Funeral Etiquette
Funeral Etiquette: Minding your manners
It is often difficult to find the "right" words to say to the family members or how to interact and respond to their feelings after the loss of a loved one. Knowing a few funeral etiquette rules can help you to be more comfortable in both a funeral and visitation setting.
When Should I Visit?
Once you learn of someone’s death, visiting the family at their home may be appropriate. contact them ahead of arrival to see if they are recieving guests. Offering to bring food, household necessities, assist with childcare and handle any errands or chores are a few of the things you can do to assist the grieving family.
What Should I Say?
This is the most common question asked by someone wanting to pay their respects. Extending your sympathy is an perfect place to start. If you are visiting with the family in person, a warm appropriate story of encouraging design is always welcome about a life well lived.
How about online?
Many people do not know rules of death etiquette online.
- DO NOT extend sympathy, announce, or acknowledge a death online until the family has opened up the subject online. You may inadvertently tell someone in the family that has not been told yet.
- Take the time to leave condolences for families in appropriate places. Make sure you go to the original obituary or posts to leave your message. Leaving messages on secondary sites means families may not see your message. Messages, cards, flowers, and gifts sent from our site will be immediately sent to the proper people.
What Should I Give?
Sending flowers is an appropriate way to offer condolences. In some cases, the families ask for donations to be made to a particular charity. Bringing or sending food to the grieving family is another way to show respect to those who are suffering from the loss. A less expensive and completely appropriate option would be to send the family a sympathy card. There is no specific time or expiration on when cards can be sent. These things can all be sent and ordered from each clients obituary, delivered directly to the appropriate place of their families choosing.
