When someone we love dies, we’re often faced with unfamiliar decisions—one of the first being what type of farewell to organise.
At Tomorrow Funerals, we’re often asked: “What’s the difference between a funeral and a memorial?” It’s a great question, and understanding the difference, and options, could help you plan a more personal and meaningful goodbye.
What is a Funeral?
A funeral is a service held with the body present—either in a coffin or casket. It typically takes place before a burial or cremation and may be held in a church, funeral chapel or other traditional setting.
In Sydney and Melbourne, funerals are often arranged within a few days of the death and can include elements like:
- Service in a church or funeral parlour
- A eulogy or tributes
- Prayers or spiritual readings
- Full Catholic mass or any variety of spiritual leadership
- Service led by a celebrant
- Viewing or open casket (if desired)
- A coffin present with flowers
A traditional funeral may be especially important if the family, or person who has died was religious.
While traditional funerals are still common, many families today, in cities like Melbourne and Sydney, are seeking a more modern approach. They are looking to create celebrations of life that feel more personalised and less formal. These might be held in alternative venues such as pubs, event spaces, gardens, beaches or even private homes.
What is a Memorial?
A memorial is a service held after the cremation or burial, and the body is not present. This allows for more time, flexibility and creativity in how the event is planned. It’s a celebration of life, rather than a formal farewell.
These gatherings can take place:
- Weeks or even months after the cremation
- In beautiful, non-traditional venues like gardens, art galleries, or at home
- With personal touches such as curated playlists, memory tables, video stories, and guest tributes
- With custom touches like photo slideshows, live music or video tributes
We’ve supported families across Melbourne, Sydney, and Hobart in creating memorials that feel relaxed, heartfelt and deeply personal—giving them space to honour, remember, and celebrate in their own time and way.
In Australia, the old fashioned funeral parlours are making way for independent businesses specialising in celebrations of life. Old rituals are being replaced by innovative ‘self-created family rituals.’
What are the Benefits of Memorial?
Memorial services offer families more freedom, flexibility and personalisation than traditional funerals. Some of our families say they feel a bit more relaxed or like a family party.
The emphasis is not on purchasing a coffin to be displayed, but rather on planning a farewell event that sums up their person. Time and resources are used to create something unique that represents their life – from the location to the style, food and drinks served!
Life Celebrations: More Time to Plan
Because memorials, sometimes known as ‘Life Celebrations’ take place after the cremation or burial, there’s no pressure to rush the arrangements. Families have time to:
- Gather photos and memories
- Organise speakers and music
- Choose a venue that feels meaningful
- Move through the early stage of grief, if needed
- Wait for family members to return from overseas, if necessary
Creative and Personalised Ceremonies
Memorials can be anything you want them to be—from a casual garden gathering to a candlelit evening event in an art gallery. There are no strict rules. You can include:
- Photo slideshows and video tributes
- Favourite songs or live performances
- Follow on drinks, or wake, at the same location
- Ask guests to bring a special dish to remind them of the person who has died
Funeral vs. Memorial: Key Differences at a Glance
| Funeral | Memorial |
|---|---|
| Body is present | Body is not present |
| Usually before burial/cremation | Usually after cremation or burial |
| Often more formal or religious | Often more personal or celebratory |
| Time-sensitive | Flexible timing |
How do I plan a non-traditional funeral?
At Tomorrow, we like to keep things simple in terms of our package. We do not want to be involved in up-selling our clients at one of the most difficult times in their lives. That is why we have created our simple, one-priced package.
Our one simple funeral package includes:
- a dignified cremation + transfers + death certificates + hand delivery of ashes
- our Stories Bundle includes a tribute video + a website with online guestbook dedicated to your loved one + bound keepsake book + design of printed material for the memorial
- finally, we carefully match you with one of our wonderful celebrants who will take time to plan a unique memorial event tailored specifically to your person
. . .