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Learning the difference between a memorial and a funeral: all you need to know

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There are many different types of funeral services; however, a memorial service is often confused with a funeral service. Actually, these two methods are very different from each other. There are many types of funeral services as a traditional funeral, cremation, green funerals, humanist and civic funerals, burial at sea, and many more. There are many different types of funeral services all around the world including Australia. This article explains the difference between a memorial and a funeral to help you find a reliable funeral director in Adelaide.

Memorial Service

A memorial service is usually something that is arranged in the absence of the body. The burial or cremation carried our first and followed by a memorial service. There are several benefits of arranging a memorial service one of the main advantages being that there is a flexibility of location. For example, it can be held in a park, hall, or at home. A Larger number of people who do not have strong religious beliefs prefer a memorial service to a traditional funeral. A memorial service is more affordable as compared to a funeral since it requires a lesser amount of preparation and there are fewer activities to arrange as well. This is also a less formal gathering, but it still serves the purpose of allowing friends and family to say their final goodbye.

Funeral Service

A funeral service is a traditional method where the deceased body is present. It usually includes more activities while a memorial service is simply an outlook of the life of the diseased. It can be considered as a celebration of life and is mainly held at a place of worship or at a cemetery. It is also a more formal service where one is expected to wear formal attire. There are many different types of funeral services which are mainly associated with the type of religious belief. It also affects the method of the final disposition of the corpse. For example, it can be a burial, cremation, burial at sea, etc.

Types of Funeral services:

  • Traditional Funeral Service: A traditional funeral service takes place when either a casket or urn is present. It includes a gathering of friends and family who engage in many activities in memory of a person who has died. This may include music, singing, and a short presentation of their life that includes a photo slideshow as well. It can also include a movie of the deceased. A hearse is used to transport the remains to the cemetery for burial.
  • Graveside service: A graveside service is the type of funeral that takes place at a cemetery where friends and family are allowed to pay their final respects prior to lowering the casket into the ground. This is an intimate service that is also referred to as a committal service. It will also include a pastor who will have a comforting speech.
  • Direct Burial: A direct burial is a funeral service that does not include a formal ceremony. It means there is no visitation or graveside service either. There are several reasons for this kind of funeral and may also mean that a memorial is planned soon after. This type of funeral is more affordable as well.
  • Wake: This is a solemn service that is usually arranged prior to the funeral service. A traditional wake will take place at home however, that might not be the case in this day and age. They are also referred to as visitations or viewings and include the gathering of loved ones to comfort one another.

If you are looking for a company that can help you organize a graceful and well managed funeral, make sure you get in touch with EziFunerals.