What distinguishes a memorial service from a funeral?

A memorial service is specifically characterized by the absence of the body. This differentiates it from a traditional funeral, where the body is typically present. In a memorial service, the focus is on celebrating and honoring the life of the deceased, often in a more flexible and personal setting, which can facilitate a variety of formats and practices suitable for the deceased's or their family's preferences. The absence of the body allows for a more abstract remembrance, where stories, memories, and the impact of the individual's life can take center stage without the solemnity often associated with a body present.

The other elements mentioned do not define a memorial service adequately. For example, while memorials may include rituals that reflect the deceased's beliefs, this is not distinctive to memorial services, as funerals can also incorporate such elements. Additionally, while outdoor memorials can occur, they are not exclusive to memorial services and can also be part of funerals. Thus, the defining feature of a memorial service is its nature of proceeding without the physical presence of the deceased.