How to Act Appropriately at a Funeral

How you are expected to behave at a funeral is primarily determined by the type of funeral. For example, at a viewing, you are often expected to keep condolences with the deceased person’s family brief. At a memorial service, on the other hand, you could spend hours reminiscing with friends and family. A religious ceremony is usually solemn. A celebration of life, on the other hand, is typically upbeat and joyful. As a result, the type of funeral you attend will frequently dictate how you conduct yourself at the event. Consider looking into funeral homes in New Castle, IN for additional guidance.

 

Some General Rules of Conduct That Apply to the Majority of Funerals

• Be on time.

You must arrive on time for all aspects of the funeral. If you are going to be late, it is best to notify people ahead of time and minimize distractions to the proceedings when you arrive.

 

• Reduce distractions.

When attending a funeral, leave your cell phone at home or in the car. If not, turn your phone to silent or vibrate and keep it out of sight during the service. If you must take a phone call, excuse yourself and handle it in a private area. Other potential distractions include young children, clothing mishaps, planning errors, and so on. Reduce the impact of any distractions that you can control as much as possible.

 

• Be courteous to family, friends, and other visitors.

Everyone is affected differently by death. As a result, having patience, understanding, and respect for those around you is critical.

 

• Participate in the funeral if possible.

You are not required to do anything with which you are not comfortable. However, simple gestures such as signing a guestbook, if applicable, or saying a few words about the deceased when asked are frequently appreciated.

 

• Respect religious and cultural differences and beliefs.

You are not required to participate in any funeral or cultural practices that you do not feel comfortable with as a guest. You must, however, be respectful of them. You are not required to say a prayer, but you must be quiet and reflective when one is said.

 

• Don’t overdo it.

Food and beverages are commonly served at receptions and funerals. As a result, it is best to limit yourself so that all guests can enjoy the food and drinks and you do not become inebriated.

 

• You don’t always need to be gloomy.

Losing a loved one is difficult, but it does not require you to be sad all of the time. It is acceptable to reminisce about good times, to talk, to laugh, to celebrate, to sing, to dance, and to be happy. A happy event may be exactly what the deceased person would have wanted.

When it comes to comforting a grieving family, patience is essential. Avoid even implying that they will move on or that time will heal, because not only is it unkind, but closure is not an admirable goal. Instead, express your support by inviting them to activities that will make them feel less sad or lonely. If you suspect a friend is trapped in an unhealthy grief cycle, assist them in seeking professional help or connecting them with community support groups. The funeral homes in New Castle, IN can provide you with additional funeral etiquette advice. Contact us or come in and see us today.