Yes, you can still call it a funeral, however most often a service without the body is called a memorial service.
Memorial service
A service held without the deceased being present. Usually some time after a private funeral service.
If the body is not present, the service is referred to as a Memorial Mass. A graveside service with burial of the body or cremated remains or the placing of the remains in a columbarium or mausoleum.
The two main funeral types compared: Burial and cremation.
This means the body will not be displayed for the service and, in most cases, will not be embalmed. During a visitation or wake, there are scenarios where the individual has been viewed but has chosen to keep the casket closed for the funeral. Things to Consider.
Many people choose closed casket funerals simply out of respect for the deceased person, regardless of the body's condition. And while many people do not feel this way, some people view open casket funerals and viewings as an ultimate invasion of privacy, whether of the deceased person, their family, or both.
An unattended funeral is when a person is cremated or buried without having a funeral service. This means there are no family or friends at the funeral. Instead, everything is organised by a funeral director. It's sometimes also called a closed funeral or a no service funeral.
A private funeral is an exclusive service for the closest friends and family of the deceased. These services are usually invitation only. Those invited to a private funeral service are hand-selected by those planning it, ensuring that only those closest to the deceased will be in attendance.
Traditional funerals are the most common type of funeral in Australia. They have three main components: the viewing or visitation, the funeral service, and the burial ceremony. They often feature the casket or coffin at the front of the service. Direct burial is one of the most cost-effective types of funerals.
Can You Have a Funeral Without a Body? It's absolutely possible to have a funeral service without a body present. Sometimes people pass away without anyone ever recovering their bodies. Major accidents or natural disasters sometimes destroy most or all of someone's physical body.
A Funeral Mass has the body of the deceased or the cremated remains of the deceased present and has all the special prayers attributed to that Mass. When the body or the cremated remains are not present it is called a Memorial Mass.
As a Catholic, may I be cremated? Yes. In May 1963, the Vatican's Holy Office (now the Congregation of the Doctrine of Faith) lifted the prohibition forbidding Catholics to choose cremation.
Silent funeral is sometimes used as another name for an unattended funeral. These types of direct cremations and burials are becoming more popular. If you choose this type of funeral, the person who has died will be cremated or buried without a funeral service.
'Coffin' comes from the Old French word 'cofin', meaning a little basket, and in Middle English, could refer to a chest, casket or even a pie. A coffin at this point (by 1700) was predominantly hexagonal, with its traditional six sides, tapered at the shoulders, and at the feet.
Unless for a cultural or religious reason or at the specific request of the family, most services in Australia are conducted this way. If the family does wish to see their loved one, it's more common for a separate viewing to be organised before a funeral service.
Funeral costs by state
A basic funeral is the simplest type of funeral and typically includes the essential services. The research found that the average cost of a basic burial in Australia is $8,048, while the average cost of a basic cremation in Australia is $3,108.
Modern Australian funerals
The formality of wearing all black, full suits and holding a long and heavily religious service has been replaced in many cases by a celebrant-led life celebration with multi-media tributes, modern songs and an order of service booklet containing photographs of the deceased.
Some funerals may be private because: The deceased legally planned a list of those who could attend the service. Financial resources are limited. Religious or cultural customs are present.
If your estate or your family can't afford the funeral cost, it's referred to as a 'Pauper's Funeral', this means that the authorities liaise with funeral directors to coordinate a pauper's funeral. Then arrangements are made for a state-funded funeral.
Depending on the situation, the cost of this basic funeral can be paid by the state government's Area Health Service, who will usually contact next of kin about any funeral arrangements.
A simple funeral is an attended service at a local crematorium, without the expense of a hearse. This means the coffin will be resting in the chapel, ready for you to arrive and celebrate their life.
It might seem disrespectful not to attend a parent's funeral, but this is ultimately a personal choice. There is no obligation to attend a funeral, and you might find that you would like to say goodbye in your own way.
Cremation without ceremony (direct cremation)
Next to body donation to science (which includes cremation at no cost), this low-cost cremation option is the most affordable option.