Comparison
Funeral vs Memorial service
By Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa · Updated June 2026
The defining difference is whether the body is present. A funeral is held with the body present, typically within a few days and before burial or cremation. A memorial service is held without the body, often after cremation, so it can be scheduled weeks later and more flexibly — which usually makes it less expensive.
Funeral vs Memorial service, side by side
Is the body present?
- Funeral
- Yes
- Memorial service
- No (often after cremation)
Timing
- Funeral
- Usually within a week
- Memorial service
- Flexible — days to weeks later
Typical setting
- Funeral
- Funeral home or place of worship
- Memorial service
- Anywhere — home, venue, outdoors
Cost impact
- Funeral
- Higher (viewing, casket, sooner)
- Memorial service
- Often lower, more flexible
Formality
- Funeral
- More structured
- Memorial service
- Often more personal/relaxed
Figures are typical national ranges and vary widely by area and provider. Under the FTC Funeral Rule you're entitled to an itemized price list — always confirm prices directly.
Choose Funeral
Choose a funeral if a viewing and the body's presence matter to the family.
Choose Memorial service
Choose a memorial service for flexibility, lower cost, or to let distant family gather.
See what this costs where you live
National ranges only go so far. Compare real provider prices in your state, or browse every service we cover.
Common questions: Funeral vs Memorial service
- What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?
- A funeral is held with the body present, usually before burial or cremation. A memorial service is held without the body, frequently after cremation, and can be scheduled more flexibly. Both honor the person; they differ mainly in timing and whether the body is there.
- Is a memorial service cheaper than a funeral?
- Usually, yes. Because there's no body present, a memorial service often skips embalming, a viewing casket, and the time pressure of an at-need funeral, which lowers the cost. Pairing a direct cremation with a later memorial is one of the most affordable approaches.
- Can you have both a funeral and a memorial service?
- Yes. Some families hold a small funeral or graveside service soon after death and a larger memorial weeks later so more people can attend. There's no rule against marking the loss more than once.