Losing somebody who is close to you, whether they be a family member or a long time close friend is always difficult. Often times people find themselves overwhelmed with emotions, most notably grief, when they receive such news. An extra burden befalls those who are then placed in charge of deciding how they will ultimately honor the deceased. Will they opt for a traditional funeral service and a burial, or maybe they will forgo those choices and choose a direct cremation. Often times the deceased will have made their post-death preference known ahead of time, and their wishes should ultimately be honored. Other times however, they have not made their preference known. For some people the question of how they should honor the deceased is based upon the religious beliefs of both the deceased and their family members.
What is a Memorial Service?
One of the most common traditions is to hold a memorial service. A memorial service is much like a traditional funeral service, but there are a few differences. The main difference being that unlike at a funeral service, the body is not present.
Benefits of a Memorial Service
The main benefit of holding a memorial service is to help those who have survived to help process their emotions and share their grief with all the other people who have been impacted. Memorial Services can help to provide closure to those who have to bury a love one. Being around others who you love and also share your pain is a very powerful and impactful way of helping the healing process as you try to pick up the pieces and move on with your life.
How Much Does a Memorial Service Cost
Because a memorial service does not require a body to be present, it is cheaper and more financially affordable than a traditional funeral service. The average cost of a memorial service can vary greatly depending on the region you are in. We recommend reaching out to a few companies local to you and asking for a price sheet. The price of the memorial service is only one factor to consider, as you must also consider how you will dispose of the body. Are you opting for an immediate cremation, or will you pay for a direct burial? Without knowing the answer to these questions it is hard to give an accurate idea or price range for what you will ultimately pay.