What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?
Typically, a ‘funeral’ means there is a casket present for a service honoring a deceased person prior to committal of the casket to a grave, mausoleum crypt, or cremation chamber. A funeral can take place with a casket open or closed, but usually involves transportation (procession) to the place of committal. A service held entirely at the grave, crypt, or crematory is a ‘committal service’.
A memorial service is held without a casket present, but there may be an urn with cremated remains. A memorial service can be held without an urn, or after a burial has taken place. This flexibility allows people time to gather, and allows a broader choice of setting for the service.