How does a funeral procession work

Funeral processions are an important part of the funeral service, giving family and friends the opportunity to say goodbye to their loved one. Joining them on their journey to their final resting place offers comfort and closure to those who cared for them. If you’ve not been a part of a funeral procession before or are unsure of what they entail, read on to find out more. 

What is a funeral procession?

A funeral procession is the traditional way to accompany a passed loved one on their final journey. A procession of vehicles accompanies the deceased to and from the service. This typically includes the funeral directors who transport the coffin and immediate family and close friends. Also known as a funeral cortege, it can begin either at the home of the person who has passed, or at the funeral home itself. 

What is a funeral cortege?

The cortege is the funeral procession that is delicately managed by funeral directors, who traditionally lead the cortege by walking in front of the hearse for a short distance at the beginning of the procession. They will get into the hearse for the journey to where the services being held -such as a place of worship, cemetery or crematorium- and will once again lead the procession on foot once they arrive. Close family and friends follow behind in cars provided by the funeral directors, with other friends and family joining the procession in their own vehicles. The cars in the funeral procession are sometimes marked by flags to indicate that they are part of the procession. 

Who leads a funeral procession?

A funeral procession is led by the funeral director. The funeral director will typically begin the journey on foot, before getting into the hearse to travel to where the service is taking place. Immediate family will be directly behind the hearse, with close family and friends following behind. If you’re unsure of where you will be positioned as part of the funeral procession, speak to your funeral director. 

Who takes part in a funeral procession?

A funeral procession involves the funeral directors, immediate family and friends. Those involved in the funeral procession will be aware of this prior to the day of the service. Funeral directors will direct all the cars involved in the procession to drive bumper-to-bumper. As family members or close friends are closer to the front of the procession, it’s recommended that you arrive roughly 45 minutes prior to the procession, giving the funeral director ample time to arrange the cars in the procession. 

How to drive in a funeral procession

Being a part of a funeral procession is understandably daunting and emotional for all involved. However, funeral directors make every effort to ensure that you feel comfortable and supported throughout the process. To prepare for the procession, we recommend that you consider the following: 

1. Arrive early

Arriving early to the location (either the home of the person who has passed away or the funeral home) will give you the chance to park up early and receive more information from the funeral director about the procession. This is also your chance to ask any questions you may have about the procession, such as the order the cars will travel in.  

2. Plan your route 

Making yourself aware of the funeral procession’s route beforehand will alleviate potential anxiety, and allow you to plan should you be separated from the funeral cars during your journey. 

3. Drive slowly 

Use the speed of the vehicle in front of you as a marker for the speed you should travel. Typically a funeral procession travels at around 20 miles per hour. During the funeral procession, continue to follow The Highway Code as you normally would. 

4. Stay close

Stay a close but safe braking distance from the car in front. Should you become separated at any point during the funeral procession, try to remain calm. Continue to follow the planned route to where the funeral service is to be held. 

Funeral procession etiquette and traditions

If you’re unsure of what to do if you encounter a funeral procession on the road, follow these key considerations to ensure you remain respectful to the procession. 

• Be considerate: It is considered common courtesy to slow down and not overtake as a sign of respect. This will also help the cars in the procession (which include close family and friends) to stay together. 
• Be respectful: Be considerate of those travelling in the funeral procession by maintaining a solemn demeanour when driving near a funeral procession. It is inappropriate to play loud music, shout or use your horn in their presence. 
• Give them space: The cars in the funeral procession need to stay together- so wait until the final car has passed before you continue your journey.

If you’re arranging a funeral procession or funeral and want to find out more, you can read our useful guides and discover our range of headstones and grave decorations. Memorials of Distinction are happy to answer your questions and put your mind at ease. Contact us today.