There are a number of after death services that a family can choose to do to honor a loved one who has passed. Two of the most common services today are memorial services and funeral services.
They may sound the same, but below is a rundown of the key differences between funeral services and memorial services.
Funeral Services Are Held Before Cremation or Burial
One of the biggest differences between funeral services and memorial services is the timing. A funeral service will be held before cremation or burial. Arranging the funeral service in a short time period is one of the most challenging tasks related to deathcare.
Memorial Services Are Held After the Cremation or Burial
There’s less pressure with a memorial service because there aren’t any time constraints. A memorial service can be held any time after the deceased is cremated or buried. Some families will choose to have a memorial service long after the disposition on a special date or to allow friends and family to participate if they couldn’t make the funeral service.
Funeral Services Happen at a Funeral Home
Another limitation with funeral services is they happen at the funeral home’s property. Why? Because the deceased is present. Funeral homes understand this is a limitation and some have begun adding outdoor spaces to give clients some options.
Memorial Services Happen Just About Anywhere
A memorial service can happen almost anywhere. Because the body isn’t present at the memorial service there’s a lot more flexibility on the location.
Funeral Services Are Coordinated by the Funeral Home
It comes as no surprise that a funeral home coordinates the funeral services for the most part since they have to prepare the body and it happens at their facility.
Memorial Services Are Coordinated by the Family
After the cremation or burial the funeral home isn’t involved. The family is the ones who are in charge of arranging the memorial service.
Funeral Services Add to the Cost of Cremation or Burial
Of course, having the funeral home coordinate and host the funeral service is going to add to the final cost of deathcare services. Depending on the funeral home and the services that are selected, it can add significantly to the cost.
Memorial Services Are Independent of Cremation or Burial Costs
A memorial service won’t add to the cost of cremation or burial because that part of the process is already done. Families sometimes choose to forgo funeral services and have a memorial service instead to lower the cost of deathcare.
The Deceased’s Body is Present at a Funeral Service
As already noted, a stark difference between memorials and funeral services is the presence of the deceased. Typically, the body is in an open casket during the funeral service.
The Deceased’s Body Isn’t at a Memorial Service
There will be pictures and maybe even videos of the deceased during a memorial service, but the body is never present since it’s a post-cremation service.
With direct cremation there aren’t funeral services, but the family can choose to hold a memorial service. If that’s what your family plans to do, contact Direct Cremate for information on arranging cremation services.
