For many years, traditional funerals have been the most common way to honor someone after their passing. In recent years, however, memorial services have been gaining in popularity. These are more commonly held after cremation services near Marietta, GA, because the body of the departed does not need to be present for a memorial service.

As mentioned above, the main difference between a traditional funeral and a memorial service is the presence of the body of the deceased. With a traditional funeral, there is typically a viewing or visitation prior to the funeral services. This can take place the day before, or it may take place earlier in the same day. This allows for attending family and friends to see their loved one for one last time, and say a final goodbye. It provides a sense of closure and acceptance for many people, which is an important step in the grieving process. Regardless of the chosen method of disposition, a casket will need to be purchased or rented for these services. In the case of a viewing, embalming services will be required as well. The funeral that follows will be officiated by either a member of the clergy, or someone else who is qualified to lead such services. Typically, there will be a eulogy, and many people also offer time for family and friends to come forward and share a memory or story of their loved one.

A memorial service can look quite similar to a traditional funeral, but it doesn’t necessarily have to follow the same guidelines. The main point is that the body does not need to be present for the services. This allows for some freedom when it comes to planning. A traditional funeral must take place within a certain amount of time after death. A memorial service is not held to such a strict time schedule. If you have lots of family and friends who live far away and they need more time to make travel plans, you can schedule the memorial for a time that works for everyone. If your loved one wanted their services to take place during the warmer months, but they passed away during winter, you can wait until weather improves to hold the memorial service.

In addition to the flexibility with planning that a memorial service offers, many people are also deciding to have more unique services. Some people wish for a celebration of life to be held in their honor, which has a much more uplifting and celebratory atmosphere than a traditional funeral. Some people choose to hold the memorial services outside, or at a banquet hall, places which are not typically used for funeral services. The sky is the limit when it comes to planning a unique and memorable memorial service.

Depending on your loved one’s wishes and your family’s situation, you’ll need to decide whether a funeral or a memorial service is the right plan of action. If your loved one chose cremation services near Marietta, GA, you may want to consider holding a memorial service in their honor. That way, you can feel less rushed into making plans, and you can take the time you need to grieve your loss.