What characterizes a 'memorial service'?

A memorial service is distinctly characterized as a ceremony dedicated to honoring and remembering a deceased individual, where the presence of the deceased's body is not a requirement. This makes it different from other types of services, such as traditional funerals, where the body is typically present. The absence of the body allows for greater flexibility in how and when the service can be conducted, often focusing more on celebrating the life of the deceased rather than the physical remains.

This type of ceremony can be customized to reflect the wishes of the family and the personality of the deceased, making it a meaningful event for attendees. It honors the memory of the individual and provides an opportunity for friends and family to come together to share stories and offer support without the constraints of having the body present.

As such, the other options do not accurately describe the nature of a memorial service. For instance, the necessity of including the body or mandating attendance only by family limits the broader understanding of how memorial services can be structured and attended, underscoring the important role they play in the grieving process for both loved ones and the community.