6 Things to Know about Funeral Etiquette  

All too often, funerals depress most people. In many cases, the atmosphere is sad and dark. While families and friends of the deceased reel over their loss, other mourners huddle on the sidelines, wondering what they should say and do. In a culture where death is treated like an uninvited dinner guest, many funeral attendees struggle because they don’t know how to properly react. At Foothill Funeral & Cremation, we’re doing our best to change the paradigm. After all, death is one of the few certainties in life. So, it’s time we lift the curtain on a subject that is mostly taboo. We want to help prepare you for the next time someone invites you to attend a memorial. So, here is a blog post about funeral etiquette. 

6 Things to Do at a Funeral

1. Funeral Etiquette? Show Up.

   If you can make it, try to attend. Just being there says a lot. While you may be tempted to skip the event because you don’t know what to say, don’t let that keep you from showing up. A warm smile and a hug may comfort mourners more than you ever dreamed possible.

2. Arrive on Time for Proper Funeral Etiquette.
   

   Show up at the venue early so you won’t risk disrupting the service. Plan to arrive in time to use the restroom, if necessary, find a seat, and sign the guest book. If you show up late and notice a procession, wait until everyone passes before you enter the sanctuary or take a seat.

3. Silence your Cell.
   

   Don’t take a chance. Turn your mobile phone off. Don’t just adjust the volume. There is no more appropriate time to ignore calls than during a funeral or memorial service. While the family may be likely to forget whether you attended, they will likely forever remember loud music emanating from the pews in the middle of a somber occasion.

4. Incorporate Levity.
   

   Memorials need not be gloomy. This is especially true when the event is held as a celebration of life. Did the deceased have a good sense of humor? Sharing tender memories, including light-hearted moments may comfort the family. Try to remain sensitive about the type of humor to avoid overstepping boundaries. This may mean leaving politics at the door to observe proper funeral etiquette.

5. Funeral Etiquette 101: Show Respect.
   

   Dress and respond in a way that honors the deceased as well as the wishes of family and close friends. This doesn’t always equate to black attire. We encourage families to celebrate the deceased’s personal style. So, we have hosted memorials where participants dressed in costumes, Hawaiian attire, cowboy fashion and more! In 2019, dressing the part is the height of funeral etiquette.

6. Send Flowers in Advance.
   

   Typically, floral arrangements are ordered by the family prior to the service. These are often placed near the coffin or urn. It is appropriate to send flowers to the mortuary in advance of the ceremony or to the grieving family’s home. Another option would be to make charitable donations in the name of the deceased.

About Foothill Funeral & Cremation in Glendora, California

When the time comes, if you so desire, we would value the opportunity to help you pre-plan for yourself or a family member or friend. Feel free to contact us now to pre-plan your own memorial or at your time of need (626) 335-0615. Our relationship with United Methodist Church and Sacred Heart provide great places for mourners to host funerals and memorials. You’ll love the grandiose yet intimate settings in both locations.