Frequently Asked Questions for Memorial Services

  • What is a memorial service?

    Here's an interesting way to answer the question: a memorial service is not a funeral. Picture what you believe to be the traditional funeral and then mentally tear up the image. Both ceremonies have structure as both intend to bring the community together in support and remembrance. But one is far more formal than the other - a memorial service is not led by clergy but guided by a celebrant or master-of-ceremonies. It provides all who attend the service an opportunity to participate on some level, not just to observe and reflect.


  • How does it differ from a celebration of life or funeral?

    Visualize a memorial service as a mid-point on the spectrum of service format possibilities. On one end is the more formally structured, clergy-led funeral service (often with three components: the visitation, funeral and a committal service held at the cemetery). On the other hand, it is the celebration of life; an event where the life of the deceased (their passions, intellectual pursuits and personal accomplishments) are the focus of attention. A funeral isn't truly celebratory, where a celebration-of-life is all about celebration. A memorial service could be a gentle mix of the two, but in all honesty, each memorial service is unique. Speak with your funeral professional for further insights.

  • Which type of service format is right for me and my family?

    There's no way we can tell you which service would be the best in your situation. We don't believe it's even part of our job to tell you; instead, our work is in showing you the spectrum of possibilities. We can explain your options, make suggestions - all to empower you to make the best possible decision.

  • How much will a memorial service cost?

    It’s a lot like asking, "How much will it cost to buy a car?" The answer is dependent upon the special features you've selected during the arrangement conference. When you sit down with a funeral director to discuss service costs, you'll receive a copy of the firm's General Price List which will detail all the basic professional services included in the price of your loved one's memorial service as well as the cost of any ancillary products or services you've purchased. Call us to get a better idea of what your loved one's memorial service will do for you as well as what it will cost.

  • What "extra" fees or charges will I need to pay?

    Some of the things you'll discuss with your funeral director involve purchases made from outside vendors and you will be asked to pay for those items at the time of the arrangement conference. One of the most common fees is charged by a newspaper to print your loved one's obituary. Another cash advance charge could be for clergy or musician's fees, floral arrangements, reception necessities, such as food/beverage or facility rental. Your funeral director will provide you with a detailed invoice for all cash advance items.

  • What are "cash advance items"?

    Some of the things you'll discuss with your funeral director involve purchases made from outside vendors, and you will be asked to pay for those items at the time of the arrangement conference. One of the most common is the fee charged by a newspaper to print your loved one's obituary. Another cash advance charge could be for the clergy or musician's fees, floral arrangements, reception necessities, such as food/beverage or facility rental. Your funeral director will provide you with a detailed invoice for all cash advance items.

  • Why must I pay for these items ahead of time?

    The vendors we work with (the newspapers, florists, caterers and musicians), all require us to pay for goods and services when ordered or at the time of delivery. Our "good faith" relationship with them requires us to charge you for them at the close of the arrangement conference. Your funeral director will take time to explain all of the necessary cash advance expenses incurred as part of your service planning.

  • How and when should I pay?

    A good rule of thumb is to expect to pay when the service contract is signed (at the time of the arrangement conference or soon afterward). Speak with your funeral director to learn more.

  • What's involved in planning a memorial service?

    We've written several pages on memorial service planning, but the short answer would include selecting the location, date and time of the service. You'll be asked to identify the specific readings, musical selections, food or beverages and/or the activities you'd like to feature as well as the people you would like to participate in the service itself. Memorial service planning isn't difficult; it's empowering. After all, you've got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to show the world how much your loved one meant to you. We invite you to speak with one of our service planning professionals to learn more.

  • How much will I have to be involved?

    How much would you like to be involved? Your funeral director will need you to specify certain details: the where and when, for example. Together you'll make important decisions about other specifics, but once those decisions are made, you can "step back" and let us handle everything or have as much input as you please.

  • What items will I need to bring to the funeral home?

    You'll need to provide the documents/information required to complete your loved one's death certificate and obituary. You may also wish to bring in a collection of family photographs to be used in making a tribute video or in the decoration of the service location. Other items may be needed at some point, depending on the arrangements made. Your funeral director will provide you with an exact list of the things they would like you to bring along to the arrangement conference.

  • What is a civil celebrant? How can they help?

    A celebrant is a person who has been trained to conduct formal ceremonies, such as weddings, baptisms and funerals. They are not clergy. Instead, they are experienced masters-of-ceremony and storytellers. A celebrant works closely with surviving family to create a ceremony that reflects the beliefs, cultural background, values and aspirations of your deceased loved one and your family. If you think you would be best served by a celebrant, please speak with your funeral director.

  • Will I, or another family member, need to write the obituary?

    Commonly the funeral director who met with you during the arrangement conference will assume the responsibility of writing the obituary. You will support them in doing so by providing them with the necessary legal documents (birth certificates, military records, and marriage or divorce decrees) and other details about your loved one's life. If you, or another family member or friend, wish to write the obituary, we can help to guide you through the process.

See Other Blogs

View of tall tree from bottom of tree trunk

Can I Get A Biodegradable Casket In Manitoba?

By Richard Rosin • August 29, 2026
Yes, You Can Get Biodegradable Caskets in Winnipeg When I originally wrote about biodegradable caskets back in 2020, natural and green burial options were still relatively unfamiliar to many people in Winnipeg. A lot has changed since then. Awareness and interest in natural green burial have continued to grow. In June 2025, the City of Winnipeg’s Brookside Cemetery became the first cemetery in Manitoba to receive Green Burial Provider Certification from the Green Burial Society of Canada. And in June 2026, we were proud to become the first funeral company in Manitoba to be certified by the Society as a Green Burial Funeral Service Provider. For families who want a more environmentally conscious approach to burial, there are now more options to consider. What Is Available? There are many choices, but these are three of the most common: Caskets Natural caskets can be made from sustainable wood or woven materials such as tree branches. They are made without metal handles or hinges and use natural or organic finishes. Burial Trays These simple carriers, made from sustainable wood, offer another option for natural burial. Burial Shrouds A burial shroud can be as simple as a natural cotton wrapping placed in or on a casket or burial tray. There are also specially designed shrouds with reinforced strapping that allow pallbearers to carry the person and lower them into the grave. We’ve also worked with families who have provided their own shrouds. These products can be purchased online, locally, or through a funeral director who offers environmentally friendly funeral and burial options. Choosing a Natural Burial Product Whenever possible, I like to support local options. Here in Winnipeg, we are fortunate to have The Village Casketmaker , which has been making caskets and urns locally for more than 20 years. We also purchase natural cotton and make our own simple burial shrouds. Another option we support is Mourning Cloak Shrouds , which creates shrouds designed so they can also be used to carry the person. What Is Right for You? There isn’t one natural burial product that is right for everyone. You may be thinking about the environmental impact, where the product is made, the materials used, cost, or simply what feels most appropriate for you or your family. That’s part of what we’re here to help you work through. If you have questions about biodegradable caskets, burial trays, shrouds or green burial options in Winnipeg, give us a call at 204-219-1126 or email richard@richardrosin.ca . We’re here when you need us.
Tequila bottle is used as an urn

Your urn is a What? Cool!

By Richard Rosin • August 7, 2026
You do NOT have to buy an urn from the funeral home or cemetery.

We Come To You

By Richard Rosin • May 26, 2026
We Come To You Arrangements in the Comfort of Your Home
A Step By Step Guide In Winnipeg

What Happens When Someone Dies.

By Richard Rosin • May 2, 2026
A helpful guide when making funeral arrangements.

The Five Principles of Green Burial

By Richard Rosin • March 31, 2026
The Five Principles of Green Burial A Guide To Environmentally Friendly Death Care Practices

Welcome to Green Burial

By Richard Rosin • March 21, 2026
Green Burial in Winnipeg: A Sustainable, Meaningful End-of-Life Choice As the world gets warmer, many of us are trying to reduce our impact cutting energy use, composting, and advocating for change. But there’s one question most people haven’t considered: What will your environmental legacy be after you’re gone? For many families in Winnipeg, that question is leading them to explore a more natural, meaningful option: Green Burial. What Is Green Burial? Simply put, Green Burial is the way people cared for their dead long before the modern funeral industry existed. It’s a return to simplicity. A return to nature. Green Burial reflects your values your desire to reduce your impact on the earth, even in death. It allows the body to return naturally to the soil, continuing the cycle of life that has been practised across cultures for thousands of years. The 5 Core Principles of Green Burial Green Burial is guided by five key principles: No embalming, Direct earth burial Ecological restoration & conservation plans Simple memorialization Optimized land use These principles ensure that the process is as gentle on the environment as it is meaningful for families. Common Misconceptions About Green Burial Some people believe Green Burial is: A new or fringe idea Only for environmentalists A lower-cost, “less meaningful” option A poor use of land Less environmentally friendly than cremation The truth is quite different. Green Burial is actually one of the oldest traditions in human history , practised across cultures for generations. Today, it’s growing in popularity because it aligns with the values of people from all walks of life and want their final act to reflect how they lived. And for many families, it becomes a deeply meaningful way to honour a loved one, rooted in simplicity, presence, and connection. Green Burial Options in Winnipeg In Canada, the Green Burial Society of Canada certifies funeral homes and cemeteries that meet strict environmental standards. There are currently certified sites across the country, including right here in Winnipeg. Brookside Cemetery officially certified its Green Burial section in June 2025, making it possible for local families to choose this sustainable option close to home. Why It Matters: Your Environmental Legacy Most people don’t realize they have one final opportunity to make an impact. Your Environmental Legacy doesn’t stop when your heart does. There is still one more decision to make, one more way to reflect your values, care for your community, and protect the earth for future generations. Start the Conversation If Green Burial speaks to you, the next step is simple: Ask questions. Have conversations. Make a plan. Because the best decisions are made with clarity not in a moment of urgency. Questions about Green Burial? Richard Rosin, Winnipeg’s Friendliest Undertaker Call 204-219-1126 or email us to learn more.
Show More