Funerals vs celebrations of life
Funerals vs. Celebrations of Life
It’s worth noting that funerals and celebrations of life share many similarities, even though they often feel quite different. Both are ceremonies where people come together after the loss of someone dear. The main difference lies in the approach: funerals are usually more traditional in structure, while celebrations of life reflect newer shifts in how families choose to honor their loved ones.
At their heart, both types of gatherings serve the same important purposes:
- Giving family and community a way to publicly acknowledge the loss
- Surrounding the grieving with support from friends, colleagues, and neighbors
- Marking the transition of the deceased from one chapter of life to another
What sets them apart is how these goals are expressed. To better understand, let’s begin by looking more closely at what most of us recognize as a traditional funeral service.
The Funeral
It’s no surprise that funerals have existed for centuries as one of the most enduring traditions. A traditional service usually includes three main parts: a visitation, the funeral ceremony, and finally, the committal service held at the graveside. This structure is the type of funeral most people recognize from modern-day literature, movies, and cultural portrayals.
The Visitation
The visitation, sometimes called a viewing, usually takes place before the funeral service—often the evening prior, though it can also be held on the same day. This gathering provides friends and relatives the chance to offer their support to the family and, just as importantly, to honor the memory of the deceased. Guests may choose to approach the casket to quietly pay their respects, either alongside family members or privately.
The Funeral Service
The funeral service itself is most often held in a church or funeral home. It is typically led by an officiant—commonly a pastor, minister, or sometimes the funeral director—who guides attendees through a familiar order of service. This may include hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and words of comfort, creating a structured and reverent way to honor the life of the deceased.
The Committal Service
The committal service is held at the cemetery, following a dignified procession from the location of the funeral. This final part of the ceremony often includes words of prayer or reflection before the casket is gently lowered into the ground. It serves as a moment of closure and a symbolic farewell for family and friends.
If you’re interested in exploring the history of funerals in the United States, the National Museum of Funeral History is a wonderful resource. For our purposes here, it’s helpful simply to remember that a traditional funeral is typically made up of three key parts: the visitation, the service, and the committal.
With that understanding, let’s now turn our attention to a celebration of life service and how it differs.
Celebrations of Life
Author Barbara Kingsolver once wrote, “To live is to be marked. To live is to change, to acquire the words of a story, and that is the only celebration we mortals really know.” This thought beautifully captures the spirit of a celebration of life.
While a traditional funeral is often guided by structure and spiritual ritual, a celebration of life focuses more on telling the story of the person who has passed—their character, passions, and the legacy they leave behind. It is less about acknowledging a change in social status and more about honoring individuality and cherishing memories.

In many ways, a celebration of life resembles a memorial service. Both offer flexibility and can include elements of a traditional service, but they allow families greater freedom to personalize the experience.
Because celebrations of life are usually held after burial or cremation, families have more time to plan. This breathing room makes it possible to thoughtfully choose music, readings, or activities that reflect the essence of a loved one. Ultimately, it creates an uplifting and memorable tribute to a unique life well lived.
