When a loved one passes away, families are often faced with decisions they never expected to make — and to make them quickly. One of the most common questions we hear is: What’s the difference between a funeral, a memorial service, gathering and a celebration of life?

While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they do have meaningful distinctions. Understanding those differences can help families choose a service that feels right, honors their loved one’s wishes, and provides comfort during a difficult time.

At Baue Funeral Homes, our role is to help families understand their options and create a meaningful experience, whatever form that may take.

What Is a Funeral Service?

A funeral service is a structured ceremony held in honor, remember, and say goodbye to a deceased person, usually while their body is present. It serves to provide closure for mourners, offer a space for shared grief, and typically includes, eulogies, music and a procession to a burial cemetery.

Funeral services often include:

• A visitation or viewing
• A formal service led by clergy or a celebrant
• Readings, prayers, music, or eulogies
• Burial or entombment following the service

Funeral services are commonly associated with religious or cultural traditions, though they can be customized to reflect personal beliefs and preferences.

Why Families Choose a Funeral Service

Many families find comfort in the structure and familiarity of a traditional funeral. It offers a clear opportunity to gather, grieve together, and formally say goodbye.

A funeral service can be especially meaningful when:

• Religious traditions are important
• Family members value long-standing customs
• Loved ones wish to be present for burial or entombment

At Baue, funeral services can be held in our chapels, at a place of worship, or graveside — and can be as traditional or as personalized as families wish.

What Is a Memorial Service?

A memorial service honors a loved one without the casket present, rather an urn or photos are the main focal point. This type of service usually takes place after burial or cremation, allowing families more flexibility with timing and location.

Memorial services may include:

• Spoken tributes or eulogies
• Music and readings
• Photo displays or memory tables
• Religious or secular elements

Because there is no immediate burial involved, memorial services are often scheduled days or even weeks later, making it easier for out-of-town family and friends to attend.

Some families choose to hold a memorial service even if cremation has not yet taken place. In these cases, the selected urn may still serve as the focal point of the service, with only the individual who made the arrangements aware that the urn is empty.

Why Families Choose a Memorial Service

Memorial services are a meaningful option for families who want time to plan, reflect, and gather.

They are often chosen when:

• Cremation has taken place
• Burial occurred privately
• Family members need flexibility with scheduling
• A less formal structure feels more appropriate

Memorial services can still be deeply traditional or faith-based — the key difference is timing and the absence of the physical remains.

What Is a Gathering or Celebration of Life?

A gathering or celebration of life is a more contemporary approach that focuses on honoring a person’s life, personality, and legacy, rather than emphasizing mourning.

Celebrations of life often include:

• Storytelling and shared memories
• Personalized music or playlists
• Displays of hobbies, photos, or memorabilia
• Casual attire and relaxed settings

These gatherings can be held at a funeral home, outdoor venue, private residence, or meaningful location.

Why Families Choose a Celebration of Life

Families often choose a celebration of life when they want the atmosphere to feel uplifting, personal, and reflective of how their loved one lived.

This option is common when:

• The individual expressed a wish for a less formal service
• Family values personalization over tradition
• The focus is on joy, gratitude, and remembrance

While celebrations of life are typically more casual, they can still include spiritual or ceremonial elements if desired.

Comparing the Three Options

While each service type is unique, they all serve the same essential purpose: honoring a life and supporting those who grieve.

Funeral Service

• Body present
• Often more traditional

Memorial Service

• Body not present
• Held after burial or cremation
• Offers flexible timing

Celebration of Life or Gathering

• Highly personalized
• Often informal
• Focuses on memories and legacy

There is no “better” choice — only what feels most meaningful for your family.

Can Services Be Personalized?

Absolutely. Today’s services often blend elements from all three options.

For example, families may choose:

• A traditional funeral with personalized music and readings
• A memorial service followed by a casual gathering
• A celebration of life that includes faith-based elements

At Baue Funeral Homes, personalization is central to everything we do. From music and décor to keepsakes and memorial videos, we help families create services that reflect their loved one’s story.

Which Option Is Right for Your Family?

Choosing between a funeral, memorial service, a gathering or celebration of life depends on several factors:

• Personal or religious beliefs
• Family traditions
• Final disposition (burial or cremation)
• Scheduling needs
• The wishes of the deceased

It’s also okay if you’re unsure. Many families don’t know what they want until they talk through the possibilities with an experienced funeral professional.

How Baue Funeral Homes Can Help

For over 90 years, families in the St. Charles County and greater St. Louis area have trusted Baue Funeral Homes to guide them through life’s most difficult moments with care and compassion.

Our team takes the time to listen, explain options clearly, and help families create services that feel right — whether that’s a traditional funeral, a memorial service, a gathering or celebration of life, or a combination of all three.

No matter what type of service you choose, our goal remains the same: to provide comfort, clarity, and meaningful remembrance.