There are many different types of funeral services and you can choose which one is the best option for you. If you are considering graveside services, there are many reasons why this can be a good option. Here are some things you should know about this type of service so you can decide if this is the right type of service at funeral homes in Elmwood Park, IL for your loved one and family.

Key Takeaways:

1. Graveside services provide a safe space to express grief and honor the memory of a loved one.
2. This gathering is usually brief but offers an opportunity for friends and family to say their goodbyes and remember their loved one.
3. Flowers, wreaths, or other symbols are often brought as a sign of respect.
4. Sharing memories and stories are an important part of this type of service, as it provides a way to remember the person’s life and legacy.
5. Graveside services remind us that our loved ones will never be forgotten.  They provide hope for the future and closure in times of sorrow.

What Is A Graveside Service?

Scripted ceremonies are held at the graveside during a graveside service. Funerals usually begin with a church service followed by a funeral procession to the cemetery. Families may opt to have the funeral at the gravesite instead of the church, hearse, or walking procession. Christian burials are traditionally accompanied by a committal service. Christian believers are not the only ones who can benefit from this type of service. In many cases, accompanying loved ones to their final resting place is an opportunity to express their respects.

What Does A Graveside Service Entail?

In most graveside services, a religious official or a close family member will deliver a short speech or prayer. The eulogy and prayers are usually the only things said. As a result, no photos or videos are displayed, and musicians are rarely present. The Jewish tradition of throwing dirt on the deceased’s coffin after the ceremony might be observed if the deceased was a Jew. In comparison to a full church service, the ceremony is very short. In most funerals, not all members of the congregation remain to witness the entire burial process. After the burial, cemetery staff usually bury the body fully, while mourners move on to receptions and other events.

How Should You Act At A Graveside Service?

There is a great deal of similarity between graveside service etiquette and traditional funeral etiquette. Attended events are customarily attired nicely. Attendees are encouraged to dress modestly and in somber colors, even though black is no longer the only socially acceptable color. You should plan your event according to the values of the family hosting it. A line usually forms after the service to honor the deceased’s family and express gratitude to the officiant. In the aftermath of the graveside service, the family will determine what to do. It is common for funeral attendees to be invited back to the host’s home or rented venue for food, conversation, and memories to be shared.

Mourners have the opportunity to accompany their loved ones to the cemetery directly after graveside services. By doing so, families and friends are able to pay their respects to the deceased as well as honor their memory. You can prepare for the moment your loved one is buried by learning about graveside services, whether you are the host or a guest. When you are attending a funeral service, keep your loved ones close to you so you will have support. If you are ready to start making plans at funeral homes in Elmwood Park, IL, be sure to reach out to us for help.