Yes, funeral cars (limousines) often transport close family and friends from the funeral service to the wake, but it's arranged with the funeral director, with the hearse carrying the casket to the burial/cremation site, and attendees usually making their own way to the wake unless the family arranges specific transport for the wake. The primary role of the hearse is for the body, while the limousines form the procession for key mourners to the service and sometimes the committal.
Encountering a funeral procession
Funeral directors often won't tell you about more affordable options, like renting urns/caskets or buying them online, the non-necessity of embalming, or that many services are optional, often focusing instead on upselling expensive packages; you can request itemized price lists, use alternative containers for cremation, and veterans get free burial, so it pays to ask questions and shop around. They also might not mention that "sealed" caskets don't stop decomposition or that funeral insurance can be risky, while also using suggestive language to encourage spending.
First, sorry for your loss. A wake is an opportunity to discuss and honour your friend and recount your experiences of them while hearing others recount theirs. You don't have to attend but it's a mark of respect to do so.
How many people can fit in a funeral car? A hired funeral limousine will typically seat between six and nine people, plus a chauffeur. Large stretch limousines can carry even more people, but there is no requirement to use large cars in the funeral procession.
For the funeral procession, the etiquette for who goes in funeral cars is usually immediate family after the hearse, followed by other family members and friends, then others who were important to your loved one.
Wakes and viewings are usually open to all guests, though if the family has not invited you or specified that the event is family-only, you should respect their wishes and not attend.
Generally, ex-spouses will sit with friends of the deceased, rather than the family. The exceptions to this would be if you need to sit with your young children, or if you are specifically invited by the family to do so. Keep your condolences brief. Try to express your support without making it about you.
Generally speaking, the public is invited to attend the wake, even if there's no personal relationship with the family. In this scenario, it's polite to introduce yourself and mention your relationship to the loved ones.
While you could be used to saying “goodbye” to people upon your departure, avoid doing so at the funeral service as this is believed to be an invitation for the spirit of the deceased to visit you at home.
The most expensive part of a funeral is often the funeral director's services, encompassing facility use, staff, logistics, and paperwork, but the choice between burial and cremation significantly impacts costs, with elaborate burials (including plots, vaults, and headstones) typically costing much more than simpler cremations, and high-end caskets or large vaults also adding substantial expense, according to sources like Wagg Funeral Home.
In many cultures, the number 40 carries profound symbolic meaning. It represents a period of transition, purification, and spiritual transformation. The 40-day period is often seen as a time for the departed's soul to complete its journey to the afterlife, seeking forgiveness, redemption, and peace.
Typically, if there has been a traditional funeral (with the body) present, the deceased will be cremated in whatever clothing they were wearing. If the cremation is done right after death, then it is usually done with the deceased wearing whatever clothing they were wearing at the time they died.
Traditionally, the order of family in a funeral procession is direct family immediately behind the hearse, followed by close family and friends. Then others who were important to your loved one might join the procession, like neighbours, carers or colleagues.
Funeral Superstitions for General Visitors
During a funeral, maintaining a respectful atmosphere is of utmost importance. As such, using a cell phone to text or keeping sounds on is considered rude and disruptive. These actions can break the solemn atmosphere of the service — potentially interrupting poignant moments of reflection or eulogies.
Funeral outfits: Ideas for women
If you're attending a traditional funeral, you might want to stick to formal clothes in dark colours. This doesn't have to be black – it could be grey or burgundy. Dresses or skirts / trousers, jacket and a top, whatever you consider looks smart will be fine.
When your spouse dies, avoid making major financial/life decisions (like selling the house or giving away heirlooms), telling certain companies (banks, utilities) too soon (consult an attorney first!), giving in to pressure from family, suppressing your grief (express feelings), and rushing to cancel subscriptions or services until you understand the estate's legal implications. Focus on self-care, seek support (counseling), and get professional legal/financial advice before acting on major issues.
There's no single "worst" age; losing a parent is devastating at any stage, but often cited as uniquely challenging during adolescence/teenage years (identity formation, dependency) and young adulthood (missing guidance during major life milestones like marriage/children), while loss in early childhood deeply impacts fundamental security and development. Grief evolves, but the absence creates unique pain as life stages change, with many experiencing loss in their 40s-60s, often while transitioning to becoming the elder generation.
Should I attend both the wake and the funeral? It is respectful to attend both, but not compulsory. If you don't feel comfortable attending the wake, or you have a prior commitment you can't avoid, it's polite to let the grieving family know in advance – a phone call or message is usually appropriate.
The family of the deceased usually sits in the front row or closest to the casket. This typically includes the spouse, children, parents, and siblings of the deceased.
The most expensive part of a funeral is often the funeral director's services, encompassing facility use, staff, logistics, and paperwork, but the choice between burial and cremation significantly impacts costs, with elaborate burials (including plots, vaults, and headstones) typically costing much more than simpler cremations, and high-end caskets or large vaults also adding substantial expense, according to sources like Wagg Funeral Home.
The executor may also be the next of kin, or may be another member of their family, or even a friend or a professional. Usually, the executor is responsible for arranging the funeral, covering the costs of the funeral arrangements, and managing the estate after death.
Comfortably seating 6 people, the limousine is a popular choice for taking people to and from the funeral. You can personalise our standard hearses using our range of vehicle decals, or, if you have a specific vehicle in mind, let your funeral director know and they'll see what's possible.