What is a memorial service?

What is a Memorial Service?

Unlike a traditional funeral, a memorial service takes place without a casket present, though the urn containing cremated remains may be included if the family wishes. These gatherings can be held shortly after a passing or even months later, depending on what feels right for loved ones.

Memorial services may take place in a church, funeral home, community center, or any location that held special meaning for the individual or family. They often include music, chosen readings, and a eulogy, and can be shaped into a celebration of life that reflects the unique personality and spirit of the one being remembered.

Memorial Service Ideas

From our experience, we’ve learned that many families today seek something more personal than a traditional funeral. One meaningful way to achieve this is by weaving the personality, passions, and lifestyle of your loved one into the service. Displaying photographs, highlighting hobbies, or centering the event around a favorite activity can help create a ceremony that feels unique and heartfelt.

If you’re considering a personalized memorial service, here are a few guiding questions to reflect on:

  • What activities or pastimes brought your loved one joy?
  • How would you describe their personality or character?
  • What role did their career or life’s work play in shaping who they were?
  • Did they hold particular spiritual or faith-based beliefs?
  • Were they especially proud of their cultural or family traditions?

By exploring these questions, together we can design a service that truly honors their story and spirit.

Why a Memorial Service?

More and more families are moving away from the idea of doing things “the traditional way” and are instead choosing to celebrate the unique life of their loved one. This shift is often credited to the Baby Boomer generation, who have influenced how we view many aspects of society, including end-of-life services.

The National Funeral Directors Association has observed that Baby Boomers, in particular, are approaching funerals differently than generations before them. They see services not just as a ritual, but as a meaningful part of the grieving process—something that should reflect the individual’s values, personality, and legacy.

If your family is also looking for a way to create a gathering that feels more personal and uplifting, a celebration of life may be the perfect approach to honor your loved one’s memory.

A man in a suit is holding a bouquet of white roses and a urn at a funeral.

How Does a Celebration of Life Differ From a Traditional Funeral?

As we outline on our page about Traditional Funeral Services, there are generally four main elements that make up a conventional service:

  1. Visitation
  2. The Funeral Service
  3. Committal or Graveside Service
  4. The Reception

In essence, a traditional funeral is a series of structured events—a ritual that helps both the deceased and the community transition from one chapter to the next. It provides a way for families and friends to acknowledge their loss while also beginning the process of healing and restoration.

William Hoy, Director of Grief Connect, describes in his article Six Characteristics of Helpful Ceremonies that meaningful services often include:

  • Shared symbols that convey significance beyond words
  • Ritual actions that unite people in a common experience
  • Comfort through gathering together as a community
  • Connection to heritage through familiar readings or traditions
  • Physical expressions of care and support
  • Witnessing the final transition of the body through burial or cremation

By understanding these key elements, you can create a Celebration of Life that is not only deeply personal but also meaningful to all who attend—reflecting the unique story, values, and legacy of your loved one.