Order of Family in a Funeral Procession

There are many different traditions we use to find closure and say goodbye to a loved one, and the funeral procession is one of the most time-honoured. Also known as a funeral cortege, this is a traditional way to give a loved one a final send-off, but it can be customised to fit the personality of the one who has died. From the vehicles involved to the route the funeral procession travels, every aspect can be tailored to reflect the life that was lived and the one you are honouring.

A funeral procession usually consists of the hearse carrying the coffin, leading a line of limousines or private vehicles. It travels from the funeral parlour or house to the service, then from the service to the person’s final resting place, whether that is a cemetery or crematorium. When you are planning a funeral, however, you can change things. You can choose a horse-drawn hearse, for example, or choose to have the mourners walk instead of riding in vehicles. The procession can go on a different route, to reflect the person’s life and passions. The procession, and many other aspects of a funeral, can be tailored in a manner befitting the life that was lived.

The traditional order of procession puts the immediate family directly behind the hearse. After that, close family and friends join the line. The people who were important to the person who has died are also welcome to join the procession. This can include neighbours, colleagues, or carers. Funeral processions changed a bit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Though funeral attendance was severely restricted, people could safely join in the procession, to show their respect. Some people opted to take the cortege through prior neighbourhoods, allowing old friends to come to the street or follow the cars, to say their goodbyes.

As with many other facets of a funeral, the procession follows certain rules of etiquette. For example, other drivers are meant to show respect by stopping, or at least slowing down, to let the funeral procession go by. Pedestrians should also be mindful, refraining from pushing the button on a crosswalk if there is a funeral procession passing. Out of respect for the person who has died, and to give the family time to join the procession, the funeral director typically walks in front of the hearse for a little while, to start the procession.

Founded in 2002 by Nigel Gillard, Bridgwater Funeral Services Limited, in the centre of Bridgwater, Somerset, is a family business that provides personal service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Traditions both old and modern are honoured here, with Green and Woodland burials, horse-drawn funerals, military funerals, and services in all religious denominations as well as non-religious and humanist life celebrations. We also offer low-cost funerals and Golden Charter pre-paid funeral plans. If you need help planning a funeral and want to learn more about our services, contact us through our website for information and resources.