Questions About Memorial Services

Arranging a memorial service at funeral homes Hellertown, PA, in honor of the departed soul is a long-standing tradition in the US and elsewhere. The family invites close family and friends to gather together and offer one last tribute to the lost loved one. 

So, if you’re planning to hold a memorial service for a lost loved one and you want to understand more about it, then this guide is meant for you. 

Here is everything you need to know about a memorial service. 

What is a Memorial Service? 

A memorial service is a ceremony that memorializes and honors the deceased after the body has been cremated or buried. As it happens after the funeral or cremation, the deceased’s body is not present in a memorial service. And everyone who attends the memorial service gets an opportunity to participate on some level, not just to observe and reflect. 

It can take place any time after the death, from a week to a year, which gives everyone, who missed the funeral event, an opportunity to show up and express their condolences. This service is not led by clergy but is typically guided by a celebrant. 

How Does It Differ from a Funeral? 

A funeral is a more formal event where the body is present and everyone offers their tribute. A memorial service or a celebration-of-life, just as the name indicates, is all about honoring the departed soul’s life. Thus, it highlights their passions, intellectual pursuits, and personal accomplishments more than death. 

In short, a funeral is essentially a sad event, whereas a celebration-of-life is a gentle mix of both sadness and celebrating the wonderful life your loved one has lived. 

Which type of service format is right for me and my family? 

It’s the sole prerogative of the grieving family to decide what’s best for their lost loved one. Your funeral director plays a key role in understanding your wishes and doing everything to give a perfect send-off to the deceased. 

Always take advise from your funeral director to get insights into what options you have to arrive at the best possible decision. 

What's involved in planning a memorial service? 

Planning a memorial service involves making a range of decisions. Your funeral director plays a key role in explaining all the options and choices you have to make it a memorable event. 

It starts with selecting the location, date, and time of the service. You have to choose the specific readings, musical selections, food or beverages, and any special activities you’d like to involve in at the event. That is, the planning is not difficult if done with the help of a professional. And it should be, as you've got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show the world how much your loved one meant to you. 

What items will I need to bring to the funeral home? 

If you’re thinking of holding the memorial service at a funeral, be sure to get a few copies of the loved one's death certificate. Also, bring in a collection of family photographs to be used in making a tribute video or in the decoration of the service location. 

Take suggestions from funeral homes Hellertown, PA, about how to customize the event to give a perfect tribute to the departed soul.