Funeral Etiquette
Funeral etiquette may differ among various customs, race, communities, ethnic groups and faiths
The service may be held at a church, tempe, funeral home, residence or somewhere else appropriate to commemorate the life of the deceased.
The funeral service is usually conducted by a member of the clergy, celebrant, family or friends. If you are unfamiliar with the funeral service etiquette for that particular culture or religion of the family, do not worry. Simply be guided by the family of the deceased.
In some religions it is part of funeral service etiquette to have a formal visitation at the Funeral Home before the actual funeral.
A formal visitation provides a time and place for friends to offer their expressions of sorrow and sympathy. This practice is most common among the Christian faiths whether they be Catholic or Protestant.
The obituary should list the visitation hours and when the family will be present, it will also list when and where the funeral service is to be held.
It is good funeral service etiquette on arrival to immediately go to the family and express your sympathy. If you were an acquaintance of the deceased but not known to the family, immediately introduce yourself.
Do not feel uncomfortable if you or the family member becomes emotional or begin to cry. Allowing the family to grieve is a natural healing process, also don't feel as though you must avoid talking about the person who had died.
Religious Belief - is it appropriate to attend if I am not of the same religious belief?
Funeral service etiquette is not about your personal belief, it is a time when friends and family come together to lay a loved one to rest. Funeral services differ depending upon the religion and personal beliefs of the family.
The funeral service can be held at a church, temple, funeral home, or even the residence. No matter where the funeral service is held, dress appropriately, enter quietly and be seated. The first few rows are usually reserved for family members.
If the service is held in a church or temple not of your religion, just follow what the family is doing if you wish to participate.