How Does a Traditional Funeral Compare to a Memorial Service?

In recent years, people have started to become more and more creative with making plans for their loved ones’ final arrangements. Traditional funerals and burials are still common, but many people are opting for cremation services near College Park, MD. There are several main differences between a traditional funeral and a memorial service, and both leave some room to create a more personalized service.

A traditional funeral typically begins with either visitation or viewing. A viewing is when the casket is open so that attendees can say their final goodbyes to the departed. A visitation is similar, but with a closed casket. Both options give a chance for people attending to give their brief condolences to the family while saying their goodbyes. The visitation or viewing may take place on the same day as the funeral, or it may be held the day before. Having it the day before can be beneficial because it allows for more flexibility with scheduling conflicts that attendees may have, and it doesn’t make for such an exhausting, long day. After the visitation and viewing, the funeral service takes place. This typically takes place either in a church or a funeral home, with the body present in the casket. Someone is chosen to officiate the services, and a eulogy is delivered as well. Depending on whether the deceased wishes to be buried or cremated, their body will then be transported either to the cemetery or the crematory. All of this must take place within a few days after the person passes away.

Read More: Ways to a Memorial Service

A memorial service often takes place without the presence of the body of the departed. Some people will have their loved one’s ashes present at the memorial service. Because of this, it does not have to be scheduled within a certain time frame. Many people are grateful not to be constrained by this, and it relieves some of the pressure of planning that the immediate family feels during an already difficult time. A memorial service can be similar to a traditional funeral in many ways, taking place at a church or funeral home, with an officiant, etc. However, it does lend itself to some creativity and personalization, if the family wishes. It also makes it easier to plan for distant relatives to travel, or to plan for it to take place in the warmer months. Many people are even choosing to hold a “Celebration of Life”, which generally has a more upbeat feeling and a less formal atmosphere.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, and each person is unique. It’s up to their family to decide which type of service would be most fitting to honor their memory. Your provider of cremation services near College Park, MD, can be of help when it comes to planning and memorialization. They can give suggestions for funeral homes and other types of venues for your loved one’s final arrangements. This way, you can be sure that your loved one’s services will honor them in the best way possible.