How Does a Celebration of Life Differ from a Funeral?

By: Greg Hurd
Wednesday, December 27, 2017

There are a number of alternatives to the traditional funeral service available today so people don’t have to choose the traditional ceremony if they want something different and unique. Many want to encourage the grieving and healing process, and feel that a traditional funeral service doesn’t fit them or their family. The most popular alternative to this is a celebration of life service. Here’s a brief introduction to the differences between the two:

What is a celebration of life?

As the name suggests, the celebration of life ceremony is designed to celebrate the life of the deceased individual instead of mourning the loss. This allows people to focus on the positive memories they shared with the deceased individual. They can share stories and experiences, remember the good times, and lighten the burden of their grief. Here are some characteristics of celebration of life:

  • The ceremony is informal and doesn’t follow any religious structure.
  • It can be conducted at anytime; even a year after the individual has passed away.
  • It’s a more personal and intimate ceremony, which suits modern preference.

What is a funeral service?

Funerals are structured events that follow a distinct pattern and process. They’re formal and planned according to the guidelines of a particular religious denomination. Many people find comfort in the familiarity and spirituality of funerals and don’t want to experiment. Here are some of the characteristics of funeral service:

  • It usually happens within the first few days of the person’s passing.
  • A priest or celebrant must be present.
  • The services aren’t flexible and aren’t as easy to personalize.

If you want to know more about funeral services and other details, don’t hesitate to contact us at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home. We’ll be happy to help. 

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