Part of Everendium's Faith, Culture & Traditions guides.
Christian Funeral and Burial Traditions: What to Expect
Reviewed by Everendium Editorial Team · Last reviewed August 16, 2026
Quick answer
Christian funeral customs vary widely by denomination, but most include a funeral or memorial service with scripture readings, hymns, and a homily, followed by burial or increasingly cremation. Catholic, Orthodox, and many Protestant traditions have specific liturgical elements, while other Christian communities keep services simple and personal.
Christianity includes an enormous range of denominations and communities, and funeral customs vary significantly among them. This is a general overview — the specific church, priest, or family will always be the most accurate guide for a particular service.
Common elements across many traditions
Despite denominational differences, many Christian funerals share some common threads:
- A funeral or memorial service, often held in a church, with scripture readings, hymns, prayers, and a homily or eulogy
- Belief in an afterlife and resurrection, which often shapes the tone of the service toward hope alongside grief
- A committal service at the graveside or place of burial/interment
How specific traditions differ
Catholic funerals typically follow the Order of Christian Funerals: a vigil (wake), a funeral Mass, and a committal service. Cremation is permitted, though the Church asks that cremated remains be buried or entombed rather than scattered or kept at home.
Vigil (Wake)
Prayer and visitation
Funeral Mass
Scripture, homily, Eucharist
Committal
At the graveside or place of burial
Example: a typical Catholic funeral sequence. Other Christian traditions follow very different structures.
Orthodox Christian funerals include a distinct liturgical service, often with an open casket and specific prayers for the departed. Burial is generally preferred or required rather than cremation.
Protestant traditions vary widely — from formal liturgical services in some denominations to simple, personalized memorial services in others. Many Protestant communities leave burial-versus-cremation entirely up to the family.
Latter-day Saints (Mormon) services often include a funeral at a meetinghouse, hymns, and speakers sharing about the person’s life, followed by burial.
What to expect if you’re attending
- Dress conservatively and modestly unless told otherwise
- It’s respectful to follow the lead of those around you for standing, sitting, or kneeling
- A reception or gathering often follows the service — attending is usually welcomed
If this is your own planning
If you or someone you love has specific wishes tied to a particular Christian tradition — a preferred parish, hymns, or scripture readings — it’s worth writing those down. Our Final Day Plan has a section specifically for wishes like these.
Practices vary by community, tradition and family. Everendium provides general guidance and encourages families to consult their faith or community leaders where appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Christians believe in burial rather than cremation?+
No. The Catholic Church permits cremation, though it traditionally prefers burial and asks that ashes be interred rather than scattered or kept at home. Orthodox Christianity generally prefers or requires burial. Many Protestant traditions leave the choice entirely to the family.
How soon after death does a Christian funeral typically happen?+
This varies by community and country. In the U.S., it's common for services to happen within about a week, though there's no strict religious requirement in most Christian traditions the way there is in some other faiths.
What should I wear to a Christian funeral if I'm not sure?+
Dark, modest, conservative clothing is the safest default across most Christian traditions. If in doubt, it's completely appropriate to ask a family member or the funeral home.
Is an open casket viewing common?+
It's common in many U.S. Christian traditions, particularly Catholic and some Protestant communities, though it's a family choice rather than a religious requirement in most denominations.
Sources
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