What is funeral committal?
A funeral committal is an important part of a funeral order of service, where the person who has passed away is laid to rest. It can take place at the graveside, in a crematorium, or another chosen place. It usually comes after the main funeral service and is often a smaller, more private moment with close family and friends.
The committal is an important part of the funeral order of service because it marks the moment when you say your final goodbyes. It helps everyone accept the reality of the loss and brings a sense of closure. The words and actions during the committal often bring comfort and peace, helping people start to heal from their grief.
Many committals emphasize the connection between the deceased and the natural world. Whether it’s the scattering of ashes, a graveside ceremony, or planting a tree in memory, these acts highlight the cyclical nature of life and death.
Can you personalise funeral committal?
Yes, personalising a funeral committal can make the moment more meaningful and reflective of the deceased’s life. Here are some ways to personalise the committal:
- Play a favourite song or hymn that was special to the deceased during the committal, such as when the casket is lowered or during a moment of reflection.
- Place personal items like letters, photographs, or small mementos in the grave or with the urn to symbolize the deceased’s life.
- Invite family members or friends to share brief memories or words to make the committal more personal.
- Create a unique ritual, such as lighting candles or releasing balloons, that reflects the deceased’s personality or beliefs.
- Choose readings, poems, or prayers that were meaningful to the deceased to include in the committal.
- Personalise the committal area with flowers, photos, or decorations that reflect the deceased’s personality.
- Include a quiet moment for everyone to reflect on their memories of the deceased, perhaps with soft music.
Funeral committal wordings:
Traditional Christian:
- We commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Secular:
- We lay (Name of the deceased) to rest, remembering their life and the joy they brought to us. May their memory live on in our hearts.
Simple and Personal:
- We say our final goodbye to (Name of the deceased), who was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. May they rest in peace.
Nature-Inspired:
- We return (Name of the deceased) to the earth, grateful for the beauty of their life and the lessons they shared with us.
Spiritual but Non-Religious:
- We lay (Name of the deceased) to rest with love and respect, sending them on their journey with our heartfelt wishes for peace and serenity.
Cultural Tradition:
- In keeping with our traditions, we honour (Name of the deceased) and commit them to their final resting place, knowing that their spirit will live on through us.
Personal Tribute:
- As we lay [Name] to rest, we hold their memory close and cherish the moments we shared. May they find peace in their final resting place.
Committal service for cremation:
Funeral committal for cremations typically occur at the crematorium, though they can also be held at a graveside if ashes are being buried. At the crematorium, the committal represents the final farewell before the casket is removed. This moment may include poems, readings, or prayers, with the officiant offering special words to honour the occasion. Family and friends can place a hand or flowers on the casket as they say their final goodbyes, often accompanied by music. When a funeral takes place at a crematorium, the committal can either be part of the main service or conducted as a brief, separate ceremony.
Burial committal:
A burial committal is an important part of the funeral, where the deceased is placed in their final resting place, usually at a graveside. This moment is often accompanied by a short ceremony that follows the main funeral service and involves close family and friends. An officiant, such as a minister, priest, or celebrant, will speak words of committal, which can be religious or non-religious, to commit the body to the ground. Family and friends may participate by placing flowers or sprinkling soil on the casket as a final gesture of farewell. This solemn moment offers a sense of closure and gives mourners a chance to say their last goodbyes in a meaningful and personal way.