What is the key difference between a funeral and a memorial service?

The key difference between a funeral and a memorial service lies in the presence of the body. A funeral typically includes the deceased's body, which is often displayed in a casket during the service. This allows attendees to pay their respects directly to the person who has passed away. The presence of the body often plays a significant role in the way families and friends grieve and commemorate the life of the deceased.

In contrast, a memorial service is held without the body present. This can take place after the body has been cremated or buried, allowing for a more flexible approach in terms of location and timing. Memorial services can be personalized in various ways, often focusing on celebrating the individual's life through stories, music, and shared memories, rather than the physical.

In terms of context related to other options, while a funeral indeed can take place in a church, it is not a defining characteristic since funerals can also be held in other venues. Similarly, memorial services can be formal or informal, so stating that a memorial service is more formal is not universally true. Thus, the presence of the body serves as the most distinguishing feature between the two types of services.