Glossary

The funeral industry has many technical terms associated with different segments, products and services that are associated with funeral services, and it can be difficult for grieving families to fully comprehend the information they are given whilst receiving funeral estimates and arranging a funeral, so we have created this page to help families better understand some of the common terms associated with funerals.

Mausoleum 

Mausoleum is the term used for a place of entombment that enables above ground burials.

Entombment

Entombment is the term used when a deceased is placed in a mausoleum crypt as the final resting place.

Interment

Interment is an alternative word for burial. Interment is also used to refer to the burial of cremated remains and may sometimes be used to also refer to entombment.

Committal Service

Committal service is the term used to describe the final segment of a funeral service that takes place just before the burial, entombment or cremation.

Embalming 

Embalming is the process that is sometimes needed for better preservation of a body. Embalming is generally only required if a deceased is being repatriated overseas and possibly interstate, or being entombed in a mausoleum.

Coffin/Casket Sheaf 

A coffin sheaf or casket sheaf is a floral tribute that is placed on top of a coffin or casket.

Grave Marker

A grave marker is a wooden cross with an engraved name plate, and generally, a grave marker is only required when a new monumental grave is purchased and it is used as a temporary alternative to a monument or headstone.

Memorial Book

A memorial book is a specially designed book that mourners record their name in as they enter a funeral.

Mass Booklets

Mass booklets are detailed booklets that provide mourners with the religious responses used during certain religious funerals.

Order of Service

Order of service is a basic outline to inform mourners about the different segments that will take place during a funeral. 

Lowering Device

A lowering device is equipment that is sometimes used to lower a coffin or casket into a grave.

Catafalque

A catafalque is a well presented stand that a coffin or casket is placed on. Catafalques are generally present in crematorium chapels and only used if a cremation takes place following the service in the chapel.

Thurible

Thurible is the term used to refer to the metal censer suspended with chains that is used to burn incense during certain religious funerals.

Hearse

A hearse is a vehicle specifically designed to respectfully transport an encoffined deceased.

Mourning Coach

Mourning coach refers to the car that is used to transport the family on the day of the funeral. This may be a luxurious sedan or a stretched limousine.

Clergy

Clergy is a term that is used to describe someone that has been ordained as a religious leader.

Celebrant

Celebrant is the title used to describe someone who leads non denominational services.