Understanding Funeral Etiquette

 





Dealing with a significant (and permanent) loss is never easy. There are a thousand questions that don't have easy answers. Fortunately, while there are plenty of unknowns and grey areas when it comes to coping with death and grieving, there are some subjects where the rules of etiquette are clear. 

 

One of those subjects is funerals. When it comes to attending funerals, there are plenty of rules to know and respect: 

  • When should you go to a funeral?

  • What should you wear to that funeral?

  • How to conduct yourself when you are there?

  • How can you show your support to those who have lost a loved one?

 

Here are a few things to understand about funeral etiquette before you attend an upcoming service:

 

The Attendance

According to FTD By Design, if you knew the deceased, this is an opportunity for you to remember their life and properly say your goodbyes. If you did not know the deceased well but are close to their loved ones, attending a funeral is an appropriate way to show them your love and support. However, do not attend a funeral if you feel like your presence will make anyone in attendance uncomfortable, if the funeral is a private event, or if you are unwell. 

 

The Wardrobe

If you are preparing to attend a funeral, you might be wondering what you should or should not wear. It's important to dress in a manner that pays proper respects to the somber occasion. The Spruce recommends, for women, that it's best to dress in conservative styles and colors; while you don't have to wear all black, that tradition is still largely honored today. Avoid wearing bright floral dresses and dramatic, colorful prints unless the deceased's family asks you to. It's also inappropriate to show too much skin, so don't wear dresses with short hemlines or low necklines. The Spruce says that men should wear suits or tailored shirts and pants in dark colors with formal (and shined) shoes. 

 

The Language

If you do not know what to say to the family of the deceased when in doubt, it's always good to start with "I'm sorry for your loss" or "You have my deepest sympathies." That's always such a comfort to hear to anyone who is emotionally suffering after a death. You may even want to share a fond memory of the person who passed, as it will help the grieving focus on happier times. 

 

But what should you NOT say at a funeral? According to Country Living, avoid platitudes that can be perceived as insensitive, such as "The pain will lessen in time" or "They're in a better place now." It's also inappropriate to ask how the person died, tell the bereaved you understand how they feel, or question the medical care they may have received. 

 

And sometimes, no words at all are just as powerful! When in doubt, simply offer a hug or a hand on the shoulder to physically express your compassion and love. 

 

About A.R.N. Funeral and Cremation Services

When you need extra help with managing your grief or how to conduct yourself at a loved one's funeral, A.R.N. Funeral and Cremation understands the deep sorrow and confusion you are feeling. A.R.N. Funeral and Cremation Services is known for our compassionate funeral and cremation services as well as our affordable pricing. As a family-owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on providing a more personal and compassionate level of service for our families. The caring staff at A.R.N. Funeral and Cremation Services is here to assist you with arrangements and provide pre-planning information for all walks of faith. 

 

We invite you to discover what has made A.R.N. Funeral and Cremation Services the ultimate provider of creating healing experiences in the community. Visit our website to find out more information about how we can honor your loved ones' memory in the way they deserve. Follow us on Facebook for more information about our business and more tips on how you can cope with loss in a healthy and productive way.

Comments

  1. Nirvana MYFebruary 22, 2022 at 9:37 PM

    The sorrow word which is existing in the world for all... when you lost your loved one its very painful time to all of us. Here in this nice article the title "Understanding Funeral Etiquette" help us to be aware the funeral ceremoney (the last wishes and good bye to our loved one). Funeral services assist us in the very systematic way to distribute the pain among us for diseased one.

    “Do not think of me as gone. I am with you still in each new dawn.” – Native American Poem

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