A specific type of end-of-life ceremony may be identified in the deceased's Last Will and Testament, but if not, religious traditions and customs may help guide decisions when planning and organizing these events.

If instructions do not exist, then the Next of Kin or Executor of the Estate will need to make these decisions.

To begin, a service type must be chosen.

In general, the deceased are remembered in two different ceremonial ways:

1. Funeral Service

• Usually takes place before Burial or Cremation


• Typically occurs with the body present


• Historically guided by religious or cultural traditions


• Occurs shortly after the death


• Typically takes place at a Funeral Home, religious institution, or Cemetery (known as a Graveside Service)

2. Memorial Service

• Usually occurs after the body has been Buried or Cremated


• Memorializes the deceased, but the body is not present


• Can be guided by religious customs, but tends to be more secular


• Can take place anywhere, or anywhere of personal significance for the deceased or bereaved


• Typically held much later after the death