HOW DIFFERENT IS A FUNERAL FROM A MEMORIAL SERVICE?
Planning a funeral or memorial service in the UK isn't as straightforward as most people think. This is especially true if you're not sure how one differs from the other. Luckily, we're going to break things down and help clear things up. Read on to learn what the difference is between a funeral and a memorial service.
What is a Funeral?
A funeral is more traditional. It is a ceremony that is held to honour a person’s life that has recently passed. It is held for a loved one who has died. It is held in a funeral home, crematorium, church or cemetery, with a service that usually lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. While a funeral will consist of prayers, hymns, and eulogies, it will most likely not be a public event, like a memorial service.
A funeral is also different from a memorial service because it is a sombre event. One of the things that make a funeral a funeral is that it is not a celebration of life. This is not to say that a funeral is not a happy event, however. It is instead a sign of respect for the deceased. Some people find a funeral to be a fitting way to say goodbye to a loved one. Most people say that a funeral is the best way to honour the one who has just passed. During a traditional funeral the deceased is present in a coffin.
What is a Memorial Service?
A memorial service is a time of celebration. It is not an event that is attended out of respect for the deceased. Instead, it is an event that is used to honour the life of the deceased and celebrate their life, as well as the lives of their family and friends.
The service can be held on a date of the deceased's choosing. It can even be held on a date that has special meaning to the deceased or their loved ones. This is a service that is a way to say goodbye to someone who has recently passed away as well as a way to honour the life they led. The coffin is not present at a memorial service.
There are many different ways that a memorial service can be held. People can have it held anywhere they would like. Some people have their service held in the deceased's home. Some choose a restaurant or park to hold the service. It is up to those who are planning to have the service. It is their choice.
How Are Funeral and Memorial Services Celebrated?
In both a funeral and a memorial service, the ceremony can take on a variety of forms. The essential thing is that the deceased is honoured in some way and that the people attending have the opportunity to share their feelings. The following are some of the ways in which this can be achieved:
Eulogy: A eulogy is a speech that features positive memories of the deceased person and is often given by a member of the family, a close friend, or the deceased's clergy. Sometimes, the eulogy is presented with the assistance of photos or video clips of the deceased person.
Memorial Service Video: Sometimes, a video is made to remember the deceased person. The video typically features a mix of photos and video clips of the person, along with short tributes from the deceased's friends and family.
Music: A hymn, song, or instrumental piece may be played in a funeral or memorial service. This can be done live or via a recording.
Reading: When a person's loved ones or friends want to share their memories of the deceased, they can be asked to read an essay or a poem they have written.
Speaker: Often, the eulogy is presented by a speaker, such as a clergy member, a friend, or an elected official.
All of these elements can be used in a funeral or a memorial service. The main difference is the attitude that is projected during the service.
Conclusion
A funeral and a memorial service may seem the same on the surface, but once you look deeper into the meaning behind each, you can see why a funeral is more of a sombre event than a memorial service. It's important to know the differences between the two so you know exactly what kind of service you want for your deceased loved one.
Holmes & Family Funeral Directors has been serving clients in the UK for more than 30 years. We make sure that your loved ones get proper care and treatment as we prepare their body for the final burial rites. Our family funeral home is always available at your disposal should you need us in this difficult time. Give us a call today and let us attend to your needs. Holmes Funerals, 44 Alexandra Road, North Camp, Farnborough.