What Do Funeral Services Include?

Matt Schichtel • July 10, 2026

Summary 

• Funeral services typically include professional care of the deceased, planning guidance, and meaningful opportunities for remembrance.
• According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), services often include a visitation, ceremony, or gathering that supports healing for family and friends.
• The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, requires funeral homes to clearly outline all available services through an itemized price list, known as the General Price List, ensuring transparency and understanding.
• Families in Lakeland may personalize services with music, readings, photos, or special tributes that reflect their loved one’s life and traditions. 


What Do Funeral Services Include? 

Families in Lakeland often ask what funeral services include and how each element helps them honor a loved one. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), funeral services are designed to provide structure, care, and meaningful opportunities for remembrance. All information shared reflects national guidance and standards accurate as of 2025. 


Funeral directors typically assist families with planning and coordination, including arranging ceremonies, working with clergy or celebrants, and completing required documentation. The Funeral Rule, enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, requires funeral homes to clearly outline all available services through an itemized price list, known as the General Price List, ensuring transparency and understanding. 


Many services include a visitation or ceremony that allows family and friends to gather, share memories, and support one another. The Funeral Consumers Alliance (FCA) notes that these gatherings often play an important role in the grieving and healing process. 


Transportation and logistical support are also commonly included. This typically involves transfer from the place of death, use of a funeral coach, and coordination with cemeteries or crematories. Families may receive assistance with death certificates, permits, and obituary placement. 


Personalization is often an important part of funeral services. Families may choose music, readings, photographs, or symbolic elements that reflect their loved one’s values, traditions, and life story. 


Frequently Asked Questions 


What are the main parts of a funeral service? 

Most funeral services include professional care of the deceased, planning guidance, transportation, a visitation or ceremony, and help with the necessary documentation. 


Can funeral services be personalized? 

Yes. Families may personalize services with music, readings, photographs, tributes, or other meaningful details that reflect their loved one’s life. 


What does a funeral director do? 

Funeral directors guide families through planning decisions, coordinate service details, and help ensure legal and logistical requirements are handled with care and professionalism. 


Written for Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory, proudly serving families in Lakeland with compassion and care. 


About Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory 

Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory, located at 328 S Ingraham Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801, provides compassionate and professional funeral and cremation services for families throughout the community. For assistance or information, call 863-682-0111. 


www.heathfuneralchapel.com

By Matt Schichtel June 5, 2026
Families in Lakeland often ask how preplanning can help ease future emotional and financial decisions.
By Matt Schichtel May 8, 2026
Families in Lakeland, FL often wonder what happens during the cremation process.
By Matt Schichtel April 10, 2026
Families in Lakeland, Florida often ask what information is required from the next of kin when planning burial or cremation. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), written authorization from the legal next of kin is typically required before final arrangements can proceed.
By Matt Schichtel March 6, 2026
Families in Lakeland often ask why funeral and cremation costs differ from one funeral home to another. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), these variations occur nationwide due to differences in operating expenses, staffing requirements, and available service options.
By Matt Schichtel February 6, 2026
Families in Lakeland, Florida, often ask what cremation costs and how national averages apply to their needs. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2024 General Price List Study, the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280, accurate as of 2025.
By Matt Schichtel January 9, 2026
Families in Lakeland, Florida, often ask what cremation costs and how national averages apply to their needs. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2024 General Price List Study, the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280, accurate as of 2025
By Matt Schichtel March 27, 2025
There is a woman who once thought that she’d like to have a hologram made of her wearing an Obi-Wan Kenobi robe for her funeral. Her four sons grew up during the Star Wars era and similar to Obi-Wan, she would love to pass along the wisdom she acquired over her lifetime to those she loves. And yes, she would also like to have the last word! So who should this woman see to discuss and share her wishes?
By Matt Schichtel March 27, 2025
The story below illustrates the benefits of preplanning your funeral. Also known as an “advance funeral plan”, “preneed”, or a “preplanned funeral”, it is one of the few things in life where you can pay today’s prices for a product and service you may not need for many years down the road, thus saving you money.
By Matt Schichtel March 27, 2025
Veterans Day, a national and state holiday, serves as a day for Americans to come together to show their deep respect and appreciation for the military veterans of our country. It is the one day a year when we pause, reflect and show our gratitude to all those who are serving or have ever served in our military. So how did it come to be?
By Matt Schichtel March 27, 2025
There are two ways to take care of funeral planning: 1) you can plan your own funeral in advance or 2) your survivors can plan your funeral for you after your death. Regardless of when it is planned, or who plans the funeral, the planning needs to start with your family. Your family should be the foundation for funeral planning.