What is the Difference Between a Funeral Service and a Memorial Service?
When you are in the middle of grief, words like “funeral” and “memorial” can feel interchangeable. But understanding the difference can help you make decisions that feel right for your family — and for the person you have lost. This guide explains both, gently and clearly.
The simplest way to understand the difference
The key difference comes down to one thing — whether the body is present or not.
A funeral service takes place with the body present. A memorial service takes place without the body — usually after burial or cremation has already occurred, or when the body is not available. Both are equally valid, deeply meaningful, and a beautiful way to honour someone’s life.
Funeral service — what it is
The body is present
The deceased is present in a casket, either open or closed depending on the family’s wishes and cultural traditions.
It happens soon after death
Funeral services typically take place within a few days to a week after the person has passed, before or leading to the burial or cremation.
It often includes a graveside or cremation committal
Many funeral services conclude with a committal — a final farewell at the graveside or crematorium where the body is laid to rest.
It tends to be more formal
Funeral services often follow religious or cultural traditions and may feel more structured in their format.
Memorial service — what it is
The body is not present
A memorial service is held without the physical presence of the deceased. This may be because cremation has already taken place, the body is not available, or the family prefers it this way.
It can happen at any time
Memorial services are far more flexible in timing. They can be held days, weeks, or even months after the death — allowing distant family and friends time to travel and attend.
It can be held anywhere
A memorial service is not tied to a funeral home or place of worship. It can be held at a family home, a garden, a beach, a community hall — anywhere that feels meaningful to those who loved them.
It tends to feel more personal and relaxed
Without the logistics of the body being present, memorial services often feel more like a celebration of life — filled with stories, music, photos and personal touches that reflect who the person truly was.
Can you have both?
Absolutely — and many families do. A small, intimate funeral service for close family at the time of burial, followed by a larger memorial service weeks later for extended family, friends and colleagues is a beautiful and increasingly popular approach.
There are no rules. What matters most is that the people who loved them have a space to gather, remember, and begin to heal together.
Which one is right for your family?
There is no right or wrong answer. Here are a few questions that might help guide your decision:
- Do you want to say goodbye while the body is still present?
- Do you need time for family to travel from different places?
- Are there religious or cultural traditions that guide your choice?
- Would your loved one have preferred something formal or relaxed?
- Do you want the service tied to the burial, or separate from it?
Your funeral home will be able to walk you through both options and help you decide what feels right. Do not be afraid to ask questions — there are no wrong ones.
Whatever you choose — a funeral service, a memorial service, or both — the most important thing is that it feels true to the person you have lost and brings comfort to those who loved them. 🤍
Honouring a life beautifully
Whether you are planning a funeral service or a memorial, a beautifully designed program is one of the most treasured keepsakes your family will hold onto long after the day is over. Our premium, fully editable memorial programs, invitations and posters are designed with love — customisable in Canva from the comfort of your home, so you can focus on what matters most.
Have a question about planning a service? Feel free to reach out — we are here to help. 🤍