Whether you're marking the loss of a loved one or involved in funeral pre-planning for yourself, it's important to understand the differences between a funeral and a memorial service. Each offers friends and family the opportunity to come together, celebrate life, and support one another in their grief. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they do not have the same meaning. This guide explains the differences between these two events to help you decide which is most appropriate for your situation.

1. The Presence of the Body

A funeral includes the body of the deceased, while a memorial service does not. If the body was buried before the ceremony, the following event is a memorial. The same is true for situations in which an urn with cremated remains is present. If the body of the deceased is intact and at the service, it is a funeral ceremony. In this case, the burial will occur afterward.

2. Timing

A memorial is typically held well after the death has occurred; it may be planned to coincide with a date that was significant to the deceased. A funeral usually takes places within a few days of the death. 

3. Flexibility

Some religions dictate whether a person should be buried and how the funeral should be conducted. The funeral home you work with will help you create a ceremony that honors these traditions as well as your loved one’s personality. Since memorial services are considered less formal occasions, you can personalize them to celebrate the life and legacy of the deceased. If your loved one was cremated, you might want to spend part of the event scattering the ashes in a special location. 

By understanding the differences between funerals and memorial services, you can design the perfect goodbye for someone you love. The Robert W. Waid Funeral Home in Meadville, PA, has been helping families plan meaningful ceremonies for more than a century. Call (814) 724-1021 or visit their website to learn more about the planning process.