Funerals vs. Celebrations of Life
Both funerals and celebrations of life serve as a way for families to acknowledge the death of a loved one and say goodbye. However, there are many differences between the two which often leads a family to choose one over the other.
Understanding Funeral Services
A funeral service carries a certain level of tradition and order. Typically occurring in three parts: the visitation, funeral service, and committal service, a funeral includes more religious elements. For those that are deeply religious, we recommend holding a funeral service if you are looking for a service that will follow and celebrate your religious customs and beliefs.
The Visitation
The visitation is held prior to the funeral service either the night before or the day of the service. Sometimes referred to as a viewing, this when friends and family come to view the body and offer support and sympathy to the family.
The Funeral Service
The funeral service is the ceremony where friends and family say goodbye to the deceased. Often led by a religious officiant, the funeral service often takes place at the funeral home or a church. Most funerals follow certain customs and traditions including prayers, the singing of hymns, and readings.
The Committal Service
The committal service takes place after the funeral service has ended. It is the slow procession of vehicles that follow the hearse to the cemetery where the deceased will be buried. The committal service ends after the remains are lowered into the ground and final prayers are recited.
Understanding Celebrations of Life
With a celebration of life, there is more freedom in the planning process. Essentially, this type of service can include whatever your family would like. An article from BBC News describes a celebration of life as "happy rather than mournful, celebratory instead of somber". These events focus on the deceased's triumphs, relationships, hobbies, sports interests and taste in music. The purpose of the service is to tell the story of your loved one’s life and celebrate what made them special.
In many cases, celebrations of life are held after the remains have been cared for. This allows your family more time to come together and plan a service that has included input from everyone. It is not uncommon for families to hold a celebration of life weeks or even months after their loved one’s remains have been cared for. This allows you to schedule the event around a time that works best for your family and can allow everyone to be there. To learn more about the benefits of planning a celebration of life, see our page, How To Plan a Celebration of Life.
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