Category: Funeral Knowledge Base

True, the rules for funeral dressing are much more relaxed than they used to be, but you still need to use common sense when deciding what to wear.The key word here is respect. Not just respect for yourself, but respect for the loved one you are saying goodbye to. Save the flip-flops for the beach and the sparkles for the club. Choose something tasteful and make it work.

If you’ve never lost a loved one, you may not understand the wide range of emotions the family is experiencing. This may leave you confused about what to do, what to say, and how to behave.

You can take your cue from the family with regard to specific behavior. Just keep in mind that you’re there to pay your respects to the deceased and his or her family. If you are respectful and courteous, you’ll be fine.

Don’t feel guilty about saying or doing something that causes a loved one to cry or crying yourself. Crying is healthy. If, however, you find yourself weeping uncontrollably (you’re causing a scene or making other mourners uncomfortable), it is polite to excuse yourself until you regain control.

Before bringing a child to a funeral, think about whether or not they might be disruptive during this type of occasion. If they are very young, the grief displayed during the service may be upsetting to them.

Some children, like adults, may respond to grief with humor or behavioral issues. Should uncomfortable behavior take place, quickly and quietly step out of the service?

If an adult in your party is not behaving in an appropriate manner, a quiet reminder of the situation will probably do the trick.

Unless you are the spouse, close family member, or special personal friend of the deceased, then you are likely attending the funeral to support the family and pay your respects. That means you are not there to draw attention to yourself. While it’s perfectly understandable to be upset and emotional, the last thing the loved ones need is to have to attend to a visitor who is disruptive. If you are overwhelmed with emotions, step outside until you can compose yourself.

Express your sympathy to the grieving but avoid talking at length about how the death is affecting you. In other words, be sensitive to everyone who is attending and don’t make the funeral all about you.

There are still places where it’s taboo to take photos and a funeral service is one of these. While this may be the first time the family has been in one place for a long-time, wait until after the service is over to try to get a shot. You may find an appropriate time during the repast (if there is one) or you can do it after the graveside service.

ALWAYS be aware of what is behind and around you when you snap that photo. You don’t want to inadvertently catch something inappropriate or someone at a bad time.