When a loved one passes, you have several decisions to make. A key one is choosing whether to hold a traditional funeral service or opt for a memorial instead. At Cannon-Cleveland Funeral Directors in McDonough, GA, they’re always happy to explain the difference between the two, helping families make the ideal decision for their circumstance.

Funeral Service

During a funeral, family and friends gather to remember the life of someone who’s passed. While doing so, the body is present—because of this, these services take place shortly after death. Although not a requirement, the gathering typically ends in a burial. Some people hold funerals before a cremation, giving attendees a chance to view the body beforehand. 

Memorial Service

With a memorial, the body is not present. They are a common choice in the event a loved one has already been cremated, or if a family simply needs more time to finalize plans. Because the body is not incorporated, there’s no discerned time the gathering has to take place—although most hold it sooner rather than later. Others may wait an extended period before arranging anything. If you need more time to coordinate things—perhaps a few attendees are coming in from out of the country—you may choose a date further off in the future. 

At Cannon-Cleveland Funeral Directors, in McDonough, GA, they understand that making these decisions can be challenging. That’s why they work closely with families to help them better understand the pros and cons of their options. Contact them online for more information about the differences between a funeral service and a memorial, or call (770) 914-1414.