Like other funeral services, LDS funerals are a chance for family and friends to bid farewell and honor a loved one. They often reflect a deep faith and devotion to God. Here is your guide to LDS funeral traditions and what to expect if you’re attending a funeral.

• The visitation
• The funeral
• The burial
• Cremation beliefs
• What guests should know

Families usually host a visitation or viewing the day or evening before a loved one's funeral. This typically takes place at the funeral home and is a time for friends and relatives to pay their respects. Some families may opt to hold the visitation the same day as the funeral; some may opt to hold one or both at a church.

An open casket may be present, allowing friends and family closure and finality by saying goodbye to their loved one. Sometimes, a viewing is held with a closed casket, an urn or simply pictures of the deceased.

A funeral for an LDS church member is similar to other Christian funeral services. The funeral may be held at a church, funeral home or cemetery. A bishop or other clergy member typically leads the service. The service may include prayers and songs. Friends and family may share memories of the deceased—even if they aren’t members of the faith. The service may be personalized to reflect the life and beliefs of the loved one being honored. Service leaders often share scripture and church teachings during the service. Church leaders and loved ones may also recite poems or give other readings and reflections about their relationship with the deceased.

Funeral songs and hymns

Many faiths, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, see music as a way to worship God. Funeral services typically include hymns, spiritual songs and poetry that are uplifting or evoke cathartic feelings of hope, love and peace. These elements bring guests and family together in a unified voice of grief and remind mourners that life does not end with death. They urge mourners to turn to Jesus in times of darkness and remember there is no earthly sorrow that will not be undone in heaven.

Here are just a few songs often requested by LDS families who choose Dignity Memorial^® providers:

• “God Be With You Till We Meet Again”
• “My Father”
• “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”

LDS members typically bury loved ones within seven days of their passing. If the loved one planned ahead for or the loved one's family choses traditional ground burial or cremation burial, an ordained member holding the Melchizedek priesthood will lead a prayer to dedicate the gravesite. This is called a Dedication of the Grave.

Burial garments

How a person is dressed for cremation or burial is an important detail within the LDS faith. If the deceased loved one has taken part in an endowment ceremony, a religious ceremony much like a baptism that represents that person's commitment to God, they are dressed in their all-white temple clothes before being laid to rest.

For men, this clothing includes specific undergarments, white pants, a white shirt, a white tie, white socks, white shoes or slippers, a white ceremonial robe, a white sash and a white cap.

Women's clothing includes specific undergarments, a white slip, a long-sleeved white dress, white socks or hosiery, white shoes or slippers, a white robe and a white sash.

Both men and women may also wear a green apron, which is a symbol of man's fall from grace. A white ceremonial veil may be placed over a woman's face right before her casket is closed or she is placed in her cremation container.

Often family or church members dress the deceased in these sacred clothes. For modesty purposes, those dressing the loved one are of the same gender. If there's no such family member or church member, a member of the funeral home team can dress the loved one. If state law requires that only a licensed funeral director can care for the deceased, an endowed family member can check to be sure that their loved one has been properly dressed.

If the deceased loved one has not taken part in an endowment ceremony, that person would simply be dressed in their regular clothing.

Cremation is acceptable for members of the LDS faith. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that the body will be resurrected. They believe God has the power to resurrect even scattered ashes. So if an LDS church member or a loved one's family chooses cremation, there can still be a viewing and memorial service at the church, if that's the desire.

Attending an LDS funeral

Most LDS funerals are held in a church building. Funerals are not held in temples. All people regardless of their faith are welcome to attend. There are no specific requirements or expectations for those in attendance. The LDS community is inclusive and appreciates the presence of anyone who wishes to pay their final respects or offer condolences to a grieving family.

If you've been to a traditional Christian funeral, you'll find that a Mormon funeral feels familiar. It may last an hour or longer, and it may include a eulogy, prayers, music, flowers and more. After the service, there may be a procession to the cemetery and a brief graveside ceremony for a final goodbye. To conclude, friends and family may return to the funeral home or the church for a reception.

What to wear

Guests should dress respectfully and modestly. Choose something similar to what you might wear if you were planning to attend a church service. There are no specific customs requiring certain colors to be worn or avoided, and wearing black and other dark colors is a safe decision.

Expressing condolences

Offering support to a grieving family can make a big difference. Start by letting them know you are there for them. You can share that they are in your thoughts and prayers. If you don’t know what to say, be honest. Let the family know you don’t know what to say but that you love and care for them.

Sending flowers or gifts

Though never required, it’s a kind gesture to send flowers to a family who's lost a loved one. Some families request “in lieu of flowers” donations to a church organization or charity. Sending food or organizing a meal train for a grieving family is a beautiful way to show support. You can send a gift or give the gift of time in offering to babysit, pet sit or house sit. Even a phone call or a card will be appreciated.

SEND FLOWERS