Funeral Service Options

At Hedges-Scott Funeral Homes, we offer burial and funeral services from the simplest to the most traditional and beyond, at a price range designed to fit everyone’s budget. Basically, there are as many choices available when it comes to a funeral as there are the families that we serve. A more “traditional” funeral consists of a visitation usually held at the funeral home the night before, followed by the funeral service located either at the funeral home or church and burial in a cemetery along with a committal service. Recently more and more families are choosing funeral services that are more reflective of the lifestyle lived by their loved ones. Check out our “Creating Meaningful Funerals” section under the General Info tab.

To give our client families and friends some guidance in selecting a funeral service best fitted to their needs we have put together answers to questions about different types of funeral service options.

Why is a Funeral Service Important?

It’s important to understand that Funeral or Memorial Services are intended to help survivors (family and friends) after the death of a loved one. They are an important step in the grieving process. Psychologists and other experts agree that the Funeral or Memorial Service is a means whereby survivors can express their grief in ways that are meaningful to them. In turn they are surrounded by friends and family who are there to provide support and comfort.

What is The Difference Between a Funeral And Memorial Service?

The only difference between these two services is whether or not the body is present. A funeral service is conducted with the presence of the body and a memorial service is conducted in memory of the person without the presence of the full body. Memorial services are most-often associated with Cremation, but are used also in other situations.

Can You Still Have A Traditional Funeral With Cremation?

Yes. All of the customs and ceremonies associated with a traditional funeral can still be performed prior to the local cremation taking place. For these occasions, we offer economical rental caskets.

What is a Visitation and When Should One Be Held?

A visitation is a time set aside for friends and family of the deceased to gather together for comfort and support. It is generally held with the body present for viewing and offers a more casual and open time for offering condolences to the family. It is most often held in the evening, prior to the Funeral or Memorial Service being held the following day. However it is not uncommon to have a visitation immediately preceding the Funeral Service.

Is Embalming Required By Law?

No...and Yes. In Missouri embalming is not required by law, unless the family has selected a funeral service which includes a public viewing. This would include families who have selected cremation services who desire a viewing after 24 hours from the time of death.

How Can We Create a More Personalized Funeral?

It is becoming increasingly more common for a Funeral or Memorial Service to be a reflection of the life lived by the deceased. Remembrances and prayers offered by family and friends, picture boards, treasured belongings and favorite music can all play a major role in making this final tribute, an important part of an expressive service. Please refer to our “Creating Meaningful Funerals” section under the General Info tab for more information on this subject.

What Are The Most Commonly Used Funeral Services?

Traditional Church or Funeral Home Chapel Service, Visitation and Committal Service at the Cemetery
If you select a traditional chapel or church service, the funeral will be held at our funeral home chapel or your church with a public or private visitation before. When the funeral service is concluded there will be a procession to the cemetery for the committal service.
Graveside Funeral Service With or Without Visitation
If you select a graveside service, the funeral service will be held at the graveside at the cemetery of your choosing. A public or private visitation may be held at the funeral home prior to the graveside service.
Direct Burial Without a Funeral Service
If you select a direct burial without a Funeral Service, the deceased will be buried without any visitation, funeral or memorial services performed.
Cremation With a Funeral or Memorial Service
If you select a cremation with a funeral or memorial service, you have the option to hold a visitation and/or funeral prior to the cremation process. You may prefer to hold a memorial service after the cremation.— The choice is yours.
Direct Cremation Without a Service
If you select a direct cremation without a Funeral or Memorial Service, the deceased will be cremated without any visitation, funeral or memorial services performed.

For more detailed information on these and other services offered, our staff is available for your assistance by calling, 573.346.2090, or complete our contact us form.