What’s the Difference Between a Funeral and a Memorial Service?

When most people think about funerals, we picture a service with a casket at the front of the room. This is what we often call a traditional service. But in truth, a funeral can be much more than that. In my mind, a funeral is any service where we gather to honor the deceased.

Funerals: Honoring Life with the Body Present

Traditionally, a funeral happens soon after death and involves the body being present, either in a casket or an urn. This may include a viewing, visitation, or open casket, followed by a service and often burial or cremation. Funerals give loved ones a chance to say goodbye in a very tangible way.

Memorial Services: Honoring Life Without the Body

A memorial service takes place without the body present. Families may choose to hold it weeks or even months later, allowing more flexibility with timing, location, and format. Memorials can be deeply personal, held in a chapel, community hall, backyard, or even a favorite restaurant. Instead of focusing on the body, the emphasis is on stories, memories, and celebrating the person’s life.

Why the Language Can Get Confusing

Many people use the words interchangeably. Some call everything a “funeral,” while others prefer “celebration of life” or “memorial.” What matters most isn’t the label; it’s creating a service that reflects the person and provides comfort to the family and community.

Which is Right for Your Family?

Neither option is “better” than the other. A funeral may offer immediate closure and ritual, while a memorial gives families time to plan something more customized. Some families even choose to do both.

At the end of the day, the purpose is the same: to honor a life, support one another, and keep memories alive.

Some families decide on a direct cremation and choose not to hold a service at all, while others arrange a private gathering where the funeral home isn’t directly involved. There’s no single “right” way; what matters most is doing what feels meaningful and supportive for your family.