Whether you’re arranging or attending a committal after the service at funeral homes Willoughby Hills, OH, you’ll want to know what it is, what to say, and what to expect. To help you out, we have outlined a detailed guideline on everything you should know about a committal service.
What Is a Committal Service?
A committal service is simply a graveside service. This is a brief memorial service at the time you commit the body to the ground. Consider it as the final goodbye for the family and should be treated with dignity and respect. Mostly, this service is no longer than 15 to 20 minutes.
Many families choose to have a committal immediately following a funeral service. You can also choose to have a committal with no separate funeral or memorial at all. These details are up to the bereaved family.
Remember that a committal service for cremated remains would be planned the same as for a full casket with slight changes. The urn will be set on a table or an urn bier. Flower arrangements or the deceased’s pictures are made to place around the urn.
How to Plan a Committal
Before making all the decisions, be sure to discuss the service with your funeral director. He is the person you have to hire because he knows the best. Get his or her recommendations to ensure everything goes as planned.
1. Choose a cemetery or burial site
First of all, choose a burial site for the lost loved one. Usually, you will need to decide on a cemetery and buy a plot. You could check with cemetery offices to see if someone is trying to sell a plot. You should be able to purchase it for less from an individual.
2. Talk to the cemetery sexton
The sexton or caretaker runs the cemetery and knows its daily operations. He or she is responsible for managing all the arrangements of the gravesite.
From having the grave dug to filling it, they will make sure the casket gets to the grave and set on the lowering device. Also, the ground around the site needs to be set up for mourners. If needed, ask to set up the tents and chairs for the guests.
If you would like any décor, such as flowers or a photo memorial. You will need to pay the cemetery for these services.
3. Find an officiant & plan the service
The next step is to choose a pastor/minister/priest to lead the service. You will need to talk with the officiant, so he/she knows what Scriptures you want to have read. The officiant will also want some information so that he can write a short eulogy.
Want to customize the event and make it more meaningful? Have singing or specific reading at the committal service. This is where you can take suggestions from the officiant. Note that, if there isn’t a church affiliation, you can ask a family member to lead the service after funeral homes Willoughby Hills, OH.