Funeral Attendance Etiquette

What is the etiquette for attending funerals?

There are lots of things to consider when attending a funeral, but arguably the most important are:

• Arrive promptly
• Be respectful
• Turn your phone off, or put it on silent
• Dress appropriately

Who can attend a funeral?

A funeral service is an opportunity for family, friends and acquaintances to pay their respects to the person who has died. It is generally open to anyone who wishes to attend, though the family may state it’s a private service, in which case it’s exclusively for family members and close friends.

Should children go to a funeral?

It’s your decision whether you want to bring your child to the funeral. Their maturity level, understanding of death, and relationship to the deceased are all factors to consider when making your decision. If you think they might disrupt the service or distract from the purpose of the funeral, it may be better to leave them with a babysitter or family member. Read our full guide: Should children go to funerals?

How to dress for a funeral

Black is considered the traditional colour for a funeral in Western society, however, some religions or cultures have a different colour for mourning. For instance, it is funeral etiquette to wear white to a Hindu funeral or Sikh funeral. For more information see our full guide: what to wear to a funeral.

Who travels in the funeral cars?

It is usually family members and close friends of the deceased.

What to do in a funeral procession?

In a funeral procession, the vehicle directly behind the hearse carries the close family members – partner, children, parents or siblings – and transports them to the venue. Some processions have more than one vehicle, with mourners travelling in their own cars behind the bereaved family.

Where to sit at a funeral

The immediate family and close friends will take up the first few rows, then the rest of the mourners should fill up the seats directly behind them.

What to take to a funeral

You are not usually expected to bring anything to a funeral, unless the family tell you otherwise. If appropriate, you may wish to send a sympathy card or funeral flowers to the home of the grieving family. Alternatively, the family may have set up a memorial page where you can leave a donation.

What do you say when speaking at a funeral?

A funeral can be an upsetting time for family and close friends of the deceased, so you need to be respectful when speaking at a funeral. If you can’t find the right words to say, you may wish to recite a funeral poem or do a reading instead. Read our guide to writing a good eulogy.

What to say at a funeral?

A funeral is a challenging time for the family of the deceased so it’s important to be sensitive when talking to them about the death of their loved one. If you are attending a funeral and unsure of what to say, here are a few suggestions:

• I can’t imagine how you feel
• <Name> will be missed
• I’m always here if you need me to….
• Take all the time you need

Is it disrespectful to not attend a funeral?

If you live far away, are ill, or believe your attendance would cause distress or disrupt the service, it may be better to avoid going to the funeral. Instead, you may wish to send a sympathy card or send flowers to the bereaved family.

Should I go to a funeral of someone I haven’t seen in years?

The purpose of a funeral is to mourn the deceased and show support for their family. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this then you are not obliged to attend a funeral. But, out of respect, you may want to let the bereaved family know you won’t be attending.

What to say at a funeral when you don’t know the person?

If you are attending a funeral of a person you don’t know, perhaps you are there to support a friend, partner or family member, you must remain respectful. You could say things like: I can’t imagine how you feel, you and your family are in my thoughts, he/she will be missed.

Is it bad to cry at a funeral?

Everyone shows their emotions differently and it can be healthy to cry at a funeral – don’t feel embarrassed. Though, if you become a bit overwhelmed and find yourself crying uncontrollably, it’s a good idea to excuse yourself until you have regained control. You don’t want to draw attention away from the ceremony or make other mourners feel uncomfortable.

Is it disrespectful to record at a funeral?

This depends entirely on the preferences of the bereaved family. The important thing to remember is don’t let it distract from the ceremony.

What to write on a funeral wreath?

If you want to send funeral flowers to the bereaved family then it’s nice to include a message alongside them. If you knew the person well you could include a more personal message, perhaps a favourite memory or nickname you called them. Alternatively, you could write something simple like ‘thinking of you’.

For more information about the day of the funeral, please contact your local funeral home