What Happens at a Memorial Service?

People organize a memorial service in honor of the deceased after receiving their ashes from cremation services in Manhasset, NY. Though it can happen before cremation or burial, a memorial service is generally considered a post-disposition event.

 

Key Takeaways:

• A memorial service is a personal affair that can happen at any time and anywhere, usually after the cremation of the deceased. Families can choose to have the memorial service in any location that is convenient for them.
• Most people see a memorial service as an extension of the traditional funeral service or a version of it for cremation, with the cremated remains or a photo of the deceased as the focal point.
• The exact nature and form of a memorial service depend on the wishes of the deceased, but they often include prayers, eulogies, readings from scripture, singing, and sharing memories.
• The difference between a memorial service and a celebration of life ceremony is the mood and tone of each event.

 

If you are attending one for the first time or organizing one for a loved one, here’s what happens at a memorial service.

What Happens at a Memorial Service?

There’s no specific structure to a memorial service. It is a very personal service, and the exact nature and form depend on the deceased’s wishes.

That said, most people still see a memorial service as an extension of the traditional funeral service or a version of it for cremation. Hence, most people choose its most traditional, formal form.

It means at the memorial service, especially one after the cremation, there’s nobody at the service. Instead, the cremated remains alone or alongside a framed photo of the deceased are the focal point of the ceremony.

Since traditional memorial services tend to be religious, prayers, eulogies, and readings from the scripture are usually part of the service. So is the singing of songs and playing of musical instruments.

In addition, there might be a sharing of the memories of the person that died.

It is hard to pin down the specific things that happen at a memorial service since it varies from individual to individual. If you are attending one, we suggest asking a family member for the structure of their memorial service to help you adequately prepare.

When to hold a memorial service?

A memorial service can occur at any time that is convenient for you. It can happen at a significant date to you or the deceased, even months after the passing.

It’s not unheard of for people to hold a memorial service on the first anniversary of their death.

Not only can it happen anytime, but you can also hold it anywhere. A family can choose to have the memorial service in traditional locations like a religious place of worship or a funeral home.

Or in a location with personal significance like a family home, local park, or gallery if the deceased was into arts. Remember, a memorial service is a personal affair. There are no rigid rules.

 

What’s the difference between a memorial service and a celebration of life service?

The difference between a memorial service and a celebration of life service is the mood and tone of the event.

A celebration of life service is a type of memorial service that focuses on honoring the deceased in a positive manner.

It doesn’t share the somber nature of a traditional memorial service. Instead, it uses laughter and storytelling to celebrate the departed’s life.

That’s why some people prefer both, to represent the duality of the emotions of the moment.

We organize memorial services and celebration of life ceremonies as part of our cremation services in Manhasset, NY. Whichever service seems a good fit for you or your loved one, we are here to help. Give us a call today to set up an appointment with our funeral director.