The Pros and Cons of Graveside Services

What You and Your Family Need to Consider When Planning a Funeral for a Loved One

Making arrangements for a loved one’s death is never an easy process – from planning the funeral to deciding upon a graveside service or cremation funeral, there are many factors to consider. This article will review the pros and cons of a graveside committal service when making preparations for a loved one’s funeral.

• Cost-effective: When you are ready to make plans for a funeral, it’s important to keep your family’s financial situation in mind. In today’s economy, many people don’t have life insurance, burial insurance, or even a savings account. With funeral arrangements running upwards of several thousand dollars, you must consider funeral solutions that will suit your budget. Expenses such as renting a place of worship or reception hall, catering, flowers, funeral programs and limousine transportation can dramatically inflate the cost of a funeral. However, if you are on a fixed budget, a graveside burial service can save your family a significant amount of money, which may be spent on other necessities, such as a headstone or a casket.
• Time-sensitive: Traditionalfuneral services typically take up to four hours – from the memorial service or wake, burial, and the reception following, it can often be a grueling ordeal for a family in mourning. Graveside memorial services may therefore be a more appropriate alternative for your loved ones, as they are generally not as long and allow your immediate family more time to grieve privately.
• A Minimalist approach: If your family is considering a graveside funeral service, it is worth noting the simplicity that these arrangements may offer – you may forego flowers, musical programs, decorations and the other elements associated with a more elaborate memorial ceremony. Your loved ones may benefit from an emotional standpoint, as they won’t be faced with making the difficult decisions that a traditional funeral entails.

Although a graveside service doesn’t allow your loved ones to socialize as much as a traditional ceremony does, it may be the right decision based on your family’s personal needs. It should be noted that at a graveside funeral service, a short eulogy is said, but you will not have the opportunity to share photographs, stories or other more personalized tributes associated with a regular service. Additionally, if your family is particularly religious, this type of service may not be appropriate, as graveside funerals are generally more informal. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of a graveside funeral with your family before making any arrangements – if you have further questions, you may wish to speak with a funeral director, who can provide much-needed guidance and helpful advice during your time of grieving.