Funerals and memorial services are terms that are often used interchangeably, either type of service can be used for cremation and you have the freedom to choose whatever personalization you wish to have for a loved one who has passed on.

Funerals and memorial services are terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean different things. If your loved one is going through a Chicago, IL cremation after passing on, you have the option to do one or the other. Let us help you distinguish between the two so you know what to expect when making the decision.

Funeral Services

Funeral services are more traditional and often have the body of the deceased present. There is generally a visitation, a service, and then a graveside service. Funeral services can be held at a funeral home, church, or cemetery. If you wish to have a funeral service for your loved one, you may want to do that first and then move forward with cremation after that is behind you.

Memorial Services

Memorial services are much more flexible and do not have to have the body present. The person can go through cremation and their ashes can be there or they don’t have to be present at all. Memorial services allow you the freedom to have the service anywhere including parks, homes, halls, or anywhere else. They are usually more creative and less formal since they can incorporate just about anything you or a loved one wants. These services are often more affordable as well since they have many different choices for cost-saving. If you are choosing cremation for your loved one, you will more likely go with a memorial service over a funeral.

Etiquette

For funeral services, you’ll want to wear church-appropriate clothing and respectfully greet the family of the deceased. You won’t want to socialize and catch up, but rather show compassion and arrive early so you don’t walk in during anything. You could send flowers, a gift to a charity, or bring a card. For memorial services, you can wear what you want based on the service itself. You will want to be respectful in your choices and show the family compassion. Bring a gift that fits the occasion and respect the family’s wishes, no matter what they might be.

Either type of service can be used for a Chicago, IL cremation and you have the freedom to choose whatever personalization you wish to have for a loved one who has passed on. If you are planning direct cremation for a loved one or for yourself in the future, we are able to arrange things for you and take as much of the stress out of the situation as possible. At Chicagoland Cremation Options , it is our goal to offer you professional, value-focused cremation services with pricing you can understand. We own and operate the crematory so your loved one will never leave our care throughout the process. They will be treated with the utmost dignity the whole way through. Contact us at (773) 631-0018 if you have questions about cremation or you can stop by and ask them in person at 9329 Byron St. Schiller Park, IL 60176.