Should You Plan A Memorial Service For Your Loved One?
After losing a loved one, there are many different options for honoring their life. Many of these involve planning and arranging many different details. They can be confusing especially if you have never dealt with them before. Many times in conversation, memorial services and funerals are used interchangeably. However, they’re two different types of services. If you’re on the fence about whether or not you should plan a memorial service, read our guide below. If you’re looking for a location to host your funeral or memorial service, check out these funeral homes in New Castle, IN.
What Is A Memorial Service?
A memorial service honors the life of someone who has passed. It is usually held after or sometimes in place of a funeral. One of the main differences between funerals and memorial services is that at funerals, the full body is usually present – whether that be open casket or closed casket. At memorial services, usually a photo or urn serves as the focal point instead.
A memorial service also can be used to pay tribute to your loved one on the anniversary of their passing or on their birthday. Whatever the reason, memorial services can be an important part of the grieving process for the deceased’s loved ones.
First Things First, Check The Will
If the deceased has a will, make sure you or someone who has permission checks it for any preferences about how the deceased wanted things to be handled in the event of their passing. They may have had specific wishes for a service, or they may have said that they don’t want to have one at all!
The Benefits Of A Memorial Service
Have A More Intimate Funeral & Then A Larger Memorial Service
Sometimes the family or close friends of a loved one may desire to have a smaller, more intimate funeral service. In this case, a memorial service can serve as a way for those outside of the deceased’s immediate friends and family to be included in remembering their lost loved one.
A memorial service can be scheduled at a later time when more people can be invited to attend. The memorial service can take place days, weeks, months, or even years after the passing of a loved one- like on the anniversary of death or on the deceased’s birthday.
More Flexibility & Options For Personalization
A memorial service can be held at a funeral home, at a church, at a crematorium, or even in your backyard. They can be as detailed and traditional or as free-spirited as you would like. A memorial service may allow more time for friends and family to gather, share memories, and honor their loved one in a more casual, laid-back setting where there are no rigid time constraints.
Make Your Memorial A Celebration Of Life
Some people choose to make their memorial service more upbeat and less somber, calling it a Celebration Of Life. At these memorial services, loved ones typically gather to share memories and stories about their loved one who has passed and how they’ve impacted the people and world around them.
You can learn more about funeral homes in New Castle, IN. Talk to us at Sproles Family Funeral Home to schedule a consultation and learn about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in Indiana or call our locations.
