3 Distinct Differences Between Funeral And Memorial Services

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The death of a loved one often brings family and friends together. Every family grieves in its own way, but it is customary to hold some type of remembrance service for the individual that has passed.

Two of the most common services used by families today are funerals and memorials. These services are often confused with one another, but there are some distinct differences that set them apart. Understanding these differences will help you better determine the best option to mourn a lost loved one in the future.

1. The Presence of the Deceased

The primary difference between a funeral and a memorial service is the presence of the deceased individual. The body is present during a funeral service. This makes funerals a great option for those individuals who choose to have their loved one embalmed.

The body of a loved one is not present for a memorial service. This allows a memorial service to commemorate the life of a loved one who has chosen to be cremated or who has already been interred.

2. The Venue

Another distinct difference between funerals and memorial services is where these events take place. A funeral is usually held in a place of worship, in the chapel at a funeral home, or at the cemetery. Funerals are formal affairs, and a formal venue is required to set the stage for the services.

A memorial service has no limitations when it comes to the venue in which the event is held. You can host a memorial service at a loved one's favorite restaurant, theme park, or sporting venue. Since a memorial service is more informal than a funeral, the options are endless when it comes to selecting a location.

3. The Program of Events

Traditional funeral services typically consist of three main parts. A visitation hour is offered before the formal service to give friends and family members time to share their condolences and view the body of the deceased. A formal program typically follows, with a committal ceremony concluding the service.

The program during a memorial is much more informal. Memorial services are designed to celebrate the life of the individual who has passed and can more resemble a party than a somber event.

Guests may be asked to share memories, a slideshow with photographs or videos from the deceased's life might be shown, and music will usually be played during a memorial service.

To learn more about funeral memorial services, reach out to a funeral home near you.

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5 February 2020

Saying Goodbye With Grace

Unfortunately, death is an inevitable part of life. Everyone knows this, but the knowledge does not make it easier to handle the passing of a loved one. A good funeral home understands what you are going through and takes steps to make this challenging time easier on you and your family members. From leading a memorial service to hosting a viewing, funeral homes can help you say goodbye with grace. If you would like to learn more about funeral homes and the services they offer, check out the articles on this website. We think you will find them informative and helpful in the most caring of ways.