Funeral Service Etiquette Tips You Need to Know

Are you aware of funeral service etiquette? It’s important that you learn what to do and what not to do ahead of funeral services in New Castle, IN. Doing the wrong thing at the wrong time can lead to embarrassing situations and may even upset the grieving family. 

Here’s a look at some funeral service etiquette tips to keep in mind when you go to a service.  

Dress Conservatively 

Steer clear of flashy or distracting outfits or jewelry. It’s usually safe to stick to darker colors. But you don’t have to go in all-black as was previously the case. Also avoid anything that’s too tight. You want the attention to be on the deceased and on the grieving family – not on yourself. If you’re wondering whether or not the outfit you have on is appropriate, ask yourself this question: “If I were being interviewed for my dream job, would my outfit be appropriate for the interview?” If you answer in the affirmative, then chances are that you have a suitable outfit for the service. 

Watch Where You Sit 

When you arrive at the funeral home, be mindful of where you sit. Some areas, usually the first row or the first couple of rows at the front, are reserved for family members of the deceased. The last thing you’ll want is to sit in the wrong place and to have someone tell you that you have to sit elsewhere. Another thing to keep in mind is that you have to be careful about where you sit if you arrive to the funeral service late. If you arrive after the event has gotten underway, don’t try to find a seat right near the front. You will disrupt the service if you do so. It’s best to quietly find a seat nearer to the back of the venue. 

Keep Your Phone in Your Pocket 

It goes without saying that you’ll want to turn off your phone or to at least leave it on mute before the service gets underway. It’s unacceptable to talk on your phone during the funeral service, and it would be rude and insensitive to be checking up on your social media pages during the event. The best thing to do is to put away your phone until after the funeral service is over. If you absolutely must have your phone with you, just make sure the ringer is off. That way, you can quietly make your way out to the lobby or foyer if you receive an important call. 

These are just some of the funeral service etiquette tips you’ll want to be mindful of before heading to a funeral home in New Castle, IN. Get in touch with us if you want to learn more about funeral service etiquette or if you want help planning a funeral service or a cremation service. We offer funeral services, cremation services, veteran’s services, and permanent memorialization options. Let us know how we can help you. We’ll be honored to answer your list of most asked questions about funerals, give you recommendations, help you plan a final service that honors your deceased loved one, or guide you with your preplan arrangement to lessen the burden on your loved one.