A Celebration of Life vs. Funerals

By: Tom Gallagher
Friday, August 10, 2018

People have different ways to honor the passing of their loved ones, depending on tradition and preference. Funerals, memorial services, a celebration of life, wakes etc. provide people with closure and offer them a medium to say their final goodbye to their loved one. However, many individuals struggle during the planning process of deciding what option is right for them. At Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, we have helped plan many different types of services and have some pointers to help you decide what is best for you and your family. Here are a few differences between a celebration of life and a funeral:

Funeral- What is it?

A funeral is a formal goodbye to the deceased. The process is often religious and there isn’t much room for customization as it is a structured ceremony. Funerals typically take place prior to the burial or cremation. This is done so that the body of the departed individual is present.

A Celebration Of Life- What Is It?

This is another practice to say goodbye to the loved one. Rather than having a formal ceremony, a celebration of life is a get-together that has a much more casual atmosphere. The main difference between a funeral and a celebration of life is the lack of the deceased’s body. The body is buried or cremated prior to the service. There are no religious processes to go about and it is less formal and structured than a funeral service.

How Do They Differ From One Another?

A celebration of life gives people a chance to mourn the deceased but also focuses on the positive aspects of the life they lived. Loved ones speak of their experiences with the deceased and spend time sharing memories. It has a much more relaxed atmosphere and is even happy to a certain degree. Unlike funerals, a celebration of life can be held weeks or months after the loved one has passed away.

If you need assistance on funeral-related matters or want to know more about our services here at Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home, contact us or give us a call at 318-640-1375 today.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.
Refresh
Audio

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

What Is Direct Disposition?

What Is Direct Disposition?- This term may not be as widely known as traditional funeral services, but it represents a simple approach to final arrangements. There are many aspects to direct dispos...

What Cremation Products Are Available For Purchase?

At Thomas Gallagher Funeral Home, we understand that each life is unique and deserving of a respectful farewell. Many clients ask us what cremation products are available for purchase. With compass...

Understanding Funeral/Cremation Pricing

We at Thomas Gallagher Funeral Home have seen that cremation is an increasingly popular choice for many individuals and their families when it comes to end-of-life arrangements. It offers a more fl...

Taking Proper Steps In Dealing With Unresolved Grief

Grief is an intricate and deeply personal emotion that we all experience at some point. While it is a natural response to loss, each individual's journey of grief is unique. In some cases, grief c...

What Are Prepaid Cremation Services?

In today's age of comprehensive planning, we at Thomas Gallagher Funeral Home have seen that prepaid cremation services have emerged as a prudent and thoughtful option for individuals and families ...

Questions To Ask When Choosing A Cremation Provider

We at Thomas Gallagher Funeral Home understand that choosing a cremation provider is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. It's essential to ask the right questions, to ensure...

What's Included In An Affordable Cremation?

When a loved one passes away, the emotional burden can be overwhelming. In such difficult times, making end-of-life arrangements is an unavoidable responsibility. For many families, affordability b...

What Is Actually Involved In Pre-Planning Your Funeral?

Pre-planning your funeral involves making arrangements and decisions regarding your funeral service, burial or cremation, and other related details ahead of time. By pre-planning, you can alleviate...

The Physical Symptoms Of Grief And How To Handle Them

Grief is a complex emotional experience that can affect us on multiple levels, including physically. When we experience loss, it is common to encounter the physical symptoms of grief that can be ch...

How To Keep Your Loved Ones Closer To Your Heart

Losing a loved one is a challenging experience that can leave us yearning for ways to keep our loved ones closer to our heart even after they have passed. While their physical presence may no longe...