There's no one-size-fits-all answer for how long after death a funeral takes place. It depends on various factors:
Religious and cultural traditions: Some religions have customs dictating burial or cremation within a short time frame, while others might allow for longer periods.
Practical logistics: Arranging a funeral takes time. Availability of the funeral home, venue, religious figures, travel of loved ones, etc., can influence the timing.
Legal requirements: In some cases, if an investigation into the death is required (such as an autopsy), the funeral might be delayed.
The family's wishes: Families may want to take time to process their grief or allow distant relatives to attend, pushing the funeral further out.
With all this in mind, here's a general timeframe:
Common timeframe: Many funerals occur within a week or two of the person's death.
Factors allowing for more time: Preservation techniques have improved in recent times, giving families more flexibility with timing if needed.
Important to note: If the body is to be cremated, the family can often wait longer to hold a service, even if the cremation happens shortly after death.