Planning a funeral or memorial service is a difficult task, because you’re faced with making quick decisions during a time of loss and grief. The main difference between a funeral and memorial is the presence of the departed’s body, which is typically held in a casket. A funeral takes place prior to the disposition, whether it is burial or by way of cremation services near Santee, SC. A memorial service normally takes place afterwards, with or without the cremated remains present. Many people wish to have a traditional service for their loved one, and because of this, will opt for a funeral. However, more and more people are choosing to hold a memorial service afterwards, because of the freedom it offers when it comes to planning. 

One of the downsides of a traditional funeral is that it must take place soon after death. There is a limited window of time for embalming to take place, and if a viewing is desired, this is necessary. You may feel rushed into making plans, which can be difficult during a time of need. If you choose to have a memorial service for your loved one instead, you will not be faced with this urgent time period to plan. You can make arrangements for after their disposition, whether they chose to be buried or cremated. This is beneficial in several ways. Many people have family and friends that live far away that need more time to make travel arrangements. Additionally, some folks may have had a desire for their memorial to take place outside, during warmer months. Regardless of what time of year they passed, it’s possible to wait until the right time to plan their memorial service. 

While a memorial service can follow closely to how a funeral service would go, it does not have to. Some people choose to have a celebration of life, which is completely different in tone and atmosphere. Some just want to have a less formal setting, where attendees can feel comfortable reminiscing and catching up with each other. You are free to make it as personal and unique as possible to honor your loved one’s memory, which is another reason why people choose to have a memorial service. 

Finally, a memorial can come with much fewer expenses than a full traditional funeral. You don’t have to purchase an expensive casket, and if they chose to be cremated, you avoid the cost of a burial plot as well. If you wish to hold the memorial at someone’s home, a public park, or somewhere similar, you may also save money on the venue. In addition, you won’t be faced with all the expenses right away, but you can give yourself and your family a little more time to prepare. 

Talk to your provider of cremation services near Santee, SC, to begin making arrangements for a memorial service. Whether it’s your own and you want to pre-plan, or you are faced with making arrangements for a loved one, they can sit down with you and make suggestions on what to do. That way, you can feel at peace with your choices, and your loved one’s memory will be honored.