If your loved one did not specify whether they'd prefer a funeral or memorial service to be held in their honor, you may be wondering which option is the most appropriate after their passing. Here are a few important things to consider that should help you determine whether a funeral or memorial service is the right choice for your loved one:
Burial or Cremation
The first thing to consider when choosing a funeral or memorial service for your loved one is whether they are being buried or cremated. The body is typically present at a funeral, so if your loved one is being buried, a funeral might be the right choice — especially if family members want to view the body during the service.
But if your loved one will be cremated, there won't be a body to present at a funeral, so a memorial service might be a better choice overall. Photos and the cremated remains would take the place of the body at a memorial service.
Family Availability
It's also important to consider the availability of other family members when planning a funeral or memorial service for your loved one. If close family members live out of state and can't make it to a funeral or memorial service within a week or so of your loved one's passing, you may want to hold off and host a memorial service later down the line when everyone can attend.
If your loved one is being buried, you could host a funeral right away and then a memorial service later so all friends and family members can attend to grieve and come together for a celebration of life. Take the time to get to know the time limits and preferences of your close loved ones before making any final decisions.
Religious Elements
If your loved one was religious, their religion and beliefs that stem from that religion should be kept in mind when deciding whether to host a funeral or memorial service for them. If you aren't sure what their beliefs are, do some research about their religion to find out if cremation or a burial would be against their beliefs.
Make sure that any plans you make coincide with the main teachings of their religion. If your loved one was not particularly religious, you have a little more flexibility and can plan a funeral or memorial service based on your own beliefs or a mixture of family religious beliefs if that wouldn't compromise the integrity of your love one's personal beliefs.
Contact a funeral home to learn more about funeral memorial services.
Share4 December 2019
When you love someone deeply, it can really hurt to lose them. Unfortunately, millions of people every year are put in that situation, creating an intense amount of hurt for themselves and their families. Fortunately, working with the right funeral home can really improve the outcome of your individual challenges. I wanted to start a website that centered around planning memorial services efficiently and effectively, so you aren't burdened by a lot of details on the day you should be focused on what's really important: friends, family, and remembering the person you lost. Read these posts to learn more about planning a memorial.