How Long Do Funerals Last?

Each funeral is customised to a family's needs, so it's often challenging to gauge the actual length of any funeral. Funeral masses held in the Catholic Church may take about 45 minutes, while a traditional funeral held in the funeral home or church can take between 20-30 minutes. Funerals taken by a humanist or civil celebrant can last as little as 15 minutes. We'll help you understand the typical funeral lengths of varying types of funerals.

A Catholic funeral typically includes a special mass, the Requiem Mass, dedicated to the deceased. During this mass, communion takes place, where consecrated bread and wine, which signify Christ's body and blood, are consumed by the participants. This service typically takes about 45 minutes.

A Church of England or Anglican funeral typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. The duration of a traditional Anglican funeral can depend on the structure of the service, the inclusion of additional readings, hymns or tributes, and whether it takes place in a church, crematorium or graveside.

A Humanist funeral is typically reserved for people who believe life is based on reason and humanity instead of religion. The funerals don't typically have acts of worship as part of the ceremony. The structure of Humanist funerals is usually similar to religious services with the ceremony typically ranging from 40 minutes to an hour.

Jewish funerals generally last between 40 minutes and an hour, depending on the chosen ceremony. Most Orthodox Jews choose simple services that can last as little as 15 minutes, while some Jewish communities choose more readings and remembrances, increasing the funeral to longer than one hour.

The length of Muslim funerals typically ranges from 30 minutes to an hour, although it can be extended due to a large number of attendees. The service is conducted by an Imam, and attendees participate in prayers for the deceased.

Hindu funerals are usually relatively brief, lasting around 30 minutes. They consist of a welcoming ceremony, followed by a ritual and then a cremation. Those in attendance at a Hindu funeral are expected to dress in white, as opposed to the traditional black.

Bridgwater Funeral Services can help you better understand the length of time it may take for specific funerals. Since 2002, our loving family business has severed the area with personal funeral services. We cater to all types of funerals and help your departed loved ones receive the funeral service they deserve. We offer horse-drawn funerals, military funerals, Green and Woodland burials, and funeral services in all religious denominations. We invite you to reach out to our team to learn more about our funeral services today. Call us today.