NBE Funeral Directing Practice Exam

What happens during a funeral service when the body is present?

1. A wake is held

2. A memorial service is conducted

3. A formal funeral service takes place

4. A private viewing occurs

The correct answer is: A formal funeral service takes place

When the body is present at a funeral service, a formal funeral service takes place. This type of service is specifically designed to honor and remember the deceased. It typically includes a structured program that may involve speeches, prayers, music, or readings reflecting the life and values of the individual who has passed away. The presence of the body allows attendees to have a physical connection to the deceased, providing an important opportunity for closure and support among family and friends. A wake is a gathering that often occurs prior to a funeral service, usually to pay respects and offer condolences to the family, but it is not the formal service itself. A memorial service typically occurs without the body present, focusing on celebrating the life of the deceased in a setting that might not include traditional funeral elements. A private viewing allows a smaller group to say final goodbyes, but it’s more intimate and not the formal setting of a funeral service that would involve all attendees. Hence, the formal funeral service is the context in which the body is present.