They share some similarities—they’re all events designed to honor a loved one—and there are some key differences. Let us help you understand.

Memorial service vs. funeral

The biggest difference between a memorial service and a funeral is the presence of the loved one. At a funeral, the loved one is present so guests can say goodbye. For that to be possible, the event must take place before burial or cremation. The tone of the service may also be a bit different.

Traditional funerals are based on long-established cultural and religious traditions. They are generally solemn and dignified events comprising a visitation, a ceremony with the loved one present in a casket, and cemetery burial, though families who choose cremation may also hold funeral services.

A traditional funeral is usually held at a funeral home or church and led by a funeral director or member of the clergy. Afterward, friends and family may join a procession to the cemetery or crematory. There is often a reception, which brings mourners together at the funeral home, the family's home or another venue of the family's choosing.

A memorial service may include many of the same elements as a traditional funeral—flowers, music, readings, a reception—but the loved one is not present at the service. There is no visitation or viewing beforehand, though if a loved one has been cremated, ashes may be present.

A memorial service may take place days, weeks or months after a death. It may take place at a funeral home, a church or elsewhere. A funeral director may preside over the service, or a clergy member or even a family member or friend may officiate.

Celebration of life vs. funeral

The appeal of the celebration of life has grown over the years. Especially post-pandemic, more and more families are placing value on uplifting ceremonies that bring friends and family together to share stories and reminisce with favorite foods and decor. A celebration of life can be simple or grand, but it's always a customized event informed by the things that made a person special.

Both celebrations of life and traditional funerals focus on honoring a loved one and comforting the bereaved, but there's a difference in mood and tone. Whereas funerals are more solemn and structured, celebrations of life are lighthearted and casual. A celebration of life may feel more personal, more intimate and more lively. Tears and laughter are equally welcome.

A celebration of life may take place at any location that held meaning for the person being honored. Yes, celebrations do take place at funeral homes and churches. They also take place at bars, restaurants and family homes. We've seen celebrations at breweries, vineyards, theme parks, zoos, museums and sporting events. Your imagination is the only limit.

Memorial service vs. celebration of life

You can probably see now how a memorial service blends elements of a traditional funeral and a celebration of life. They are alike in that they both usually take place after burial or cremation. Therefore, a family has time to carefully plan and guests from far away have time to make travel arrangements. They are different in that memorial services usually have a more formal structure and a more serious tone than celebrations of life. However, every service is different and that might not always be the case. 

Plan with us

There is no right or wrong way to say goodbye. Dignity Memorial® professionals are experts in traditional funerals, memorial services and celebrations of life. We take the time to get to know you and your family, and we personalize every service to the customs, traditions and preferences of the person being honored, no matter the type of service. Let us help you plan the perfect tribute for yourself or a loved one.

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