You may be under the impression that some kind of funeral is your only real option. You may believe that you must prepare for that funeral within just a few days. The reality is that there is another way to do things. Memorial services are a bit different from funerals, and they differ in some important ways. That may well be the perfect fit for you and your family. If you or someone you know is looking for funeral homes in or near Charleston, SC, you should know that there is one in your area that can handle funerals and memorial services alike. It is important that you have some options, and it is important that you have the opportunity to think through those options. That’s a big part of what we do. We are here to help. 

McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation has a lot of experience with both funerals and memorial services. We have worked on a number of them, and we have done so for many different kinds of families. The truth is that no two funerals are exactly the same. And the same goes for memorial services themselves. When it comes time for you and your family to look into your options, give us a call and speak with a professional. That’s always the best way to answer any questions or concerns you might have. 

There is certainly nothing wrong with the idea of a funeral. They remain an extremely common solution, and they have been widely practiced in one way or another for a very long time. You can’t go wrong with funerals, and they are an important part of the healing process. But they aren’t for everyone. 

A funeral typically occurs just days after losing a loved one. That doesn’t provide you and your family with much time to prepare. And you may still be processing the loss itself. You may want some additional time to do so. Memorial services give you that kind of time. They provide you the opportunity to think things through and decide upon the next step. For many, that kind of flexibility is important. Memorial services may occur weeks or even months after someone passes away. That may lead to a number of practical benefits for a great many families. And it is certainly an option. That’s the important thing to remember. 

Memorial services are also a bit more casual or informal than your average funeral. Because guests have had some additional time to grieve, there is s bit more opportunity to do things a little bit differently. While the body of the deceased won’t be present at a memorial service (unless it has been cremated), it is still a perfectly legitimate way to pay respects, honor someone’s memory, and say goodbye in an appropriate fashion. That’s what really matters at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in funeral homes in the Charleston, SC, area, consider reaching out to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation. We are always flexible when it comes to your needs, whether that means a very traditional funeral or some kind of memorial service. And we also believe it is important for you to fully understand your options before you make a final decision. Unless you are already familiar with those options and know exactly what you want to do, some kind of conversation may be in order. We are here for you.