What can be included in a committal service?

A committal service is specifically designed to take place at the final resting place of the deceased, such as a gravesite or mausoleum. This ceremony typically includes rituals, prayers, and possibly the lowering of the casket into the ground. The primary focus of a committal service is to formally commit the body to its final resting place, providing closure and allowing friends and family members to say their final goodbyes in a solemn and respectful environment.

In contrast, while a memorial speech by a family member might occur during a larger memorial service or funeral, it is not a requisite part of a committal service. Similarly, reading the deceased's will is a legal process that usually takes place in a different context altogether and is unrelated to the manner in which the body is committed to the ground. Finally, the gathering of guests for refreshments typically occurs after the committal service and is more associated with a wake or reception rather than the actual committal ceremony itself. Thus, the correct understanding of a committal service centers on its significance as the ceremony conducted at the deceased's final resting place.