Funeral Etiquette

Navigating Funeral Services with Grace

There are a lot of people who don't know what kind words to say to the family or how to deal with their sadness. Anyone can feel more at ease at a funeral and during the visitation if they know a few rules of funeral manners.

When Should I Visit?

When you hear that someone passed on, you can visit their family at home, but the funeral home is the best place to be with family and give your condolences. These steps can make it easier for people who want to visit and help the family before the events even more comfortable. Some things you can do to help the grieving family are offer to bring food and household items, help with child care, and run any trips or do any chores.

What Should I Say?

This is the question that most people who want to show their thanks ask. Even though words can't fully describe how sad it is to lose a loved one, saying a few nice things to the family of the dead shows that you care. Don't complain or say that the person who died is in a better place now.

Where Should I Sit?

For many people who go to funerals, the sitting arrangements are new to them. The first rows of places at both the funeral and the visitation are usually set aside for family members. Do not sit with the family. Instead, choose a place behind the reserved seats.

What Should I Do?

It is very important to be on time. Be as quiet as possible when you enter the funeral home or any other place. Before you sit down at the visitation, talk to the family members who are still alive and offer your apologies. Using a cell phone during a service is not acceptable. If you need to answer a call or message, say "excuse me" and go into a different room or outside.

What Should I Do About Children?

There isn't a clear answer to this question because it depends on the child's age, how well they can behave, and their link to the deceased and their family. Be sure to tell your child what will happen and how they should behave during the service if you decide to take them.

What Should I Give?

A nice way to show your sympathy is to send flowers to the funeral home or the person's house. Sometimes, the family may ask that gifts be made to a certain charity instead of flowers, and those requests should be respected. Giving the family food is another way to show that you care about them while they are mourning. You could send the family a sympathy card, which is both suitable and less expensive. You can send cards at any time; they don't have an ending date.