Memorial Service

What is the Difference Between a Funeral and a Memorial Service?

No matter the circumstances, losing a loved one is never easy. In addition to dealing with loss, you must plan for what happens next. Often, families are forced to decide the type of service they will have for their loved one if there was no preplanning done. Many consider having either a funeral or a memorial service… but don’t fully understand the difference between these two types of services. While both services are similar and often the terms are used interchangeably, they have some key differences that are important to know as you make the important decisions about how to honor your loved one.

Here at Miller Funeral Home and on-site crematory in Sioux Falls, SD, we want to help you give your loved one a proper goodbye. Here are some of the differences between a funeral and a memorial service, and why you should consider our services in Sioux Falls, SD, for your loved one's service.

Understanding the Difference Between a Funeral and a Memorial Service

Funerals and memorial services bring people together to mourn and honor the dead. But there is one main distinction that sets these two services apart, and that is the presence of the body.



In a funeral, the body is present and meant to be laid to rest or cremated after the service. A memorial service indicates the body will not be present for public viewing and is meant to memorialize the person who died. Let's further explore the differences between these two services.

Timing

Another key difference that you will notice between a memorial and a funeral service is the timing difference. A funeral service will happen soon after the person passes away. Generally, a funeral will occur within one week or less. On the other hand, a memorial service doesn't have a specific timeline since the body doesn’t have to be present. This allows memorial services to be held a few weeks or even months after the person has passed away. In some cases, families will opt to delay a memorial service in instances where there are family members overseas. This gives you the time to organize travel plans for those who would like to come to the service.

Location

Whichever type of service you select to have for your loved one, the location can be selected based on the needs of you, your loved one and the community. We can host all types of services at a church, farmstead, park… the possibilities are truly endless. You may also to elect to use one of our three beautiful facilities located in neighborhoods in Sioux Falls, SD and one funeral chapel in Hartford, SD.

Cost

The difference in cost between a Funeral and a memorial service is determined by the needs of each individual family. In general, a Traditional casketed burial will be a bit more expensive simply based on the merchandise selected and cemetery options. For example, the cost of the casket is generally more than the cost of the urn. And the cost of digging a grave for a casket is more than digging a grave for an urn. Your funeral director can review costs with you based on the services and merchandise you select.

Dress Attire

There is not a right or wrong way to dress for either a Funeral or a memorial service. Being present with the family is what is important. Some families ask their guests to dress in their loved one’s favorite sports team or color. While others honor a battle fought, paying tribute to the cause by wearing a ribbon. Remember, the family is going to remember you were there to support them.

Memorial Service in Sioux Falls, SD

If you want to hold a memorial service for your loved one, consider Miller Funeral Home & on-site crematory as your trusted funeral home to help you honor your loved one.

We know that it's not easy to lose someone. On top of that, there are so many decisions for you to make. Let us help support you in that journey and make things just a little bit easier. With over 120 years of experience behind us, our Sioux Falls funeral home is dedicated to helping you and your family carry out your plans to perfection.

If you're looking for a more laid-back atmosphere when honoring your loved one, we will provide a Memorial Service or Celebration of Life and take care of all the details that make the service memorable.

We can also provide visitation services to help ensure your family members can share this time with you and honor your loved one, even if they have a busy schedule. With our own on-site crematory, we can also provide cremation services for families that prefer this process.

Contact us today to discuss your loved one's funeral or memorial service plans, or to preplan your own service.