Burial process
Burial in Vienna involves the interment of a casket in a grave. A ceremony of some kind in the chapel of rest at the cemetery is usually held prior to the interment. The ceremony can be designed according to the wishes of the bereaved. After this, the casket is carried to the graveside by four pallbearers. The funeral guests accompany the deceased in a funeral procession on their final journey to the grave. After the casket is lowered into the grave, roses or earth may be thrown on top.
Caskets can be made from various timbers. Simple caskets are usually made from pine or spruce with cast-iron or plastic handles. Superior models may be made from oak, rosewood or mahogany. Oak has the advantage of being particularly sturdy, stronger than pine or spruce. It is important that a casket should be made from biodegradable materials.
The use of a casket is legally required in Austria, although this has not always been the case. Up until the 19th century, those who could not afford a casket were customarily buried wrapped in a simple linen cloth. But a casket is required today in Vienna, even if the body is to be cremated.From 1886 to 1964, burial in earth was the only funeral method permitted in the Roman Catholic church. Even though the church no longer prescribes burial, for some church members it remains the only “correct” type of burial.
Affordable burial in Vienna
A burial in Vienna can also take place without a funeral ceremony. This option is often selected by the family if no additional services are required – for example, if the deceased had specified during their lifetime that they wished to be buried without a ceremony, or if there are very few surviving relatives. A meaningful compromise could be to conduct a burial in Vienna in the form of a small ceremony at the graveside, with or without a priest or celebrant. You can still conduct a respectful farewell to the deceased without having to pay a great deal of money.
Possible Services
Advisory session
Journey and collection (basic washing and dressing)
Administrative formalities (hospital, official bodies, etc.)
Coffin as specified by the customer
Transportation of the deceased to the cemetery
Refrigeration until burial
Design and printing of funeral notices, commemorative pictures and thank-you cards
Liaison with cemetery and religious dignitaries
Organisation of funeral service
Music (live music or CD)
Burial of the coffin by our own funeral assistants
If you have any other questions, please contact us. We will be happy to advise you regarding the various options for arranging a burial, either over the telephone or at one of our branch offices.
Alternative types of funeral
Cremation in Vienna
Vienna entombment
