When dealing with a funeral for the first time, many people will be very nervous due to a lot of terminology, such as"Vigil", "Funeral","Transit"Wait. In fact, the overall process is much simpler than imagined. As long as you understand a few key periods, it is enough to arrange flower stands and attendance time.
This page will use the actual practice in Hong Kong to explain the three most common funeral terms from the simplest to the deeper to help you understand the funeral process step by step. It also mentionsThe best time to send flower stands, so that even if it is your first time to buy flowers, you can arrange them appropriately without being rude.
1. What is "night vigil"? — The time when relatives and friends mainly come to pay their respects
vigilGenerally arranged inThe night before the funeral, related to Hong Kong funeralRelatives and friends are most present and stay the longest. For the family members, the vigil is a night where "everyone comes slowly and speaks slowly according to the time."
What does a vigil usually include?
- The mourning hall has been decorated with photos, incense tables, flower stands, etc.
- Relatives and friends arrive in batches, bow, offer incense or lay flowers to pay last respects to the deceased.
- Depends on religion: chanting, prayer, poetry, Taoist rituals, etc.
- Family members "stand" in front of the mourning hall or at the door to express their gratitude to relatives and friends present
- Sign a book of condolence, send money, and exchange simple greetings with family members
What is the relationship between keeping vigil and sending flower stands?
In Hong Kong, most funeral parlors are held inAfternoon around 3pm – 8pmReceive and place flower stands so that relatives and friends can see the flower baskets/flower stands sent by each party as soon as they enter the vigil.
- Main flower delivery period = vigil night
- Flower stands will be displayed along the corridor, outside the venue or on both sides of the mourning hall to facilitate family members to take photos.
- If you only plan to send flowers but may not be present at the event, generally a vigil is the most stable day to send flowers.
👉 If you want to learn more about the ritual differences between different religions during night vigils, please refer to: "Differences in Religious Rituals (Non-Religious/Christian/Buddhist/Taoist)"
2. What is "funeral"? — The formal ceremony and the day of transference
funeral ceremonyIt is usually arranged on the morning after the vigil and is part of the entire funeral process.The most formal and solemnPart of the final tribute, religious rites and removal to the crematorium or cemetery.
Common procedures on the day of funeral
- Relatives and friends arrive at the mourning hall at the designated time, usually in the morning
- Perform religious ceremonies (chanting, praying, singing, preaching, etc.)
- Depending on the arrangement, there may be a final viewing of the remains
- Family members bow and express thanks to relatives and friends for coming
- Sealing the coffin and moving the body to the hearse
- The hearse departs for the crematorium or cemetery. In some cases, "transit" will be arranged
Will flower stands be collected on the day of the funeral?
Generally,Flower stands will no longer be collected in large quantities on the morning of the funeral, because the venue needs to allow time for moving the spirit, clearing the place, and arranging the next funeral.
- If there is a vigil: flower stands mostly concentrated inThe night of the vigilDelivered
- IfOnly funeral on the same day, no vigil, flower stands will be delivered to the mourning hall before the morning ceremony
3. What is "transit"? — The hearse passes through meaningful places
So-called"Transit"means that the hearse will be arranged in advance during the funeral.Driving through places that have special meaning to the deceased or family members, so that relatives and friends there can briefly pay tribute to the hearse.
Common transit locations
- The deceased’s previous residence or the home he shared with his spouse
- Residence of children, siblings or close friends
- The company, shop or factory where you have worked for many years
- Frequently visited places, such as teahouses, golf courses or streets with special memories
Are flower stands necessary for transit?
Border crossing itself is not the main flower delivery period for flower stands.
If relatives and friends want to pay their respects at the border crossing point, they usuallySmall bouquet, single flower or bowMainly, large flower stands will not be displayed on the roadside.
💡 If family members wish to arrange transit, they should generally discuss the route and time with the funeral company and hearse company in advance to avoid affecting the reservation time at the crematorium or cemetery.
4. A simple comparison of "vigil", "funeral" and "transit"
| Project | Held time | Main purpose | Atmosphere | Are flower stands suitable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vigil | The night before the funeral | Relatives and friends come to pay their respects and accompany the family members | More mobile, with more visits from relatives and friends | ✅ Main flower delivery periods |
| Funeral procession | The morning after the vigil | Perform religious ceremonies, final salutes, spirit transfer | The most solemn and compact process | ⭕ If there is no vigil, you can send flowers in the morning; if there is a vigil, send flowers at a centralized vigil |
| Transit | Funeral in progress | The hearse passes by important locations to say its final farewell | Short time, mostly emotional farewells | ❌ Not suitable for large flower stands, small bouquets can be used instead |
5. Dealing with a funeral for the first time? Three simple guidelines
- 1) First figure out the "venue + vigil/funeral date"
In most cases, just know:funeral parlor name, religion, approximate dateis enough to help you recommend the appropriate flower payment and flower delivery time. - 2) The flower delivery time is based on "the night of the vigil" as the standard
Funerals with vigils, usuallyVigil Partyis the most important time to send flowers. If only the funeral is held on the same day, it will be changed toThe morning before the ceremonyDelivered. - 3) Don’t know how to choose money? The most stable selection of hot-selling items
If you are completely unfamiliar with funeral rites, there is no need to insist on choosing a special style, chooseHot selling flower baskets / flower stands, generally has a balance in size, color, and price, and is suitable for any religion and age. If you want to know what you can do when buying flowers for the first time, you can refer to: "Can I order flowers when buying flowers for the first time? 》
If your family is feeling overwhelmed with funeral arrangements, this is actually quite normal. Our team travels to major funeral parlors every day and is very familiar with different venue procedures, religious ceremonies and flower delivery times. All you need to do is tell us:Name of the deceased, funeral parlour, vigil/funeral date, we can help you step by step to suggest suitable flower arrangements and flower delivery arrangements.
If you are unsure about anything, please feel free to contact us via WhatsApp and we will explain it to you in the simplest way so that you can focus on spending time with your family without being rude to them.