We discuss the difference between a funeral service and a memorial service.  This article is provided by Sydney Coffins. Sydney Coffins is a memorial product and funeral provider in Australia, specialising in unique and personalised coffins, caskets and funerals.

The main difference between a funeral and a memorial is the presence of the body of the deceased person during the service.

A funeral service does have the body of the deceased person there. During a memorial service, the body of the deceased person does not have the body of the deceased person present.

Can a person have both a funeral service and a memorial service?

Yes. There it is perfectly fine for a person to have both services.

When does a funeral service occur?

A memorial service is often a week or a month after the burial, cremation, of the deceased person. A Funeral occurs within a few days or a fortnight of the death of the person. Australian funerals generally occur within 7 days after the person has passed away.

Where does a memorial service occur?

A memorial service is often a few days for weeks after the burial, cremation, of the deceased person. A Funeral occurs within a few days or a fortnight of the death of the person. Australian funerals generally occur within 7 days after the person has passed away.

Is a memorial service a celebration of life?

No. A memorial service can be anything the family and the deceased person intend it to be. They can be a celebration of life or they can be solemn and serious. It is entirely subjective to what the family and the deceased person want. However, most memorials do acknowledge the life of a person in a positive light. As the body of the deceased is not present and some time has passed since the burial or cremation. People have had time to process and arrange an occasion which might take on a more celebratory approach which could be more difficult at a funeral.

Is funeral service always solemn and serious?

No. A funeral service can be anything the family and the deceased person intend it to be. They can be a celebration of the life the deceased person lived. It is entirely subjective to what the family and the deceased person want. However, since funerals are held relatively soon after the death of a  person the emotional stress and toll often means funerals are a somewhat serious occasion.