Funeral Etiquette 101: Things to Remember when Attending a Funeral

A funeral announcement is a way of letting your family, friends and acquaintances know of the passing of a loved one. You can make it as varied as you wish. You can be very formal, by using a printed or engraved invitation to the funeral service. Alternatively, you can make it simple, by sending an email. Funeral announcements may appear in the newspaper in the obituary section.

Unless you have written the notice ahead of time, it is always difficult to compose your thoughts and write a funeral announcement while you are grieving. This list of what to include in a funeral announcement will help you to write the funeral announcement and not forget anything.

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Proper funeral etiquette is very important. You need to know how to behave appropriately during a funeral for the simple fact that your actions may potentially offend others or cause additional pain to those who are already in mourning. That being said attending a funeral should not be an awkward experience as long as you keep a few things in mind while allowing your sincerity to shine and your humbleness to lead the way through this bleak event.

Funeral Etiquette: Behaving in a funeral

A funeral is a somber and emotionally-charged occasion, and it is best to not draw any attention to your self. Wear conservative clothes. Avoid bright colors. Tone down your voice and avoid being boisterous. Pay your respects politely and say your prayers sincerely.

Approach those in mourning, and offer your condolences to them. Indulge them when they want to talk about the person who died. Listen intently and share your best memories about the deceased. However, keep negative comments at a minimum. Remember the deceased for the good things he has done.

Take care that your cellular phone is turned off or in silent mode. There is nothing more irritating than the shrill noise of a ringing cellular phone in the middle of a wake.

Funeral Etiquette: Thinking of those who helped

Those in mourning will appreciate any form of help you can give. In some cultures, bringing food is expected. In others, flowers and even money are common offerings. Whatever help you decide to extend, and whatever gift you decide to bestow, remember the value of being discreet. Do not hype up your good deed, for the root of it is a sad occurrence.

If however, you are the one in mourning, basic funeral etiquette demands that you show your appreciation to people who helped alleviate your pain. You can start by talking to people and thanking them for their presence. Going around and greeting people can do you much good, because you will see how much others love and appreciate the loved one you just lost. Receive their hugs, thank them for their prayers and know that you are not alone in this time of grief.

Funeral Etiquette: The value of funeral thank you cards

If you find it difficult to mingle with people during this sad event, the next best thing for you to do is to send out thank you notes. These do not have to be intricate; a simple, one-liner note of thanks is enough.

Or, you may have standard thank you notes printed in your behalf. Try to keep a guestbook which you can pass around for people to sign. That way, you can keep track of the attendees. Based on this list, instruct someone to print out the thank you cards. It is okay if the cards look generic; people will understand and will appreciate the gesture just the same.

While a funeral may be a very painful occasion, draw strength from those around you. They are there to support you during this unfortunate happening. Rest assured that they will be there to help you move on with your life.