5 Funeral Etiquette Tips

Everyone honors and celebrates the life of a lost loved one differently: some grieve openly while others prefer doing so in a more personal, private way. Whether you’re from the former or latter group, there are still a few tips you can follow during a funeral service to ensure you respect the wishes of the friends and family of the deceased.
First Memorial Funeral Services have been one of the leading Ottawa cremation services and funeral homes for decades. Here they’ve shared some of their insight by offering some must-know funeral etiquette tips.

Funeral Etiquette Tips Everyone Should Know

  1. Dress Appropriately
When attending a funeral, it’s important to wear the proper attire. Doing so will ensure that you demonstrate your respect to the friends and family of the deceased. Although they’re often a celebration of life, funerals are also somber and reflective times, so make sure what you wear illustrates this mood. Avoid dressing in bright colors, or casual clothing. Try to wear formal or semi-formal attire in more neutral shades.
  1. Be On Time
Arriving late to a funeral can be disruptive and upsetting to the friends and family who arrived on time and took their seats. That’s why being punctual is very important. It’s a good idea to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. This will give you enough time to greet friends and family members and ensure you have a seat.
  1. Be Sensitive when Speaking
When at a funeral, you might want to convey your condolences to the friends and family of the deceased. Doing so can provide them with much-needed support. Just be sure that you’re keeping your comments simple and sensitive. This is to ensure you don’t unintentionally say anything that could hurt their feelings.
  1. Turn Off the Phone
Powering down or silencing your cell phone during the ceremony is extremely important. Doing so will prevent any interruptions that could distract from the service. Only answer calls in an emergency and when you do so, be sure to step outside.
  1. Sit in Proper Row
The first two rows are often designated for family members or very close friends of the family of the deceased. Those who don’t fit into those categories will likely be seated in the other pews. However, if you’re unsure of where to sit, you can always ask one of the ushers to point you in the right direction.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Much Does a Burial Vault Cost?

Burial vaults may be a necessary expense and can be purchased directly from the funeral home or cemetery you are working with. The funeral home will offer you some choices or you can purchase your own from another source . However, be aware that your cemetery may charge you an additional fee for a burial vault that has been purchased elsewhere. If you are wondering what to consider and how much a burial vault costs, take a look at our breakdown below: Price List: Before your funeral provider shows you any burial vault or grave liner options, they are required by law to provide you with a full price list with production descriptions. This way, you can compare prices from multiple sources and make a more informed decision. Cost: While prices for outer burial containers vary across Canada, a burial vault used for a traditional funeral in Ontario may cost an average of $1000. Our goal is to provide quality products and services that don’t cost you a fortune. Whether you are...
Read more

How to Buy A Cemetery Plot?

There are many factors to consider when buying a burial plot. They include how much you want to spend, costs associated with opening and closing the grave, type of burial container, a grave marker, installing a monument, and care of the gravesite. You will want to consider the type of burial plot you want. Do you want a single-depth space for one person, a side-by-side for burial with family, or a double-depth plot that allows married couples to be buried in the same grave? Questions to ask when buying a cemetery plot As you research and contemplate your choices, there are bound to be many questions. Consider these questions when speaking with a funeral home: 1.) Will I own the land? Most of the time, you are only obtaining an easement. 2.) How many people may be buried in the plot? You may want several family members to be together. 3.) What kind of maintenance fees apply, if any? You may have a one-time or monthly fee. 4.) What types of grave markers are allowed? If you...
Read more

It’s Hard to Find the Right Words – What to Say, What Not to Say to Bereaved Families

  If you’ve taken the lead on planning a funeral for a friend or family member, you have to wade through your own grief while comforting others for their loss. If you need help  planning the funeral  in an appropriate, cost-conscious way, partner with funeral homes in Ottawa that respect your feelings. Additionally,  online funeral arrangements  allow you to make the necessary decisions from the comfort and privacy of your home. To make it easier to find the right words, we have outlined five things to say when comforting bereaved families and five things to avoid during this sensitive time. Five Things to Say to Comfort Grieving Loved Ones Let your friend or family member know that you care without belabouring the point. They may not feel like talking, and that’s okay. Here are five tried and true ways to express care and sympathy without deepening the mourner’s pain. I’m     sorry for your loss.” This is a short, effective way to express your   ...
Read more