What happens at a burial?

Once everyone has arrived at the cemetery, Mary or Stu will check that everyone who’s expected is present, and then will gather the pallbearers. We’ll talk them through the path that they’ll take to the plot, including if there’s any tricky parts underfoot. We and the cemetery staff will be on hand to assist and to keep everyone safe.

With Wellington’s unpredictable weather, having a full graveside funeral service isn’t that common, even in summer. This is as much because windy conditions make it difficult to hear unless the group is very small. However, for some people an outdoor service is the only thing that seems right, whatever the conditions!

Most burials are expected to take about an hour from the arrival of the family to their departure, but if we’re having a full service we’ll let the cemetery team know that the booking will take a bit longer. This is to allow for everyone to regather at the graveside, for any further prayers, readings or music. Usually the time at the graveside is begun when the casket is carried by the pallbearers from the hearse and placed on supports that stretch over the open plot. Pallbearers can then step down and join the gathering to follow the celebrant or minister in the committal. When it comes time to lower the casket, Mary or Stu will invite the pallbearers back to the graveside and, with the help of the cemetery technicians, together we will lower the casket into the earth. At this point there may be a final blessing or piece of music to mark the end of the formal gathering at the graveside.

Some families want to “back fill” – use shovels to close in the plot. The physical exertion can help to process grief through the body, and it often helps people connect with each other and do something practical in response to their loss. For others, this same feeling can be brought about using a trowel and earth box to scatter some earth on top of the casket. Either way, we’ll talk about it ahead of time and make sure we have what we need at the graveside.

We can arrange a temporary grave-marker and a permanent memorial. If you’re not sure about any of the logistics of burial, we’ll be more than happy to chat in person. Just call us and make a time.