How to Follow Proper Funeral Etiquette

-
-

Funerals allow family and friends to mourn their loved ones, provide closure, and enable the living to move forward. Observing the etiquette of this important ritual will help you feel more comfortable while providing comfort to those in mourning.

Step 1: Attend the wake
Attend the wake, also known as a visitation or calling, at the funeral home prior to the funeral. Approach the casket, which may be open or closed, and offer a prayer or quiet reflection. A short stay of 15 minutes is considered appropriate to express condolences to the family.

Tip
Make sure to dress appropriately for a viewing, funeral, or burial. A black suit or black dress will suffice.

Step 2: Send flowers
Send flowers, if you wish, to the funeral home or the family residence. Charitable donations in the name of the deceased may be indicated in lieu of flowers, in which case you may send an edible arrangement to the family in addition to the donation.

Step 3: Attend the service
Attend the funeral or memorial service. The family will appreciate the show of support.

Tip
Offer condolences to the family prior to mingling with other friends or family.

Step 4: Say a few words
Say a few words of condolence either before the service or when everyone is gathered after. A simple 'I'm sorry for your loss' is enough to offer comfort to relatives.

Tip
Avoid cliches such as: "Everything happens for a reason," and "I know how you feel." If you can't think of anything more to say, offer a hug.

Step 5: Share remembrances
Share fond remembrances, anecdotes, and stories about the deceased with loved ones. Recounting what the deceased meant to you is always appreciated.

Step 6: Attend the burial
Attend the burial, which usually follows the funeral. If you were close to the deceased, you may follow the lead of the family if they choose to deposit a ceremonial shovel of earth or drop a rose or rose petals into the grave.

Step 7: Share a meal
Share a meal with the family and friends of the deceased after the burial, if one is planned. This tradition allows close friends and family to share fond memories, enjoy each other's company, and symbolizes the continuation of life.

Did You Know?
In the Buddhist religion, death is prepared for through meditation and is viewed as a rebirth.

[erinthedemonhog]

When my nanny passed away, my best friends sadly couldn't attend cause one was at her dad's & the other had band practice. But they both gave me so much love & the mother of one of my best friend's offered me to come over for a sleepover to cheer me up. I'm so lucky to have them as my best friends

[fenderstratADHD]

This video was helpful when I went to my uncle's funeral. That was my first funeral in my life and now I always think of my uncle. I love you Uncle Regis. ❤️😇

[antiprincess]

After my grandpa's funeral, me and my dad ditched the rest of the family and went to Denny's. I told him every fart joke Grandpa Tony ever told me and we messed with the waitress. THAT, my friends, is how you console someone.

[i_blazedyou]

Thx I at a funeral right now this worked

[princesscherry]

This is some Microsoft Paint animation here...

[BinkyThePug]

Going to an aunties funeral in a few minutes 😢this makes me feel more comfortable

[tiredowalkin]

Well, Mom's visitation ended in a family dispute and I walked out before I made a fool out of myself. One sister suggested that we bury the hatchet along with Mom, and then it went downhill from there to just absolute ugly. Don't think they watched your nice video before traveling all those miles after not even visiting the folks for years. 89 years and the children don't speak now. I'm so proud;-(

[idioticinagoodway]

Step 8: STOP BLINKING EVERY HALF SECOND!

[kellyphillips]

No my funeral is my last chance to show everyone that I'm fun. I'm having a party, not a funeral.

[Laxilus]

what if i replace the food part with....weed. works so much better...

[viviennemorgan]

i feel that there are good funeral etiquettes.

[snisbet]

A Friend Of Me And My Mom's Friend Mom Passed Away On The 11th Of March And Her Funeral Was This Morning I Told One Of The Grandkids That She Looked Peaceful And Apologize For Their Loss

[graceyy]

do you announce the location and date of a private funeral service to people not invited?

[arbimcmac]

Notice how this only applies to Christian-American funeral customs

[TheSmthers]

My nan died and I went to her funeral. Everyone was crying which made me want to laugh so I made jokes to make it alright for myself to laugh, but when people cry at funerals it's different to when people cry normally because at funerals they don't appreciate the jokes. Normally jokes make people smile more so I didn't get it but I understand now.

[artemis]

I am going to my great grandma's funeral today.

[henrygerecke]

All the girls and women in my family wore a cap and fishnet veil, while the men had their faces completely covered by a black bodysuit, which looks like Slenderman’s black face. And everybody had their eyes closed in the sanctuary. It was really a funeral for Jesus Christ.

[PunkRocker]

My moms dragging me to a funeral for a person i dont even know.

[Laxilus]

okay so someone dies, and i give the family FOOD.M'kay. if it works it works.

[andreapatane]

I have trouble following funeral etiquette these days. Thumbs up if you agree.