Servicio junto a la tumba: Understanding graveside funerals

A graveside service is a ceremony for laying a body to final rest. It is performed at the cemetery at the time of burial or interment of ashes. Traditionally, el servicio junto a la tumba occurs as the final step of a funeral, with mourners traveling from the church or funeral home in a procession following the hearse as the casket is delivered to its final resting place.

However, a graveside service can also happen as a standalone event instead of a full traditional funeral service. It can also be the first step, with a memorial service or more informal celebration of life gathering held afterward.

In the Catholic faith, the Rite of Committal is the third and final funeral rite. It is performed at the time of burial or when cremated remains are placed in a columbarium niche as a formal goodbye and a way to commit the body to God’s care. A priest or deacon oversees the committal service, which usually follows a predictable pattern. First, there is an invitation or address to the mourners, followed by scripture reading. Then the final commendation or bendición will be given, often The Lord’s Prayer.

When a person is buried soon after death, without embalming, visitation, or a funeral, it is referred to as “direct burial.” A graveside service is often performed with direct burial to allow friends and family members to say goodbye and see their loved one laid to rest.

Direct burial is a simple and affordable option for families who do not want a traditional funeral. It’s also often a quieter, more intimate affair for immediate family members and close friends rather than open to the whole community. A memorial service can be held after the burial when the family is ready for a larger gathering.

Direct burial can also be a good option when travel arrangements make a traditional funeral difficult. For example, if your loved one wished to be buried in Mexico, but many of their friends and family members live in Denver, you may want to play a local memorial service and a smaller graveside committal in Mexico.

Whether you’re planning a committal service to follow your loved one’s funeral mass, or are arranging for a direct burial, there are a few things you’ll want to consider when planning a graveside service:

• ¿Dónde tendrá lugar el funeral? You will need to purchase a plot and make burial arrangements with the cemetery. Your funeral director can help with this step. The cemetery staff and funeral director will coordinate your loved one’s body being delivered, the arrangement of the casket, the placement of chairs for the ceremony, and the details of opening and closing the grave.
• ¿Cuántos invitados habrá? Do you want an intimate gathering of just very close family, or would you prefer many guests? You’ll need to make sure that the cemetery can accommodate the number of mourners you hope will attend. Discuss seating and parking needs with them. If necessary, you may plan a memorial service or more informal gathering before or after the burial to accommodate a large guest list.
• ¿Quién oficiará el servicio? A Catholic committal service will need to be presided over by a priest or deacon. Otherwise, the service can be officiated by a celebrant from the funeral home, a religious official, or a member of the family.
• ¿Qué implicará el servicio? Will it be a formal committal service, or do you want to include more personalized readings? You’ll want to select any poems, prayers, or hymns to share. Some families also choose to share a eulogy or read the obituary at the service. Others prefer to keep the graveside service simple and spend time at the wake or reception sharing memories.

There can be a lot to think about even when planning a simple graveside funeral service, but you are not alone at this time. Latina Funerals & Cremations is here for you y todo la familia from the moment we bring your loved one’s body into our care until their remains have been committed to the grave, and in the days that follow as you begin your journey toward healing for grief. 

Call us at 303-996-0701 with questions or to begin making arrangements for your loved one.