Funeral terms, in plain language.

36 terms

Aftercare

Support after the funeral, such as grief resources and guidance with practical next steps.

Alternative container

A simple nonmetal container that can be used instead of a casket for cremation.

Annual percentage rate (APR)

A yearly measure of borrowing cost that includes interest and certain fees. Compare it alongside total repayment.

Arrangement conference

A conversation with the funeral director to choose services, discuss wishes, and review costs.

Basic services fee

The provider’s charge for basic arrangements and coordination. Ask which quoted prices already include it.

Burial vault / grave liner

An outer container supporting the ground around a casket. Ask the cemetery about its requirements.

Cash advance items

Charges for outside providers, such as a cemetery, crematory, or certificate office, paid through the funeral provider.

Casket / coffin

A container used to hold the body for a funeral or burial.

Celebration of life

A gathering centered on a person’s life, memories, interests, and relationships. Its format is flexible.

Columbarium

A structure with spaces, called niches, for urns.

Committal

The final ceremony as someone is laid to rest.

Cremated remains / ashes

The processed remains returned after cremation, often called ashes.

Cremation

A process using heat to reduce the body to bone fragments, which are then processed.

DD Form 214

A military separation document often used when checking eligibility for veterans’ benefits and honors.

Death certificate

The official record of a death. Certified copies may be needed for benefits, insurance, and estate matters.

Direct burial

Burial without a formal viewing, visitation, or funeral ceremony beforehand. A separate memorial can still be arranged.

Direct cremation

Cremation without a formal viewing, visitation, or funeral ceremony beforehand. A later memorial remains an option.

Embalming

Chemical preservation of the body. New York does not require it routinely; ask about alternatives and service-specific policies.

Entombment

Placing remains in a crypt, usually in a mausoleum.

Eulogy

A spoken tribute sharing memories of the person who died.

Funeral director

A licensed professional who coordinates care of the deceased and funeral arrangements.

Funeral service

A ceremony honoring someone who died, generally with the body present.

General Price List (GPL)

An itemized list of a funeral provider’s goods, services, and prices. Ask for a copy to compare choices.

Graveside service

A ceremony at the burial location.

Interment

Placing remains in a final resting place, often burial in the ground.

Inurnment

Placing cremated remains in an urn. The term may also describe placing the urn in a niche.

Itemized statement

A written record of the specific goods and services selected and their costs. Review its payment obligations before signing.

Mausoleum

A building with spaces for above-ground burial.

Memorial service

A ceremony without the body present; an urn or photographs may be included.

Obituary

A written remembrance that may include biographical details and confirmed service information.

Pallbearer

Someone who helps carry or accompany the casket at a funeral.

Preplanning / preneed

Making funeral choices before a death. Recording wishes does not necessarily mean paying in advance.

Repatriation

Returning a person’s remains to another country or place of origin, with the necessary transport and documentation.

Urn

A container for cremated remains.

Viewing

An opportunity to see the person who died before burial or cremation.

Visitation / wake

Time for family and friends to gather and offer support. Ask whether a viewing is included.