What type of funeral is characterized by a casket that is not available for viewing?

A closed-casket funeral is specifically defined by the absence of a casket for viewing purposes. In this type of service, the casket remains closed during the visitation and the funeral ceremony, meaning that attendees do not have the opportunity to see the deceased. This may be due to personal preferences of the family, the condition of the body, or cultural and religious practices that dictate a closed casket.

In contrast, an open-casket funeral allows for viewing, where the casket is left open so mourners can pay their respects to the deceased. A direct burial service involves interring the body shortly after death without a formal funeral service, often skipping ceremonial aspects altogether. A memorial service, while it may honor the deceased, does not typically involve a casket, whether open or closed, but rather focuses on celebrating the person's life. Thus, identifying the closed-casket funeral is crucial to understanding the variety of options available in funeral services.