Every family is different when it comes to the kind of arrangements that ultimately make the most sense. That’s why it is so critical to make the right decision when it comes to a funeral or memorial service. They each have their advantages. And while there is generally no right or wrong answer, one of these options may be a better fit for your family. If you or someone you know is looking for funeral homes in or near Indianapolis, IN, you should know that there are trained professionals in your area who are prepared to work with you on either funeral arrangements or a memorial service. You shouldn’t have to do it alone. Those professionals can also discuss your options in advance and help you determine the best solution. After further review, you may well decide a memorial service is in order, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that. 

A memorial service is generally held weeks after the loss of a loved one. By contrast, a funeral is typically held just days after that loss. That’s a big difference. And it can make a real difference for your family, too. A funeral can be beneficial in many ways. It’s a timely acknowledgment of someone’s life, and it means that the healing process can continue right away. Some families prefer not to draw the process out for a longer period of time, and funerals make sense in that instance. Funerals aren’t necessarily any less expensive, and they do require planning to take place in a shorter period of time. Pre-planning may be especially helpful in the event of a funeral insofar as it reduces last-minute stress and anxiety. Put simply, you may not want to worry about making funeral arrangements at the last minute. 

On the other hand, a memorial service leaves you with plenty of time to remain involved with the planning process. If you want to do something unique or have certain kinds of presentations prepared, a memorial service may be in order. Memorial services also make it easier for some families to attend the event. When families are spread out across the country, it may be difficult to travel to a funeral on short notice. Memorial services make those travel arrangements easier to make. That said, memorial services obviously make it less possible to schedule something like a viewing or visitation. By then, the body of the deceased has already been buried or cremated. That may be a problem for some families. It may not be for others. Again, the decision is yours. 

When trying to make a decision about a memorial service, the best thing you can do is speak with an expert. You can have a conversation, by phone or in person, about the things that matter most to your family and what may make the most sense as a result. There are a number of variables. Working with someone directly can help you sort through them and make a final decision. 

If you are interested in funeral homes in the Indianapolis, IN, area, consider reaching out to O’Riley - Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. We work with families like yours on funerals and memorial services alike. And we can provide you with support and information as you make decisions there about.