Funeral Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know
With so many different cultures and religions, it’s nearly impossible to create a universal guide for attending a funeral service. With that being said though, we can offer advice on funeral etiquette and how to act while attending a service. Generally speaking, funeral etiquette or social graces are general rules to help navigate different social situations.
For the most part, using common sense should help you through almost any situation. However, unless you have attended several funeral services, it can still be a nerve racking experience. This guide will help you understand the basic rules for appropriate funeral behavior including: what to say, how to act and what to wear. Hopefully, the knowledge we share with you will prepare you for the funeral service and ease any concerns you may have.
The Proper Funeral Etiquette
If you’re unsure about how to act at a funeral, the best advice we have to offer is watch, listen and follow. For the majority of services there will be an officiant or group in charge of leading the service. If you have any question about what to do, they will be the best people to consult with. If you are unable to speak with them, look around at what others are doing and try to follow along with them.
If at any point in the service you become uncomfortable, try your best not to draw attention. Remember, you are there to support the family and say goodbye to the deceased. The last thing you want to do is to make the focus about you. The most important rule is to simply be discrete at all times and generally respectful of others.
Speaking of being respectful, make sure to leave your cell phone or other communication devices in the car or at the very least, turned off. You do not want to have the service be interrupted by someone trying to call you during the middle of the service.
Lastly, always remember why you are there. If you have any questions or concerns you can always speak with the funeral director or staff member. Over the years we have helped thousands of people say goodbye and most likely can provide you with an answer or advice.
What to Say at A Funeral
You might find yourself struggling with the right words to say when offering condolences. The best advice we can offer is to keep it short and always be sincere. Chances are, the family will be speaking with many different people over the day so they won’t be able to give you a lot of time. There is no real rule about what you should or shouldn’t say. When in doubt, a brief expression of condolence like I’m so sorry for your loss is perfectly fine. If you feel up to it, share some short stories about memories and experiences you shared with the deceased.
While you are talking to other guests, try not to be too loud. Funerals and visitations are no time to discuss personal matters like business or vacation. The focus should be on sharing and listening to stories about the deceased.
What to Wear to A Funeral
You may find yourself wondering – what do I wear to a funeral. It’s a common question that leaves many people wondering and struggling to pick an outfit. Casual? Formal? Business professional? Today it seems like the dress code at any given funeral is as unique as the deceased.
While there is no specific dress code to follow, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and pick a conservative outfit. Remember, the most important thing is to make sure your outfit does not call unwanted attention to yourself and away from the service itself. A funeral is a time to show your respect as you honor the life of the deceased, and your clothing should reflect that. For men, dark suits or slacks and a dress shirt is preferred. For women, a dress, business suit, or dress pants and nice sweater. Stick to colors like black, navy, grey, or red-violet. Avoid loud colors and vibrant patterns at all costs.
Here to Assist You
We hope that you have found the funeral etiquette guide to be helpful and invite you to look further into customs, traditions, and expectations for end-of-life services. As mentioned previously, there is no such thing as a uniform or universal funeral. Do your best to judge the situation and do not be afraid to reach out for clarification. If you have any questions of concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us
and ask for assistance.
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