The Tombstone Unveiling Programme
The order, the wording, and a maker that has it pre-filled — the only one anywhere.
The unveiling of the tombstone is its own occasion — not a repetition of the funeral, but a completion of it: the stone is revealed, the inscription is read to the gathering, and the family returns home for the meal. It deserves its own programme, and until now no programme maker anywhere offered one.
The order of proceedings
- Opening hymn and prayer — at the home or church, before moving to the cemetery.
- Welcome and the purpose of the day — by the programme director or a family elder.
- Scripture reading and a short sermon.
- Recap of the life history — briefer than at the funeral; the story is now memory.
- Procession to the grave.
- The unveiling act — named family members remove the covering cloth from the stone.
- Reading of the inscription — aloud, to the gathering; the words on the stone are heard together for the first time.
- Prayers of dedication, followed by hymns at the graveside.
- Speeches and tributes — often briefer and warmer than at the funeral.
- Vote of thanks and return to the home for the celebration meal.
Invitation wording that works
Common cover and invitation forms — copy and adapt freely:
- "Unveiling of the Tombstone of the Late [Name] — [Date], [Place]"
- "You are cordially invited to the unveiling of the tombstone of our beloved [relation], [Name]."
- "The family of the late [Name] invites you to share in the unveiling and thanksgiving — [Date, time, venue], thereafter at the family home."
In your language
The editor pre-fills the entire unveiling order with correct headings in isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, Sepedi, Setswana, Afrikaans, or English — with the unveiling act and the reading of the inscription already in the order, and the A5 folded PDF ready for any print shop.
Common questions
When is the unveiling held?+
Usually six months to a few years after the burial, once the tombstone is placed — commonly scheduled for December holidays or Easter, when family can travel home. The date is the family's; there is no fixed rule.
Who unveils the tombstone?+
Named family members — often the eldest child, a sibling, or elders chosen by the family — remove the covering cloth. The programme names them, which is part of the honour.
What is read at the graveside?+
Typically unveiling scriptures or psalms, the reading of the inscription aloud to the gathering, and prayers of dedication — followed by speeches and the vote of thanks. The editor pre-fills this order.
Do we need printed programmes for an unveiling?+
Most families print them — the day runs long (often four hours or more, home to graveside to the meal), guests arrive from far, and the programme keeps proceedings dignified and on course.