If you have recently lost a beloved family member, friend, or someone special, it may seem overwhelming to think about how to honor and remember them. When faced with this difficult decision, one choice may suit your circumstances and preferences: a celebration of life service, or a traditional funeral service.
Although these two types of memorial service both provide powerful ways to celebrate the life of your loved one and share cherished memories, they have distinct differences to consider when making this critical decision.
In this post, we’ll explore what each type of service involves and their differences.
What Is a Celebration of Life?
Honoring the memory of a dearly loved is a very personal story and an integral part of grieving. A celebration of life is a type of memorial service that is a unique and memorable way to pay tribute to a beloved family member. It can be personalized to reflect the individual’s spirit, accomplishments, or passions.
The formalities of the celebration depend on your wishes and preferences. You may choose remembrances and renditions of celebrating life, such as inviting family and friends to offer stories, sharing pictures or slideshows, or hosting a gathering such as a party with food and drinks.
Further, incorporating music and artwork into your event can create an even more meaningful atmosphere for hybrid event.
Understanding a Traditional Funeral Service
By contrast funeral service options vary based on the decisions made by a bereaved family member. A funeral service is a traditional and structured service way to honor publicly acknowledge and pay tribute to a deceased loved one. A traditional funeral service typically includes formalities such as prayer, eulogies or hymns, and readings from religious texts.
A funeral service often serves as an opportunity for family members and caring friends to to support the grieving family come together for closure in the passing of a loved one. Traditional funerals generally occur within a few days after the death and are typically held at a funeral home, religious institution, or family residence.
In addition part of the memorial service includes, a respectful automobile procession to the committal service which is held graveside. At the committal service for the loved one’s life is where final prayers are commonly held and praying is led most commonly a pastor.
These memorial services may also include viewing the body or the individual’s physical remains, which is not required for everyone.
Difference Between Celebration of Life Vs. Funeral Service
Celebrations of life and funerals are two different types of a memorial service that are both life events one is for mourning death and the other a remarkable celebration. While funerals are often somber affairs that focus on the loved one’s passing and the traditional funeral order of death, celebrations of life are more about the unique personality and life services commonly held with an upbeat and celebratory vibe.
Rather than emphasizing the loss of the deceased, celebrations of life highlight their achievements and positive contributions to the world. This positivity at a memorial service can help ease the pain of grief and comfort those left behind, such as caring friend, co workers, and the bereaved family.
Additionally, celebrations of life often involve more personalized and unique touches, such as special music, favorite foods, or shared stories, that reflect the personality of the person being honored.
Many families, co workers, and caring friends see this memorial service as the only celebration for the one who has passed. To show their own support at the memorial event the grieving family often uses everything from social values to favorite colors to set a theme and decorate the venue. Advising families to share photos that can be displayed for everyone to reminisce is almost always adhered to.
A funeral reception and a celebration of life each have their place for the surviving family and friends to grieve and saying goodbye, but they offer different approaches to remembering those we’ve lost.
Planning a Lasting Celebration of Life
If you and your family are considering a celebration of life for your loved one, encourage guests to share stories about the person who has passed away. Telling stories from all angles helps create a truly personalized celebration of life that will be remembered for years.
You can contact close friends and family members beforehand and ask them to share their experiences or encourage everyone at the celebration to tell a story of the deceased loved one.
Eternally Loved Celebrations of Life Specialists
It is never easy to come to terms with losing a loved one, but it is essential to create a meaningful tribute that will help honor and remember their life. Whether you choose a traditional funeral or a celebration of life, creating the perfect tribute service will be based on your preferences and those of your family.
If you would like professional help and advice in planning celebrations of life in San Diego and Southern California, contact Eternally Loved for compassionate assistance during this challenging time. Guided by experienced professionals, you can create an unforgettable celebration for your loved one.
Sources:
https://eternallyloved.com/blog/celebration-of-life-vs-funeral/
https://www.westchesterfuneralhome.com/memorial-service-vs-celebration-of-life
https://johnsonsfuneralhome.com/Funerals_vs._Celebrations_of_Life_1263241.html
https://www.jamesromanellistephen.com/celebration-of-life-vs-funeral
