When planning the final farewell for a loved one, it’s important to consider the type of service that best reflects their life, legacy, and the wishes of those left behind. The two most common options are a funeral service and a memorial service. These ceremonies help family and friends honor the deceased and provide a space for grief and remembrance. Alongside these services, decisions surrounding cremation are becoming increasingly common due to their flexibility and environmental benefits. In this article, we’ll compare funeral and memorial services, explore what happens during cremation, discuss how much cremation costs, and consider the environmental impact of cremation versus burial.
Funeral vs. Memorial Service: A Comparison
At the core, both funeral and memorial services are meant to celebrate and honor the life of someone who has passed. However, they differ in their timing, location, and structure.
1. Funeral Service
A funeral service is typically held shortly after a person’s death, and it often takes place with the body present. This service provides family and friends the opportunity to pay their respects to the deceased in a more formal setting. The service usually includes:
- Viewing or Wake: Often held before the funeral, this allows loved ones to gather and view the body, offering a chance for personal reflection and to say goodbye. Religious or Secular Ceremony: Depending on the deceased’s beliefs, the funeral may involve religious rituals or secular tributes, such as readings, prayers, music, and eulogies. Burial or Cremation: After the funeral service, the body is either interred in a grave or taken for cremation, depending on the wishes of the deceased or their family.
Funerals are formal affairs and often involve a more structured program with a set timeline for each part of the service. They are most often associated with traditional burial.
2. Memorial Service
In contrast to a funeral, a memorial service takes place after the person has been cremation services in Brooklyn Eternal Cremations of Brooklyn buried or cremated, meaning the body is not present. Memorial services provide a flexible approach, as they can be held at any time after the death, giving family and friends the chance to gather without the immediate urgency following a passing. A memorial service typically includes:
- Tributes and Eulogies: Family members and friends can share stories, memories, and tributes to the deceased, often speaking about their personality, life achievements, and how they impacted others. Personalization: Since the body is not involved, memorial services often offer more room for creative and personal touches, such as photo displays, themed decorations, video tributes, and favorite music of the deceased. Flexibility in Location: Memorial services can be held in various locations, including homes, parks, community centers, or religious institutions.
Memorial services tend to be more relaxed and may have fewer formalities than funerals. They allow family members to plan an event that feels more in line with the personality and wishes of the deceased.
Do You Watch a Person Get Cremated?
A common concern surrounding cremation is whether or not family members can witness the actual process. The answer varies depending on the cremation provider and the facility. In most cases, the act of cremation itself is not something that families typically watch, but there are exceptions:
- Witness Cremations: Some crematoriums offer the option of a witness cremation. This means that family members can be present during the beginning of the cremation process, often just before the body is placed into the cremation chamber. The family may be allowed to say their final goodbyes and watch the beginning of the cremation. Viewing Rooms: Certain facilities have viewing rooms that allow families to witness the start of the process in a respectful and controlled manner. However, the full cremation process takes several hours, and families are generally not allowed to remain in the room for the duration.
While some may choose to witness the process for closure, it’s important to note that cremation itself is a private and respectful procedure. Those who wish to remain distanced from the actual act can still be involved in other aspects, such as selecting the urn and holding a memorial service afterward.
Ideas for a Good Memorial Service
A memorial service provides the opportunity to celebrate a life, offering a sense of closure and comfort for those who mourn. To create a memorable service, consider these ideas:
1. Create a Personal Tribute
- Incorporate elements of the deceased’s life into the service. Display personal items, such as photographs, artwork, or items reflecting their hobbies and interests. A photo slideshow or video montage can also add a personal touch. Invite family and friends to share stories, memories, and messages during the service, allowing everyone to express their feelings.
2. Incorporate Music and Readings
- Choose meaningful music that the deceased loved or that evokes their personality. This can range from hymns to favorite songs or instrumental pieces. Religious or spiritual readings, poems, and literary excerpts can add depth and reflection to the service.
3. Offer Keepsakes or Memorial Gifts
- Giving guests something to remember the deceased by, such as a photo or a small keepsake, can help them feel connected to the memory of their loved one. Some families create memorial jewelry or urns as personalized mementos.
4. Special Ceremony or Rituals
- Consider holding a candle lighting ceremony, planting a tree, or releasing balloons to symbolize the release of the deceased’s spirit.
How Much Does Cremation Cost?
The cost of cremation can vary depending on several factors, including location, service provider, and the options selected. On average, cremation tends to be a more affordable option compared to traditional burial.
- Direct Cremation: This is the most basic and least expensive form of cremation. It typically involves no funeral or memorial service beforehand and has an average cost of $1,000 to $3,000. This price includes the cremation itself and the handling of the remains. Traditional Cremation with Service: If you opt for a memorial service, viewing, or funeral in addition to the cremation, the cost can rise. These services typically range from $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the details of the service. Additional Costs: Additional charges for urns, memorial jewelry, or special cremation services can increase the overall cost.
It’s important to get a breakdown of the costs from the cremation provider, including fees for transportation, permits, or any additional services required.
The Environmental Impact of Cremation
As concerns about environmental sustainability grow, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of end-of-life practices. Here’s how cremation compares to traditional burial:
1. Cremation
- Cremation is generally considered more environmentally friendly than traditional burial, but it still has some environmental impact. Cremation requires the use of natural gas to reach high temperatures, which can result in carbon emissions. Some facilities also use mercury and other pollutants released from fillings and dental work, though these emissions have been reduced with improved technology. Biodegradable Urns: For families who wish to reduce their environmental impact further, there are options such as biodegradable urns that can be buried and decompose naturally over time.
2. Traditional Burial
- Traditional burial typically involves embalming, which uses chemicals like formaldehyde that can leach into the environment over time. Additionally, cemeteries take up large plots of land, and the decomposition process can take many years, affecting the surrounding ecosystem. Casket Materials: Most traditional caskets are made from non-biodegradable materials, such as metal and plastic, which contribute to waste.
Overall, cremation tends to be a more sustainable option when considering land usage and chemical impact, though the carbon footprint can still be a concern.
Conclusion
When deciding between a funeral or memorial service, it’s important to reflect on the needs and preferences of the deceased and their loved ones. Funerals tend to be more traditional and structured, while memorial services offer flexibility and creativity. Cremation, whether followed by a memorial service or not, provides an increasingly popular and cost-effective alternative to burial, with several options for personalization. Understanding the costs and environmental impact of cremation can help you make an informed choice that honors the legacy of your loved one while considering sustainability. Whether you choose a formal funeral, a personalized memorial service, or a simple cremation, the most important thing is that the service provides comfort and closure for those left behind.