funeral homes Waite Hill, OH

Planning the Committal Service

Wondering what exactly is a committal service and how it is different from a regular funeral at funeral homes Waite Hill, OH? And how do you plan a perfect committal event for a lost loved one? Here’s everything you need to know about committal service to get started.

What Is a Committal Service?

In simple words, a committal service is simply a graveside service. Just before lowering the deceased into the ground, close friends and family gather together and say a few words of tribute and prayers. This will be the final goodbye for the family and should be treated with dignity and respect.

Traditionally, the committal service is held immediately after a funeral service. It is a brief event that takes around 15-20 minutes. Note that you can have a committal service with no separate funeral or memorial at all.

How to Plan a Committal

While your funeral director will give useful tips on how to plan a perfect committal service, here are a few common things you should know about:

1. Choose a Burial Site

First, you need to buy a plot in the cemetery, if you haven’t already. Want to save some money? Check with cemetery offices to see if someone is trying to sell a plot. Generally, you manage to purchase it for less from an individual.

Else, get the plot from the cemetery.

2. Arrange for Burial Arrangements

You need to contact the sexton or caregiver, who is responsible for handling all the necessary details for the ceremony. The person will dig the grave and also fill it, a process called “Closed”. Setting up the tents and chairs is his responsibility.

Want to personalize the event? Bring flowers or a photo memorial board and set it up. You may ask the funeral director to arrange it.

funeral homes Waite Hill, OH3. Plan the Service

Generally, you need a pastor or a minister to officiate the service. Ask your funeral director to get you in touch with an officiant and discuss details with them, like what Scriptures you want to have read. The officiant will also want some information so that he can write a short eulogy.

Note that hiring a registered officiant is not compulsory. You can ask a family member or friend to lead the service. Or you can also ask the funeral director to say some words.

Many families wish to have friends and family step up and speak for a minute at the service, offering one last tribute to the departed soul. If you also love this idea, be sure not many guests speak for longer than a couple of minutes each. The committal service is supposed to be a short event, ranging hardly half an hour.

4. Other Considerations

It is always a good idea to check the weather on that particular day and time. Rain, heat, wind, snow, and cold can be deterrents to having this type of service. Also, get recommendations from funeral homes Waite Hill, OH, about how to make the event more memorable.