Creating a Unique Graveside Service

When most people think of cremation services in Willits, CA. they imagine the cremains either being released into nature or kept in an urn in a family member’s home. However, many individuals and families have a ground burial with the cremation. 

A ground burial with a cremation works the same as a traditional ground burial. However, instead of a casket being buried, it will be the urn that contains the cremains that gets buried. For many families, they will also hold a committal graveside service. If you are considering a graveside service for your loved one, here are some ideas to make it unique. 

Release Doves or Butterflies 

The act of releasing doves can be seen in several different events such as weddings and funerals. Holding a dove release at your loved one’s graveside can provide a beautiful visual representation of their spirit being carried off into heaven. 

To find a company to help with your dove release, simply search online and you will be able to find several options. Each companies polices and prices are different so check with the specific provider for all of the details you need to know. 

Releasing butterflies is also a beautiful act. You can find several companies online that offer this service. They will have the butterflies shipped directly to you or the location of the service. The butterflies are in a state of rest and will be “woken up” when they arrive. 

Have Guests Participate 

Having guests participate in the graveside service is not only a wonderful way to honor your loved one, but it provides guests a way to feel more included and involved, which they will appreciate. Some ways you can do this are to have each guest place a flower on top of the casket. Another way that is common in certain religions is to have each guest shovel a small about of dirt over the casket one at a time. 

Give Guests a Personal Memento 

Many times guests will receive a small keepsake from a funeral. These funeral favors can be anything from a prayer card to a small candle. This idea can be carried over to the graveside service as well. 

If you can make this keepsake personal to your loved one, it can be an even more meaningful token. For example, if you loved one was an avid baker, you could hand out cookie cutters with a favorite recipe attached. Maybe your loved one was passionate about gardening. If so, you could hand out seed packets or small tress to be planted. 

Final Thoughts 

Having your loved one’s services special and personalized to them can go a long way in honoring them and feeling close to them. One such service is the graveside, or committal service. This event is important as it helps those who attend to begin healing. To see the casket, or in this can an urn, being lowered into the ground can be a be the visual they need to get closure and begin accepting the new reality. 

If you would like more information on committal ceremonies and how they work with cremation services in Willits, CA., give us a call or come by and talk with one of our directors today.