When making arrangements and talking to cemeteries in Kent, WA. for your loved one who has passed away, there are many terms that you will hear that you may not be sure what they mean. To help you in this process, we have listed some common terms and phrases as well as their meanings so that you can be better familiar with this vocabulary.
Bier
This is the stand that the casket is 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 as 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 by 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 if 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.
While these aren’t the only terms you may hear and be unfamiliar with, these are some of the most common. Hopefully, this will allow you to feel more confident when talking with cemeteries in Kent, WA. about arrangements. Also, if there is ever anything you don’t fully understand, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. We understand this time can be trying and we want you to feel clear and comfortable with everything that is going on as well as the decisions you make.
