It’s hard to be aware of the accepted behaviors in common social situations, but even more difficult to be up to date on etiquette on more uncommon situations like funerals. If you’re unsure of how to act at a funeral home in Fleming Island, FL, the following tips can help.
Key Takeaways:
The best way to behave at a funeral is to offer sympathy. You can express your condolences to the bereaved family in several ways, including providing words of comfort or simply remaining silent and showing respect. Avoid speaking about yourself or changing the topic; be as supportive as possible. Additionally, pay attention to details such as sitting quietly during the ceremony, sending cards expressing your condolences, bringing food for the bereaved family, and contributing to a charity in the deceased’s name.
1. Offer Sympathy and Reach Out
To begin, you can offer sympathy and reach out afterwards. It’s almost always appropriate to offer sympathy to the deceased’s friends and family. Oftentimes a simple “I’m sorry for your loss” is all you need. Feel free to offer your own personalized condolences as long as they are respectful and come from the heart. Don’t be afraid to reach out to the family after the funeral, as a phone call or card can go a long way in comforting them in their difficult time.
2. Give a Sympathy Gift
You should also find out the gift preferences and express your emotions. Its tradition to bring some sort of gift for the deceased or the family. Usually flowers are the best choice, but sometimes the family requests charitable donations in lieu of flowers. Don’t forget to include a note or a signature so the knows who the gift is from. Its ok to laugh and cry at a funeral home. The deceased’s life was filled with emotion, so it makes sense for his or her funeral to be too.
3. Sign the Guest Book
Finally, don’t forget to sign the guest book, ask about the dress code, and turn off your phone. The guest book may seem silly, but it can be an important way for the family to look back and enjoy who came to honor their lost loved one. Black is the classic funeral color, but sometimes the event or the family calls for a different look. If you’re unable to discover the family’s wishes, dress conservatively and avoid bright colors. Turn your phone to silent, and never check your messages during the funeral service.
4. Don’t Hang Around for Too Long
Also, be sure to not hang around too long, bring overactive children, or avoid the family. Don’t feel like you have to stick around the funeral home for too long. Sometimes a quick condolence is enough. Loud or disturbing children have no place in a funeral home. It’s all right to bring the kids if they are able to be quiet and respectful. If they can’t, or if there’s a chance they might act out, be sure to leave them with a sitter. Never skip the receiving line, even if it’s long. A quick hug, hello, or “sorry for your loss” goes a long way with a grieving family.
It’s important that you are up to date on what personal, religious, or cultural considerations you need to make for the deceased’s family and friends when at a funeral home. If you would like more information on etiquette, or about Fleming Island, FL funeral homes in general, please reach out to us. You can stop by and visit us or give us a call today as we’re happy to do whatever we can to help in your time of loss.
