurisdiction and local laws.
Key Features:
- Unmarked grave
- No ceremony
- Cheap
How much does an anonymous funeral cost?
Depending on the region, anonymous funerals cost between $500 and $3,000.
Religious and Cultural Funerals
Different cultures and religions have unique funeral customs that guide how the deceased is honored. Some examples include:
- Catholic Funerals: May include a wake, funeral mass, and burial.
- Jewish Funerals: Traditional Jewish burials happen quickly, without embalming, followed by a seven-day mourning period (Shiva).
- Hindu Funerals: Often include a cremation ceremony with prayers and rituals led by a Hindu priest.
- Buddhist Funerals: Focus on reincarnation and may include chanting, incense, and meditation.
- Muslim Funerals: Typically involve washing and wrapping the body in a simple white cloth (kafan) and burying it as soon as possible, facing Mecca.
- Sikh Funerals: Usually include prayers, hymns, and cremation, followed by a langar (community meal) to honor the deceased.
- Indigenous and Tribal Funerals: Many Indigenous communities have distinct rituals that emphasize connection to ancestors, nature, and spiritual journeys.
How much do religious and cultural funerals cost?
The cost involved for different religious and cultural funerals varies greatly depending on your location and your religious preferences. Not all cultures follow the same customs and not all countries allow the same options when it comes to funerals, burials, and ceremonies.
Choosing the Right Type of Funeral
Funeral types today are as diverse as the lives they celebrate. Whether you’re leaning towards a traditional service, a modern cremation, or even an eco-friendly green funeral, the goal is to create a farewell that truly reflects the personality and beliefs of the person who has passed.
When selecting a funeral type, consider factors like personal wishes, religious beliefs, environmental impact, and budget. Pre-planning can ease the burden on your loved ones and ensure your final wishes are respected.
It’s important to note that while some services are steeped in religious tradition, many families choose options that honor a broader set of values. Funerals can be as much about celebrating life as they are about mourning loss. This is why understanding funeral types isn’t just about logistics—it’s about creating a meaningful, personal legacy.
Our Meolea platform helps you with this and our funeral wizard module guides you step by strep through the process of setting up your wishes. We also make it easy for you to prepay for services so you know with certainty that you get the memorial you wish for yourself!
The Role of Funeral Cost in Your Decisions
One of the many practical challenges during funeral preparation is managing the financial side of things. It can be hard to think about the costs involved when you’re in the midst of mourning.
Whether it’s a traditional funeral, cremation, or green service, each option comes with its own cost considerations. A traditional service might involve higher expenses because of the comprehensive nature of the arrangements, while cremation or a green funeral might offer a less expensive yet equally meaningful alternative.
The funeral planner in your Meolea dashboard shows you the estimated cost involved in all customizations you might make and you can even add your own cost breakdown to it!
Final Thoughts
Saying goodbye is never easy, but it can be a beautiful tribute when it’s done in a way that feels genuine. I’ve seen how a well-planned farewell—one that incorporates personal memories, cultural values, and thoughtful details—can provide comfort and a sense of closure.
There are many types of funerals and memorial services to choose from, each with unique traditions, costs, and emotional significance. Whether you prefer a traditional burial, cremation, a green funeral, or a celebration of life, understanding your options can help you make informed and meaningful decisions.
If you’re considering funeral preparation, speaking with a funeral director or pre-planning service can provide further guidance tailored to your needs.
Meolea makes End-of-Life Planning and Legacy Management super simple! In 5 minutes you can start making preparations and invite your family members.