FUNERAL ETIQUETTE 101: 7 Best Tips for Proper Behaviour
Death is one of the inevitable things in life. This also means that, at some point, you will have to pay respects and attend the funeral of a loved one or a family member.
Should you be invited to visit and celebrate the life of someone dear to you, you should follow the proper etiquette so you can feel comfortable and you can maintain the solemnity of the event. Here are some of the best tips you can start with.
1. Know the Right Colors to Wear
Choose your clothes carefully when attending a funeral. Before going to the funeral, you should confirm the dress code for the event. Men should wear dark suits; women should wear black dresses and hats. Men should wear dark-colored dress shoes, while women can wear black-colored heels. You can also choose to wear white or pastel-colored attire, but only if it's something acceptable for the family of the deceased.
2. Understand How Long to Stay during the Funeral
When attending a funeral, you should consider the service program. The service program will indicate the beginning and the end of the funeral. Most gatherings of family and friends will last for three hours. There are some instances where funerals last for four hours. You can arrive early at the funeral venue, as well as check the time of the service program, so you can find out when to arrive and when to leave.
3. Learn the Right Ways to Talk to the Mourning Family
When attending the funeral of a loved one, you should always pay respects to the family of the deceased. You should also pay your respects to the other guests who will attend the gathering. When greeting the family, you should start with the immediate family. This means that you must greet the spouse first, followed by the children and grandchildren. After greeting the family of the deceased, you should greet your friends and other guests.
4. Don’t Arrive Too Early or Too Late
When attending a funeral, it's best to arrive on time and not too early. When you arrive early, the family of the deceased might not be prepared for the guests yet. When you arrive late, you might find that the funeral service has already started. At least 15 to 30 minutes before the program is enough to respectfully attend the event.
5. Only Bring Your Child If You Know They Can Behave
While it is common to bring children to a funeral, you should ask the family if they’re okay with it. Your children should be able to behave and pay their respects to the deceased. Children should also be able to understand the situation. If you think your child can’t behave, and you’re worried about their disrespectful behavior, it’s best to leave them at home.
6. Know the Proper Gifts to Give
Typically, the family of the deceased will be the ones who will receive gifts from attendees at the funeral. It is a nice gesture to bring a small token, especially food such as cakes, cookies, or even sandwiches. Having flowers sent to the funeral is also a good way to show your respect to the deceased and their family.
7. If You Can’t Attend, Find a Way to Pay Your Respects
If you can’t attend the funeral of a loved one or a family member, you can find a way to pay your respects. You can send flowers or a gift basket to the family, as well as send a sympathy card.
Final Thoughts
These are just some of the tips you can follow when attending a funeral. However, every family is different. You should always ask the family of the deceased if you are unsure about whether they are holding a simple funeral or something themed or luxurious.
If you’ve recently lost a loved one, Holmes Funerals can help you arrange the interment services, cremation services, and other funeral needs. As a family funeral home operating for the last 40 years, you can expect our experts to guide you along the way. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you.