The difference between a funeral + a celebration of life.
Funeral arrangements and a memorial service (celebration of life) are similar in many ways.
A funeral and a celebration of life service have some things in common: A funeral and a celebration of life service are both public grieving events.
In both cases the guests should be encouraged to express their grief however they feel comfortable doing so. Both services can occur in either a church or a funeral home.
Both types of memorial services will generally have music, and typically, there is an opening song and a closing song. There are readings from either scripture or poetry. Both may include a eulogy done by the clergy, family members or friends. Both services include a sermon/homily or a short reflection. If it is a religious service, it would include prayers.
The difference between traditional funeral arrangements and a celebration of life (memorial service).
The two services are different in several ways. A funeral is more often held in a church, while a celebration of life is more often held in a funeral home.
The celebration of life service is a more emotionally complicated service than a funeral because it is both a pubic grieving event and a celebration of the deceased’s life. The biggest difference between the two services is that in a funeral the clergy, and the sermon or homily are the centerpiece of the service.
In a celebration of life service, the officiant of the service and those gathered are called to tell stories about the deceased. The storytelling of the deceased’s life is what constitutes the celebration of the deceased’s life.
The family usually gets the ball rolling with some stories or a eulogy of their own. The stories can be funny if it is appropriate. It is good to laugh and to cry at a celebration of life service. Unlike a funeral, it is not necessary to have clergy perform a celebration of life service.
At Beloved Memorials, we can help you coordinate a memorial service for your loved one at half the cost of a traditional funeral arrangement. We can help you save money on cremation services, urns, and even find cost-saving alternatives to funeral homes. Book a call with us today to learn more about how we can help.