If you’ve recently lost a loved one, you may have a lot to process. One way to honor their spirit and keep them in your hearts is by planning a memorial service. If you’re considering this option, the following guide can help you understand how to proceed.

Your Guide to Memorial Services

How is a memorial service different than a funeral?

A memorial service is often less formal than a funeral. The body or cremation urn typically isn’t present, and it isn’t led by members of the clergy. Instead, the family picks a master of ceremonies who leads the memorialization. Everyone who attends then has the opportunity to participate rather than just being a spectator.

Is planning this type of service difficult?

Working with the right funeral home makes the process go smoothly. However, you’ll need to decide a few elements to ensure that the ceremony is appropriately fitting as a tribute to your loved one. You can decide where it will be held, who to invite, and what kind of food and beverages are served.

Which type of service is better?

The type of service you choose is entirely up to you. A funeral is more formal and structured. It typically takes place soon after the loss of the deceased. Memorial services can take place at any time after the loved one's passing. Many people find these ceremonies to be cathartic because they allow those who attend to remember the deceased in their own way.

The two don’t have to be mutually exclusive, so you can have both services. It’s common to have the funeral first, followed by the memorial.

What if I don’t have anyone who wants to lead the service?

Hosting a memorial can be stressful, especially for someone who is currently grieving. Luckily, there are celebrants who can help. This is a person who is not a member of the clergy but is trained to lead formal ceremonies. They’ll work with you to create a service that accurately reflects the life of your loved one while helping people pay their respects.

 

For more help preparing a memorial service for a loved one, contact the helpful staff at Cremation Service of Western New York in Rochester, NY. For more than 25 years, this family-owned and -operated company has helped residents of Monroe County work through the grieving process to plan a service that honors their loved ones. They have the experience needed to make the process as stress-free as possible for you. Schedule an appointment by calling (585) 544-4500 or learn more about how their process works online.