If you have been invited to a funeral service in Bellingham, WA. and have never been to one before, you may not know how this is different from a memorial service, or if it’s different at all. After all, the term “funeral” seems to have become a general term for any type of service dealing with the passing of the deceased. Many people use this term when talking about an actual funeral service as well as memorial service or cremation.
Although the term “funeral” is used this way, there are actual differences between a funeral service and memorial service. We are going to cover some of the ways these events are similar and how they differ.
Funeral Service vs Memorial Service
Both funeral and memorial services are held for a chance for guests to say goodbye to the deceased, begin accepting the new reality, and start the healing process. They are a time to honor and pay tribute to the deceased’s life here on earth.
The major difference between these two services is that with a funeral, the body is normally present. It will be carried down the aisle at the beginning of the ceremony by pallbearers and place in the front of the room.
With a memorial service, rather than a casket, there may be a large photograph of the deceased, or an urn placed in the front of the room.
Before and After Services
Funeral and memorials services also differ with the additional services that may accompany them. For example, after a funeral service, there is a shorter burial service held at the cemetery. These can be public for everyone to attend or reserved just for family and/or close friends.
In contrast, a memorial service does not typically have a burial afterwards since most memorial services are for those who have been cremated. With that being said, the family could decide to hold an ash scattering ceremony that friends and family could attend.
You might find differences before the services as well. Typically, there will be a viewing held before the funeral. This is a come-and-go event that allows guests to come and offer condolences to the family. The body of the deceased is normally present and presented in a casket with an open top half. This allows people who would like to, an opportunity to approach the body and say their goodbyes.
Even though cremation is normally associated with a memorial service, families still may choose to hold a viewing before the service. This is held the same way as a funeral viewing is held, only that after the viewing, the body is taken to be cremated.
Other Differences
Other things you may notice that are different with a funeral and memorial service is that funerals tend to be more religious in nature. These services are normally hosted by a priest or other religious leader and held in religious venues. The services consist of prayers and reading of scriptures as well as hymns being sung.
Memorial services can be religious as well, but some will also be much more secular in nature. In these cases, they are led by a master of ceremonies rather than a religious leader.
Also, the location of these two services can differ. While funerals are more religious and normally held in churches or other religious locations, memorial services can be held just about anywhere the family would like. You may see these services being held in churches, but also someone’s back yard.
Although the word “funeral” has become used as a more general term, we hope this has cleared things up for you a little so you know what to expect if you have to attend a funeral service in Bellingham, WA.