Remembering a loved one is incredibly important for any family. Determining how best to do so isn’t always obvious, though. Indeed, every family enjoys a variety of options when that time comes. One of the most basic decisions involves choosing between a funeral and a memorial service. If you’re facing a similar decision and looking for funeral homes in or near Southport, IN, rest assured there are professionals in your area who can discuss your options and walk you through the process of making the right decision. Remember that the important thing is to remember your loved one in a fashion that they would find acceptable. Their last wishes may or may not be particularly informative with respect to these considerations. If you don’t have much to go on, this may be a family decision entirely. The big question is how to best pay respects to someone who made a difference in the lives of friends and family.

Your first question may be about the difference between funerals and memorial services. A basic definition should help.

According to US Funerals Online, “A funeral service typically takes place with the body of the departed present, whereas a memorial service takes place without the actual body present. A funeral service can refer to a traditional graveside burial service, or it can refer to a funeral service conducted in a chapel when a cremation is later performed. A funeral service most often is conducted within a week of the death occurring.”

If cost is an issue, you may wish to discuss your options with a funeral director. Budgetary considerations may be very difficult to avoid. A funeral can certainly become somewhat pricey given the requirement that you prepare and transport the body. Things like that can add up. But things like that can also be very worthwhile to a great many families. Funerals provide those families the opportunity to enjoy closure rather quickly, without letting a great deal of time pass. The opportunity to view the body may also be important to some.

Memorial services are a somewhat different story. They often occur weeks or months after death, thereby providing family plenty of time to plan the service itself. This also gives friends and family who live out of town additional time to make travel arrangements. Depending upon circumstances, a memorial service may be very advantageous. Some families even opt to hold both a funeral and a memorial service. If your budget permits, there is certainly nothing wrong with that.

Note that cremation can work with either scenario. A funeral service can be held before cremation occurs, or a memorial service may be held after the fact. It is not unusual for a family to have the cremated remains present at a memorial service.

If you or someone you know is looking for funeral homes in the Southport, IN, area, consider reaching out to O’Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. We pride ourselves on working with families like yours as they face decisions like these. You can visit us at 6107 S East St, Indianapolis, IN 46227 or place a phone call to (317) 787-8224.