Memorial Services in Pittsburgh, PA

What is a Memorial Service?

A memorial service is a gathering to remember someone, held without the body present. Because of that, it can happen on almost any day, at almost any place. Some families hold it within a week. Others wait a month or two so relatives can travel in.

People sometimes call these memorial funerals, and that is fine. The name matters less than the purpose: to honor a life and give people a place to grieve together.

Memorial services are most often chosen after cremation, though they are not limited to it. They also work well when the burial has already happened privately, or when a person has died far from home.

Cremation and Memorial Service: How They Fit Together

Many families ask us about cremation and memorial service planning in the same breath. The two go together easily.

With cremation first, you are not tied to a date. The cremation is carried out, and the memorial follows when your family is ready. The urn can be present at the service, or you can hold it without one and place the remains afterward. Some families choose a photo display instead.

If you would rather have a viewing first, that is possible too. A short visitation with the body, then cremation, then a memorial service a little later is a common way to do it. You can learn more about our cremation services if you are still deciding.

What We Do

A memorial service can be as formal or as relaxed as you like. We have helped families hold them in a church, in our chapel, at a park pavilion, in a backyard and at a favorite restaurant.

We start with a short conversation. Who was this person? What did they love? Who needs to be there? From that, we build a plan. The service might include a prayer, a eulogy, a reading, a slideshow or recorded music. Some families ask guests to share a story. Others keep it quiet and simple.

We handle the practical side so you do not have to. That means the venue, the paperwork, the printed program, the guest book and the arrangements for the urn or photographs.

Our Memorial Services Include:

• A private meeting to talk through your wishes
• Choosing a date, time and place that suit your family
• Securing permits and death certificates
• Care of your loved one before cremation or burial
• Coordination with your priest, minister or celebrant
• Music, readings, photo boards and video tributes
• Printed programs and a guest book
• Urn selection and display at the service
• Obituary writing and placement in local newspapers
• Flowers, a reception space and refreshments, if you would like them
• Help with scattering, burial or placement of cremated remains afterward
• Support for family members traveling from other states

Planning Tips From Our Team

A few things help every memorial service go more smoothly.

Pick a date that works for the people who matter most, even if that means waiting. A service that everyone can attend is worth more than one held quickly.

Think about the setting. A familiar place often feels warmer than a formal one. If the person loved a certain park or hall, ask us about it.

Decide who will speak. One or two short eulogies are usually enough. If you want open sharing, we can help keep it comfortable for everyone.

Finally, do not worry about doing it perfectly. Families remember the feeling in the room far more than the details.

On cost, a memorial service often costs less than a traditional funeral, because there may be no casket, no embalming and no cemetery service. Your total depends on the venue, the urn, and the extras you choose. We explain each charge before you decide, and our General Price List is available anytime.

Let Us Help You Get Started

If you are searching for memorial services near me, you can reach either of our local homes today. Contact us today for more information.

Answers to Questions You May Have