Does the idea of a traditional funeral just not sit entirely right with you and your family? Are you worried about having enough time to plan that funeral? Perhaps you are simply interested in some kind of funeral alternative. Whatever the case may be, you may wish to consider a memorial service. There is a lot to like about memorial services and learning more about them is certainly a good thing. If you or someone you know is looking for a funeral home in Summerville, SC, you should know that there is one in your area that can handle funerals and memorial services alike. That kind of flexibility is especially important for any family that has unique needs. 

McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation has a long history with both funerals and memorial services. We know that every family is different and that it is absolutely essential for those families to have options. So we are always ready to discuss those options in greater detail, even walking you through the process so that you better understand what’s at stake. You should never be in the dark when making this kind of decision. You you know the possibilities, and you should know exactly what they involve. Speaking with a professional can really help. 

Generally speaking, there is nothing wrong with the idea of a funeral. They are the perfect solution for a great many families, and they have a long history of meeting those families’ needs. But that doesn’t mean they are right for everyone. There are some important differences between funerals and memorial services, and those differences likely mean that one of these two options will work better for your family. 

While funerals typically occur just days after losing someone, memorial services may be weeks or even months later. That kind of delay isn’t ideal for everyone, but it can be extremely helpful for some. For example, that additional time allows you the opportunity to focus your energy on planning the service itself (or doing other important things). Many families like the idea of being involved with the planning process. At the very least, they may want to have some kind of input or perform more of an oversight function. Every family has the right to be involved. In fact, the service itself will likely be all the better for it. So having some additional time to focus on planning can be a serious advantage.

The later date also means that friends and family may have an easier time attending the memorial service. This is especially true when many of them are located out of town. 

Because they’re a bit later and because many have had some time to process their loss, memorial services are sometimes a bit less formal than a traditional funeral. This may mean you have some additional flexibility when it comes to the nature of the service itself. While there aren’t really any rules when it comes to funerals, there are certainly some traditions and expectations. That is less true when it comes to memorial services, and that makes them really ideal for any family that would like to do things a bit differently. 

If you are interested in funeral homes in the Summerville, SC, area, consider reaching out to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation. We aren’t just about preplanning funerals, our funeral directors can help answer questions or concerns about funerals in general as well provide guidance if needed when thinking through different options. In addition to memorial services, we are happy to work with you on other kinds of events that might seem a little bit different. That kind of versatility is important. It means that you have freedom when it comes to how you remember your loved one and pay respects. Every family deserves that freedom, and we are here to help.