What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?

Most of us don’t attend funerals regularly, so funeral terminology can be confusing. When it comes to funeral terminology, the most commonly misunderstood terms are funeral service and memorial service.  While many people use the phrase "funeral service" and "memorial service" interchangeably, they are actually, two different things.

A funeral service and memorial service both serve the same purpose – to honor and celebrate the life of your loved one with friends and family. Both types of services last approximately 30 minutes and are usually accompanied by a eulogy delivered by a family member or clergy member. 

A funeral service is an official ceremony that takes place in the with the body present. 

A memorial service, on the other hand, is any official ceremony that takes place without the body being present. Instead, an urn containing the cremated remains may serve as the main focal point of the service, or the memorial service will feature a photograph or portrait of the deceased displayed on an easel.

With the main difference between the two being whether or not the body the present, there are also a few more key differencecs including when the service is held, the formality of the service, cost of each service, and finally, the overall purpose of each ceremony.

TIME 

Funerals feature the body of the deceased (either in a closed or open casket) and are therefore normally held within a week of the death. Memorial services, however, may be held at any time following the funeral. Some memorial services are held immediately following the funeral service, while others are held months or even years after an individual has passed away.

FORMAL VS. INFORMAL

Funerals are typically formal, traditional affairs with a structured order of service details. Memorial services, however, tend to be less formal and are not as traditional.

COST

A funeral service involves the burial of the body and cemetery costs can be high.  A service with the body present followed by burial means using the services of a funeral home (which can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000, depending on the services chosen and location of service), and using the services of a cemetery (which can cost anywhere from $3,000 and up).  Memorial services, however, do not require the use of a funeral home or a cemetery and can be held in a park, a private home or any other location, making them significantly cheaper.

PURPOSE AND PROCEEDINGS

Another difference between a funeral and a memorial service is the purpose they serve. Funerals involve a short service, often led by a priest or a minister; speeches by loved ones of the deceased and, finally, the burial of the body. For a memorial service, there is no body to be buried, therefore the main focus of the service is to commemorate the life of the deceased. Some memorial services will feature the deceased's favorite music, favorite foods and slideshows of her life and can have a significantly less somber mood and atmosphere.

In conclusion, the term funeral service is usually a more traditional service commemorating a deceased person with their body present, normally within a week of the death.  A memorial service is a service commemorating a deceased person, without their body present, with the option to have it whenever the family sees fit.  In any case, a funeral and memorial service both serve the same purpose – to honor and celebrate the life of your loved one with friends and family.

What Does “It’s All Taken Care Of” Really Mean?

When adult children are told, "It's all taken care of," regarding their final arrangements, what do they really mean?  Is EVERYTHING really taken care of?  ... CLICK HERE to read an excellent article by Gail Rubin - a must read for everyone! 

 http://agoodgoodbye.com/end-of-life-issues/what-does-its-all-taken-care-of-really-mean/

 

Most Often Asked Questions for Final Arrangements

Following are some questions that most families are unaware of when making final arrangements for a loved one:

1.       Durable Power of Attorney - goes away at death – allows you to make the decision of disposition for the person (Refer to ARS 36-831)

2.       Certified Death Certificates – Only immediate family members, or persons who have documentation proving they need a Certified Death Certificate can obtain them from the Office of Vital Statistics.

3.       Certified Death Certificates cost $20.00 each in most AZ counties.

4.       Celebration of life, Memorial Service, Funeral Service – provide closure for family & friends.

5.       Embalming - is NOT required for a direct cremation, but is required for public viewing.

6.       Body Donation Companies have to hire a Funeral Home for the final disposition – and you CAN choose the Funeral Home you want to work with.

7.       Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery does not charge for interment or honors.

8.       Pre-Arranged services paid for through a 3^rd party Insurance Company

a.       Guarantees most pricing with the Funeral Home

b.      Protects money from probate, government assistance

c.       Can be moved to any funeral home

9.       When death occurs at home –

a.       Hospice Care – call your hospice company.

b.      Non Hospice Care – call 911 to report death; have a preferred care doctor’s name & phone number available; ME may or may not take the case depending on the circumstances.

Call Sonoran Skies Mortuary for Personal & Compassionate Attention

480-985-4900

5650 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ  85205

www.sonoranskiesmortuaryaz.com