Funeral,
Memorial Service
or Celebration of Life?
What is the difference between a Funeral, Memorial Service and a Celebration of Life?
Every family is different and we all choose to honour the memory of our loved ones in different ways as we, and they, are all unique. No matter the ceremony you choose, I am available to journey with you to offer support and guidance as we honour the life of your loved one.
​
When many of us think of what happens after the passing of a loved one we think of a traditional funeral service which could be take place in a Church or Crematorium and possibly include a short graveside service.
​
Over the years funerals have become a lot less prescriptive with the opportunity to make the ceremony more personal. With the current rise in direct cremations the landscape is shifting so I have developed this guide to help you to make informed decisions.
Funeral Ceremony
A Funeral Ceremony traditionally occurs with the deceased present in a casket or coffin. Funerals tend to take place in various locations and can include some of the following:
-
Church Service followed by Burial at a Cemetery.
-
Church Service followed by a Ceremony at the Crematorium.
-
Ceremony at the Crematorium.
-
Ceremony at the Crematorium followed by Burial at a Cemetery.
While this list is not exhaustive, and each element can happen in a different order, these are the most recognised options.
Over the last twenty years funerals have become a lot more focused on the individual that we are saying goodbye to and can include both Religious and Non-Religious elements depending on yours and your loved ones wishes.
Various elements that may be included within the ceremony are: readings, prayers, poetry, hymns and songs.
If the ceremony is taking place at a Crematorium we also have the option of including a visual tribute which is a slide show of still images set to a piece of music.
Central to most funerals is the Eulogy or Tribute, where we reflect on the life of the deceased. While this is often read by one person, it can also be multi-voiced and include messages from loved ones or even an opportunity for people to share their own memories on the day.
​
While most people think of the 'traditional' funeral elements we can be more creative if you would like within the time frame and space that we have available. I have led ceremonies before with a Silver Band accompaniment and also had everyone singing the deceased's favourite karaoke song.
Memorial Services
A Memorial Service is very similar to a Funeral Ceremony when it comes to content, the main difference being that the deceased is not present.
​
Choosing a Memorial Service gives the opportunity for more freedom and creativity than a traditional Funeral Ceremony allows as we are not restricted to where the service is held. In that regard, a direct cremation will normally occur within a few weeks of your loved one passing. A Memorial Service will often take place in the immediate weeks after someone's death to offer family and friends the opportunity to mourn and gather to remember the deceased and celebrate their life.
​
When it comes to location a Memorial Service can take place in a place of worship, a private venue, a nursing home, or even at home. You can choose to have a Memorial Service wherever you feel most comfortable and I am available to journey with you through this process, offering support and guidance along the way.
​
At times, people want the opportunity to talk through their thoughts and feelings before passing and I am available to meet with individuals and families to listen and talk through various options to help alleviate stress when the time comes.
​
Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Life can easily be confused with a Memorial Service, and they are very similar but with subtle differences.
​
In essence, A Celebration of Life offers the most creative freedom as we celebrate the life of your loved one. The timescale can vary dramatically with Celebrations taking place immediately after the passing of a loved one (which means you can have them present) or in the months, even years that follow.
​
A Celebration of Life will typically happen at the venue of your choosing, it could be a beautiful barn, where your loved one is present in a wicker coffin. While memories can be shared, this can be done in a relaxed and informal way and incorporate any number of creative elements.
​
For others, A Celebration of Life might coincide with the scattering of ashes during an evening around a bonfire with Fireworks, Music and Stories being shared.
​
The reality is, you can be as creative as you want.
