Should I have a Funeral or Memorial? – Finding the Right Way to Honour a Life

At H Morris, we often hear the question: What’s the difference between a funeral and a memorial? It’s a good question, because while both are about honouring someone’s life, they do so in very different ways.

A funeral usually happens soon after a person passes away. It’s a celebration of the person’s life with the casket present and it gives family and friends a shared moment to begin saying goodbye. There’s usually a structure to it, readings, eulogies, music and for many, that ritual brings comfort.

A memorial, on the other hand, is wonderfully flexible. It can happen weeks, months, or even years later. There’s no casket, but often there are ashes present, and the tone can be anything you want: a heartfelt ceremony, a relaxed garden gathering, or even an evening celebration under the stars. It’s about stories, laughter, and reflection. A chance to celebrate a life in a way that feels personal and meaningful.

At H Morris, we arrange both because our venue is designed for versatility. Elegant spaces for traditional services and beautiful gardens for more informal get togethers. Imagine a twilight gathering outdoors, fairy lights twinkling, music playing softly as friends share memories. These moments matter, and we love helping families create them.

The pandemic reminded us just how important these rituals are. During COVID, many families couldn’t hold funerals or memorials. Research shows that missing these opportunities often led to deeper, prolonged grief. People reported more intense symptoms when they couldn’t properly grieve through rituals and goodbyes. That absence left a gap that many are still trying to fill. That’s why we say it’s never too late. A memorial can bring healing, even years later.

If you missed the opportunity before or simply feel ready now, we’re here to help. From heartfelt speeches to casual storytelling, from music to catering, we’ll create a tribute that feels right for you and your person. Because at H Morris, we believe every life deserves to be honoured beautifully and every family deserves the chance to gather, remember, and celebrate.