Graveside Services: What You Can Expect

When someone close to you has passes away, you may be invited to attend their graveside service. If you have never attended one before, you may be feeling a little anxious. This is normal since you are not sure what to expect. Learning a little more about these services and how they are typically held can go a long way in helping you feel more comfortable. Keep reading as directors of funeral homes in Ukiah, CA. share what you need to know about these ceremonies.

Key Takeaways:

A graveside service is a formal event that takes place at the burial site of the deceased, which can be a stand-alone event or be held immediately following a funeral service.

At a graveside service, you can expect prayers, readings from scripture, eulogies (if requested), and sharing of memories by those in attendance. When the service is finished, it is common for family and friends to throw flowers or mementos into the grave as a symbol of love and respect for the deceased.

What is a Graveside Service? 

A graveside service, also referred to as a committal ceremony, is an event that takes place at the burial site of the deceased. It can be a stand-alone event or be held immediately following a funeral service. These services are formal as with a funeral but tend to be much shorter in length. 

What is the Order of Service? 

A graveside service may have some of the elements as a funeral, but tend to be much shorter. As with a funeral, these services are held by an officiant and can include readings, eulogies, and prayers. The service ends with the body being lowered into the ground. 

Guest Participation 

Sometimes at these services, there may be points in the service where guests can participate. One example of this is if there are any call-and-response type prayers being recited. If so, and you know the prayer and feel comfortable, you can in. However, if you do not know the prayer of do not feel comfortable joining in, it is entirely appropriate not to participate. 

Another example of this is if you attend a service where a bit of dirt is placed on the casket. In this case, it is customary for the family to first take turns placing the dirt on the casket before then giving guests a turn. Once again, if you feel comfortable doing so then feel free to take a turn. If not, it is okay to not participate. 

Graveside Etiquette 

Just as with any other type of funeral or memorial service, you want to act appropriately and show respect. A few ways you can do this are by: 

• Dressing appropriately (somber colors, conservative attire) 
• Turning your cell phone off (or better, leaving it in the car) 
  
• Not talking or disrupting the service in anyway 
  
• If you have small child who are crying or making a scene, take them away from the area and only return once they are quiet 

Where to Sit at the Service 

When you first arrive to the burial site, you might see a few row of chairs, however, don’t sit down right away. You want to make sure that the family and those who need to sit (such as the elderly) have a chair. Once everyone has been seated, if there are still chairs available, you can sit down. If not, find a place behind the chairs and stand. 

Directors of funeral homes in Ukiah, CA. want you to know that it is completely understandable to feel a bit anxious when attending a graveside service. If you would like more information on what you might expect or if we can help in any other way, know that we are here and feel free to reach out to us anytime and have the talk of a lifetime.