Since time immemorial, bereaved family members have relied on funeral services to bid farewell to their deceased loved ones. In recent times, however, grieving families increasingly opt for celebration-of-life events to highlight the departed individual’s life and achievements. Both services help acknowledge the grief of losing someone close by bringing together your near and dear ones. However, they still differ from each other in many ways.

Traditional Funeral Services

Funerals are composed of three important stages to help family members bid a heartfelt goodbye to their loved one. These include:

• The Visitation: Also called the viewing, this step is held before the funeral and allows people to pay their final respects to the deceased.
• The Funeral Service: Funerals are generally organized in a funeral home or church, and are supervised by an officiant. The day may include eulogies, prayers, and Scripture recitations.
• The Interment: The committal or interment service is held at the burial site, where people gather following the funeral procession. This involves lowering the casket and offering final words of prayer for the departed.

Celebration-of-Life Events

These commemorative events closely resemble memorial services in the way they are organized. They don't follow the strict rituals and norms of funeral proceedings, giving family members the freedom to decide the event details. Since they are held after the funeral, there’s more time for the deceased’s inner circle to gain composure and plan a truly touching tribute for their late relative.

During the event, close family and friends get a chance to recall fond memories of the time they spent with the departed individual. They may also include personal and professional achievements the deceased person received during their lifetime.

A personalized funeral service fully captures how much you loved and appreciated the deceased’s presence in your life. The compassionate team at TP White & Sons Funeral Home will provide you support and assistance with organizing funeral and memorial services. The funeral home has helped countless residents throughout Cincinnati, OH, commemorate their loved ones in the most beautiful manner. For further information about their services, call (513) 231-7150 or visit their website.