How to Plan a Graveside Ceremony

A graveside service is called "direct burial" by the funeral industry. In addition to being much less costly than a funeral, it can be a warm and informal way for friends and loved ones to honor the departed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Grave Sites
• Microphones
• Canopies
• Flowers
• Caskets
• Funeral Programs
• Folding Chairs

1. Choose a time and a date you wish to have the graveside service. Provide the funeral home with this information or - if you are arranging it yourself - contact the cemetery directly.
2. Decide how formal you want the service to be. A pastor, priest or other speaker can formally conduct the service, or you can do it informally, asking friends and loved ones to come forward and speak about their memories of the deceased.
3. Consider your religious beliefs. Incorporate those traditions in the ceremony, if desired.
4. Make arrangements for special musical pieces or songs if appropriate. Try to choose something that was a favorite of the deceased, or that is meaningful to the family.
5. Notify friends and family of the time and date of the burial service. Be sure you include the name of the cemetery. You can also do this by submitting an obituary to a local newspaper that includes information about the service.
6. Be sure there is a canopy for very warm weather or rain. Likewise, be sure that there are chairs for elderly people and for the family. The cemetery or funeral home can arrange this.
7. Begin the service on time and keep it relatively brief. Remember that some people will stand throughout the service.

Tips & Warnings

• A graveside service can be completely taken care of by the funeral home you use, or you can do much of it yourself. Be sure to ask the funeral home for their "general price list" so you can see exactly how much they will charge for all the services involved before you decide.
• Some people prefer to have a formal funeral first, followed by a short graveside ceremony.
• Most funeral homes will print a funeral program for guests and mourners attending graveside services. Ask about this option.
• You are not obligated to purchase any item or service from the funeral home, including the casket, which you might obtain elsewhere for a more reasonable price.