Funerals and other memorial services are a time for people to mourn the loss of a loved one and celebrate that person's life. Funerals allow surviving family members and friends to offer their final words of grief and love to the deceased, share memories about them, and support each other as they move forward as a community. More importantly, they help ease the emotional and physical stress that comes with losing a loved one. While many people opt for a traditional church service, there are other ways to remember your loved one, such as holding a graveside funeral service.
What Is a Graveside Funeral?
A graveside funeral is usually held at the cemetery where the person is buried or at the funeral parlor, but it typically takes place right by the deceased's grave. Family members and close friends will usually pay their respects and speak about what kind of person the deceased loved one was. It usually takes place within a few days or weeks after someone has died.
Organizing a Graveside Funeral
Planning a graveside side funeral is not an easy task. There are several things you should do to make sure the funeral ceremony goes smoothly. For instance, you should engage other family members in picking a place for the graveside funeral. Also, you should decide whether or not to have a graveside funeral reception after the service. Other tips to follow include:
1. Making a Detailed List. It's helpful to have a detailed list of the things you need to do in writing. List all of the tasks involved with planning a funeral service, such as:
- Making arrangements for viewing
- Ordering flowers
- Calling caterers or florists
- Contacting clergy, ministers, or rabbis
- Arranging transportation
- Contacting the lawyer for final will instructions
2. Ensuring the Graveside Funeral Reflects the Personality of the Deceased
Although it can be difficult, try to think about the personality of your loved one and how best to create a service that reflects their personality. Some ways you might do this include:
- Choosing music that was special to the person (a particular song or artist).
- Choosing a scripture, poem, or other reading that was meaningful to the deceased.
- Choosing an outfit special to the deceased, especially for loved ones who wanted to be buried in their favorite attire.
Burials are a very personal experience. In essence, it's the last goodbye to someone you have loved and cared for. If you are planning a graveside funeral service for your loved one, this guide will help you ensure the ceremony goes smoothly. Contact a funeral home to learn more.
Funerals and death make many people uncomfortable, and asking questions about funerals can seem like a faux pas. You may find yourself wondering why bodies are embalmed, or what the advantages of cremation are — but where do you find answers?
You can find them here. We are not afraid to talk about death and dying, and we seek to offer the information everyone needs to know when planning or attending a funeral. You're going to feel a deep sense of loss whenever you lose someone close to you, but being able to prepare for and attend their funeral with confidence will at least make things a little easier in your period of grief.