Waverly, NY

Attending the funeral of a loved one is a good way of getting closure and saying goodbye. It can be a difficult experience and one of the things that makes people even more concerned is whether or not they know proper funeral etiquette. At Roberts Funeral Home, we have provided families in Waverly, NY with dignified funeral and cremations services. Waverly, NY, is a beautiful community in Tioga County and features some beautiful locations like the Waverly Glen Park and we are known in the area for our outstanding services in cremations, which include:

• Preplanning
• Funeral and Memorial Services
• Cremation

We understand that not everyone knows how to behave at a funeral or memorial service. We want a funeral service to be as emotionally rewarding as possible and this is why we have put together a simple guide to funeral etiquette. The most important things you need to know are below.

What do You Wear?

These days, this can be a concern. In past decades it was understood that black was the right choice, but now it is a little less straightforward. There are many different types of funeral services, including life celebrations, in which wearing black would not be the most appropriate color to wear. We have encountered these concerns in Waverly, NY, and we want it to be simple for you to decide. A good rule of thumb is to go for a conservative look. This usually means nothing above the knee and no low-cut tops. You can, of course, ask the person who invited you if it will be a regular service or a celebration of life. If it is not, then sticking to subdued colors can be a good choice. This does not necessarily mean black, but try to avoid bright, overwhelming hues and patterns.

Another concern people have these days when attending a funeral service is where to sit. If it is a large gathering of people, usually wherever you can find a seat is fine, but when it is a more intimate funeral service it can make people nervous. Something to keep in mind is that the first two rows are usually reserved for immediate family members. Most funeral home and cremations service providers in Waverly, NY will place a marker of some kind on these seats to ensure that no one sits there by mistake.

What to Say

Many people feel like they have to say something at a funeral service. This is not the case. You should offer condolences to the family of the deceased, but there is no need to give a speech. Offer your sympathy for the grieving to ensure that they do not feel alone, but do not monopolize their time. Many people going through a mourning period do not want to talk for too long, so keep that in mind.

Are Kids Allowed to A Funeral Service in Waverly, NY?

If the children are well-behaved, then yes, they are invited to attend. If they tend to be loud and fidgety, then out of respect for those who are mourning it is better to not bring them. Another thing to keep in mind is that if at any point during the service the child starts crying or talking, the best thing to do is to take them outside. It will disrupt less than shushing them. People are forgiving when it comes to kids but be considerate of everyone around you.

Are Gifts Necessary?

Bringing a sympathy gift is not required, but it is expected. Flowers are the most popular choice, but there are many kinds of sympathy gifts that you can consider and that come in every budget. If you cannot purchase a gift, bringing a sympathy card can be the perfect choice. You can bring the bouquet of flowers or another gift to the funeral itself or you can have it delivered to the family at their home. Another option is to provide food for those who are mourning. Not everyone will want to cook, so bringing them meals that they only have to heat up is a thoughtful way to let them know they are not alone.

Be sure to also sign the guestbook since it is for the family. Write your name clearly and leave a brief message. It can be a good idea to have the message thought out in advance, since you do not want to make other people wait too long before the service starts. Be sure to write how you know the deceased.

These are the usual concerns we at Roberts Funeral Home usually get asked about in the area. Our doors are always open and we are here to help. There is no reason to be nervous when attending a funeral service and we will always strive to assist in answering any questions you may have. We have been serving the area of Waverly, NY, for years and we know the community well, so we are prepared for any concerns you may have. Reach Roberts Funeral Home, Inc. at 279 Main Street Wellsburg, NY 14894 by calling (607) 734-7811.