A funeral can look very different, depending on where you live in the world. Many cultures across the globe take their own unique approaches to death-related ceremonies and traditions.

For example, when someone dies in Mexico, family and friends often attend a vigil, offer prayers and gifts, and share a meal together. In the densely populated country of South Korea, the cremated remains of a loved one are sometimes pressed into decorative beads.

At Cypress Lawn, we get a lot of questions from our neighbors in and around San Francisco. Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive about funerals.

Why have a funeral?

You may be wondering if it’s worth the expense and planning it takes to arrange a funeral. A funeral ceremony creates a setting for your family to safely grieve and honor the special life of your loved one and allow the healing process to begin. Time and time again, we’ve seen funerals provide much-needed comfort for those in attendance.

Is it better to choose burial or cremation?

The short answer is neither. The choice is up to you. Some people like the idea of having a loved one’s cremated remains stored in their home or scattered at a meaningful location. Others prefer having a headstone or burial vault in a cemetery where they can visit from time to time. If you choose cremation, reach out to our staff about our Cremation with Confidence™ Guarantee to ensure you have peace of mind every step of the way.

How can I make a funeral service special?  

We understand the desire to honor a loved one with a personalized funeral service. One way you can individualize a funeral is by selecting a special casket or cremation urn. If you forego a traditional service altogether, we can help you arrange an off-site gathering or a catered reception for family and friends at our beautiful reception space.

Whom should I invite to a funeral?

Funeral guest lists tend to look very different, depending on the person for whom you’re planning the funeral. Guests you wish to invite may include childhood or school friends, church groups, colleagues, and extended family, just to name a few. Keep in mind the capacity of your chosen venue as you compile your guest list. For help with any funeral planning needs, arrange to speak with one of our compassionate professionals.

What if the funeral ends and I still need support?

It’s common to find yourself feeling grief and sadness even after the funeral is over. Should you need support beyond the memorial service, reach out to us to see how we can help. We are committed to serving our neighbors and walking with them through this difficult season of life.

Our dedicated Bay Area staff members are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about all the services we offer here at Cypress Lawn. Don’t hesitate to contact us or give us a call anytime.