Back to Glossary

Memorial Service

A ceremony to honor someone who has died.

Typically, this is a service that:

  • 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 of the deceased or surviving family

  • Held a later date after the death


This is in contrast to a Funeral Service, which typically:

  • Takes place before burial or cremation

  • Occurs with the body present

  • Guided by religious / cultural traditions

  • Occurs shortly after the death

  • Takes place at a Funeral Home, religious institution, or Cemetery

View Checklist