Losing a loved one is never easy, and saying goodbye is one of the hardest moments a family will face. Yet for many, a graveside service – sometimes called a committal ceremony – provides a deeply personal and comforting way to honour a life.
Unlike larger memorial or chapel services, a graveside service takes place outdoors, at the final resting place. It allows family and friends to gather in an intimate setting to share prayers, readings, and reflections before the interment.
At Bakerview Memorial Cemetery in Langley, families find that this simple, heartfelt ceremony can bring peace, connection, and a lasting sense of closure.
Understanding What a Graveside Service Is
A graveside service is typically held just before burial or interment. It may follow a funeral or take place on its own as the primary moment of farewell.
During this ceremony, loved ones gather at the grave, niche, or family estate to pay their final respects. The service often includes brief readings, blessings, or personal tributes, followed by the lowering of the casket or placement of the urn.
While every graveside service is unique, the focus remains the same: to reflect, remember, and release with dignity and love.
At Bakerview, families can choose from both traditional and non-denominational options, allowing the ceremony to reflect cultural customs, faith practices, and personal preferences.
Step 1: Choose a Peaceful, Accessible Location
The first step in planning a graveside service is selecting the right setting.
Families often prefer a cemetery that feels close to home — a place they can visit easily throughout the year. Bakerview Memorial Cemetery, located near Aldergrove Town Centre, offers both convenience and serenity. The grounds are surrounded by trees and open green spaces with views of the Coastal Mountains, creating a naturally tranquil environment for reflection.
When choosing a cemetery, consider:
- Accessibility for family and guests
- Natural beauty and privacy of the site
- Availability of dedicated faith sections (Muslim, Christian or non-denominational)
- Long-term maintenance and care of the property
A meaningful graveside service begins in a setting that feels peaceful, respectful, and connected to your family’s roots.
Step 2: Personalize the Ceremony
A graveside service can be as traditional or as modern as you wish. The most meaningful ceremonies are those that reflect the personality and values of the person being remembered.
Ways to personalize include:
- Readings or prayers: Include favourite scriptures, poems, or personal reflections.
- Music: A song, hymn, or instrumental piece can create a comforting atmosphere.
- Symbolic gestures: Releasing flowers, lighting candles, or placing earth or petals on the casket are timeless traditions that help families say goodbye.
- Personal touches: Display a photograph, cherished keepsake, or favourite flower arrangement.
At Bakerview, families are welcome to incorporate meaningful elements that align with their cultural or religious traditions. Our team ensures each ceremony is handled with care and respect, allowing families to express love in their own way.
Step 3: Coordinate with Your Officiant or Celebrant
Graveside services may be led by a clergy member, officiant, or family speaker.
If your family follows specific faith traditions, your spiritual leader can guide the order of service and readings. Non-religious families may choose a celebrant or loved one to lead the ceremony in a way that feels authentic and personal.
Bakerview’s staff works closely with families and officiants to coordinate logistics — including timing, seating, sound setup, and accessibility — so that every detail flows smoothly.
Step 4: Consider Timing and Season
Outdoor services connect families to nature, which can be both beautiful and healing. However, weather and seasonal conditions should be taken into account.
In Langley’s climate, many families prefer morning or early-afternoon services during spring or summer, when the grounds are quiet and bright. Fall ceremonies can also feel peaceful amid changing leaves, while winter services may be shorter and more intimate.
Bakerview’s grounds are maintained year-round, ensuring safe, accessible spaces regardless of season.
Step 5: Include a Moment of Reflection
Every graveside service benefits from a quiet pause — a moment for reflection or shared silence.
This simple, powerful gesture allows family and friends to say their final goodbyes in their own way. Some families choose to play a favourite song during this time; others share a collective prayer or place a flower on the casket.
These moments often become the most meaningful memories of the day.
Step 6: Follow with Fellowship or Gathering
After the service, many families choose to gather nearby for refreshments or shared time together.
This informal gathering allows guests to share stories, offer comfort, and celebrate a life well lived. It can take place at a family home, community hall, or local restaurant.
At Bakerview, our team can recommend nearby venues in Langley and Aldergrove for families wishing to host a post-service gathering.
The Lasting Value of a Graveside Service
A graveside ceremony is about more than saying goodbye — it’s about creating a shared moment of remembrance.
Families often find comfort in returning to the same spot over the years, knowing they said farewell surrounded by nature and loved ones. It offers a sense of continuity, where memory and peace coexist.
By planning thoughtfully, families can ensure this moment feels personal, meaningful, and filled with love.
Why Choose Bakerview Memorial Cemetery
Bakerview Memorial Cemetery provides families with clear choices, compassionate guidance, and lasting peace of mind. Our locally owned and operated cemetery serves Langley, Aldergrove, and the wider Lower Mainland, offering a serene environment designed for reflection and connection.
We proudly welcome all faiths and cultural traditions, with dedicated areas for Muslim, Christian and non-denominational families. Every arrangement includes perpetual care and transparent pricing, ensuring the property remains peaceful for generations.
Our Family Service Advisors guide families with patience, clarity, and respect — helping you create a graveside or committal service that truly honours your loved one’s life and legacy.
🌿 Need Guidance or Support?
If you’re planning a graveside service or simply exploring options, our caring team is here to help.
Call 604-856-0330 or visit us in Langley to speak with a Family Service Advisor.
At Bakerview Memorial Cemetery, we’re here to help you plan with care, compassion, and understanding every step of the way.
Published: November 24, 2025
