Understanding the Cemetery Burial Process
This guide explains what families can expect during the cemetery burial process at Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens. Our goal is to help you understand each step so you feel informed and prepared during this difficult time.
The professional staff at Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens handles all aspects of cemetery preparation and service coordination, working seamlessly with your chosen funeral director to ensure everything proceeds smoothly.
The Complete Burial Process
1. Making Cemetery Arrangements
Contact our office to begin:
- Schedule an appointment with our staff
- Select a burial plot location
- Choose type of interment (burial, mausoleum, etc.)
- Discuss memorial marker options
- Review and sign cemetery contract
- Arrange payment (due in full before service)
2. Required Documentation
You'll need to provide:
- Burial/transit permit (from funeral director)
- Payment or proof of payment
- Pre-need contract (if applicable)
- Cemetery deed (if previously purchased)
- Veteran's discharge papers (for military honors)
- Insurance paperwork (if using assignment)
3. Service Coordination
We coordinate with your funeral director:
- Schedule burial date and time
- Confirm service location on grounds
- Arrange seating and tent setup
- Coordinate timing with funeral procession
- Plan for any special requests
4. Gravesite Preparation
Our professional crew prepares:
- Opens the grave to proper depth
- Installs burial vault (if required)
- Sets up tent and seating for service
- Prepares lowering device
- Ensures area is clean and presentable
The Day of the Burial Service
What to Expect:
- Arrival: Funeral procession arrives at designated area
- Seating: Family seats under provided tent
- Service: Religious leader or celebrant conducts graveside service
- Military Honors: If veteran, honor guard performs ceremony
- Committal: Final words and prayers said
- Lowering: Casket gently lowered (families may stay or depart)
- Closing: Cemetery staff completes burial after family leaves
Service Length: Graveside services typically last 15-30 minutes, though this varies based on religious and family preferences.
After the Burial
Grave Settling
The grave will settle over several weeks as the soil compacts. This is normal and expected. Our grounds crew monitors all graves and adds soil as needed to maintain a level surface.
Memorial Markers
Permanent memorial markers typically require 4-6 months for fabrication and installation. A temporary marker may be placed while the permanent marker is being created.
Graveside Decorations
Families may place flowers and decorations at the gravesite. Seasonal clean-up occurs periodically to maintain the beauty of our grounds. See our UV-resistant flowers for long-lasting options.
Types of Burial Services
Traditional Graveside Service
A complete service held at the gravesite, often following a funeral home visitation. Family and friends gather for prayers, eulogy, and committal ceremony.
Includes: Tent, seating, lowering device, and full staff coordination
Direct Burial
Burial without a formal service at the cemetery. The family may choose to hold a memorial service at another time and location.
Includes: Grave opening, burial, and closing with minimal ceremony
Committal Service Only
A brief ceremony at the gravesite, typically after a funeral service held elsewhere. Usually limited to immediate family.
Includes: Basic setup and brief committal prayers
Military Burial Honors
Special ceremony for veterans including flag folding, presentation, and Taps. Coordinated with military honor guard.
Requires: Veteran's DD-214 discharge papers and advance notice
Important Considerations
Weather Conditions
Burial services proceed in most weather conditions. Tent coverage protects families during rain. In extreme weather (severe storms, ice), services may need to be rescheduled for safety.
Timing and Scheduling
Most burial services are scheduled between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Weekend services are available. Give us as much advance notice as possible for scheduling, especially during busy periods.
Accessibility
Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens provides accessible pathways for wheelchairs and walkers. If you have specific accessibility needs, please inform our staff during arrangements.
Flowers and Tributes
Flowers from the funeral service are typically brought to the gravesite. After the burial, families may take flowers home or leave them at the grave. The cemetery will remove wilted flowers during grounds maintenance.
Burial Vaults and Containers
For traditional in-ground burials, Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens requires the use of a burial vault or grave liner to protect the casket and prevent ground settling. Your funeral director will provide these options.
What is a Burial Vault?
- Reinforced concrete or metal container
- Surrounds and protects the casket
- Prevents grave collapse
- Required by most cemeteries
- Various quality levels available
Why Vaults Are Required
- Prevents ground depression over time
- Protects casket from soil and water
- Maintains level grave surface
- Allows safe grounds maintenance
- Standard cemetery industry practice
Learn more about burial vaults and alternative interment options on our Interment Types page.
Questions About the Burial Process?
Our experienced staff is here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the cemetery burial process.
Phone: (770) 948-3033
Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Related Information
Immediate Need Services | What To Do After A Death | Pre-Need Planning | Burial Options