A blessing service is a church ceremony in which the deceased is blessed in accordance with Christian tradition. It is suitable when the deceased or their next of kin desire a spiritual element and a final farewell that follows church traditions. Blessing services are held in churches and cemetery chapels.
A farewell ceremony is a non-religious memorial service. It can be tailored to honor the life of the deceased—for instance, through speeches, music, and shared memories. It is a suitable choice when a more informal and personal way of saying goodbye to a loved one is desired. For example, in the Helsinki metropolitan area, the majority of farewell ceremonies take place in the Crematorium Foundation’s chapel.
Both options offer a meaningful moment for grief, remembrance, and saying farewell together—the most important thing is to choose a service that feels right and aligns with the wishes of the deceased and their loved ones.
