Tips for Planning a Graveside Burial

Working to plan an end-of-life service that feels befitting of a loved one can be a difficult task—one that is even harder because you must make all these decisions in the midst of great grief. If you just lost someone you love and are struggling to navigate these decisions, taking a step back and seeking input may help you along the way. If you’re planning to hold a graveside funeral for your loved one, this article is for you.

Below we’ll provide tips on how to plan the graveside funeral service you want to provide your loved one and offer advice on what to expect in advance of the day itself. Read on for all the helpful insight you’ve been looking for.

What is a graveside burial service?

A graveside burial service is simply a service held to honor the deceased at their grave before burial, but it can be customized in a variety of ways to suit your circumstances and needs. If you’re working to plan a graveside burial service for your loved one, there are some important things to consider.

Choose between a standalone service and an additional ceremony

A graveside burial can be one of two things: either a standalone service held at the grave or an additional ceremony held after a traditional funeral. Which route you choose to take is completely dependent on what feels right for you and your loved ones. Some people feel that comfort and closure come from seeing the casket or urn in its final resting place, and in some cultures including a graveside service is customary.

This service may include readings, prayers, musical accompaniment and any other special touches that feel in line with a celebration of the deceased’s life. A graveside service generally lasts between 30 minutes and an hour.

Steps to preparing a graveside service:

Here’s a closer look at the steps involved in planning a graveside service for your loved one:

• Choose a burial site: Decide on a burial plot for your loved one. Remember to check their records before doing so, as they may have already purchased one or had one purchased on their behalf in a family plot.
• Select the casket or urn: Visit a funeral home or another local business to see casket or urn options and decide which best suits your circumstances.
• Coordinate with a cemetery director: Work with a cemetery director to orchestrate all the details for your loved one’s graveside service. They’ll let you know what steps you’ll need to take in preparation, and what they’ll handle on your behalf.
• Plan the ceremony: Create a ceremony that reflects your loved one’s life—choose scripture, poems or music that speak to who they were so that mourning family and friends can come together in celebration and catharsis.

When you’ve completed all these steps to plan a graveside funeral service, you’re ready to select and customize a gravestone or monument for your loved one’s grave. Reach out to the specialists at Phillipsburg Memorial Company to learn about the wide range of options available to you. We’ll discuss your vision and budget in order to make a choice that’s just right for your loved one.

Categorised in: Funeral Planning