There is growing popularity for direct cremations as they are more cost effective than a traditional funeral.  The disadvantage of a direct cremation is that the family do not have a meaningful ceremony where they can say ‘farewell’ to their loved one.

Sometimes, a funeral is very small, just for family and close friends. The deceased person may have a wide circle of friends and colleagues who wish to celebrate their life. 

In either of these scenarios, a memorial service for a deceased person is a ceremony held to honour and remember the life of someone who has passed away. Unlike a traditional funeral, where the coffin is present, a memorial service typically takes place without the coffin, although following a cremation, the ashes urn may be displayed, or otherwise laid to rest.