After someone passes away, family, friends, and loved ones often gather together to honor their dearly departed through a personalized funeral or memorial service. Although memorials and funerals are different services with distinct traditions, many people confuse the two. Below, the experts from Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford, CT, will explain what to know about the different ways to celebrate a beautiful life.

3 Differences Between Memorials & Funerals

Presence Of The Body 

A funeral service is generally held in the presence of the deceased’s body. During the ceremony, the burial may take place. If the body was cremated, the urn may be present and then buried, or the ashes may be scattered. Cremated remains may also be present at a memorial service, although this happens less frequently.

Service Timing

Funerals typically occur within a week of the individual’s passing. This is especially true with traditional burial ceremonies, as the body can only be preserved for so long. Because the body is not necessarily a focal element of a memorial service, such events may be held weeks or even months after the death. This also permits enough time for out-of-town family members to arrange for travel and accommodations.

Service Location

Funerals tend to have viewings and services held at funeral homes or religious venues, like churches. This part of the funeral is often followed by the burial. Memorial services tend to be more flexible; they may be held at a loved one’s home, a place special to the deceased, or any other desired venue. Many people choose to hold both a funeral and memorial service, with the former serving to commemorate the body of the deceased and the latter memorializing their life and spirit. 

For a beautiful and respectful memorial or funeral service, enlist the help of Adzima Funeral Home. To start planning a ceremony, call a helpful professional today at (203) 375-2200. For more information, visit the funeral home’s website.