When a loved one passes, you want to celebrate their life with friends and family. However, you also need to know the various options available at funeral homes as you plan this celebration. Most families will plan a funeral, memorial service, or both for their loved ones. The guide below outlines some of the main differences between these types of services. 

Understanding the Differences Between Funerals & Memorial Services

Funeral Service

The main factor that sets funerals apart is that the deceased individual’s body is present during the service. The funeral home places the casket or cremated remains at the front of the room, so the family can pay their respects.

Funeral services often take place several days after the individual has passed, but this timeline is more flexible with cremation. Traditionally, most families will go to a cemetery after the funeral to attend the burial. 

Memorial Service

Families often hold memorial services when the deceased individual’s remains are not available. However, some families may still hold memorial services when they have cremated remains or have already completed the burial. These celebrations often occur weeks or even months after the loved one has passed, featuring photos or mementos.

You can still host a memorial service at a funeral home, but a burial generally does not follow. Some families will hold a funeral for close relatives and later schedule a memorial service for others in their community to attend. 

If you aren’t sure whether a funeral or memorial service is best for your family, contact Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle, AK. This compassionate team has been serving local families since 1989, and they will guide you through every step of the funeral planning process. They also offer pre-planning services and early payments to help you plan for the future. Visit them online to view a full list of their services, or call (479) 229-2524 to start the funeral planning process.