Losing the one you love or both is one of the uncertainties of life we all face at some stage in our lives. When this happens, there is a good chance you are going to attend their funeral or cremation services to show your respect. Of all the events you attend, a funeral or memorial is the one to be on your best behavior. Generally, people don’t discuss funerals until they go to one and that is why many are unaware of how to behave or act well in a funeral and end up embarrassing themselves.
So, whether you are going to a funeral first time or have already been to a few but still aren’t sure of what is expected of you, read the below suggestions thoroughly.
Dress Conservatively
As a rule of thumb, stick with darker clothes as they symbolize sadness and grief in many cultures. Wearing all black isn’t a bad choice either. Avoid wearing casual, loud, or glittering shirts, or low-cut dresses as they indicate that you have minimal respect for the deceased.
Don’t Be Late
It is always recommended to show up 5 to 10 minutes early to a funeral. In case you are late, try your best to avoid any distractions or remain unobtrusive as much as possible. You ought to enter row through a side aisle.
Give Condolences to the Grieving
After entering the funeral, the first thing you ought to do is give condolences to the grieving. Don’t hesitate to hug the loved ones and utter positive sentiments and statements for the deceased like: ‘We have known each other for a long time; he was really a great guy’.
After sharing sympathies, take a moment to bow in front of the casket to pay tributes and then give way to the other guests. Never spend too much time talking with the grieving as it might irritate.
Don’t Sit in the Front Row
Traditionally, the front few rows in the church are reserved for close family and friends of the deceased, and if you are neither of those, avoid sitting in the front rows. It isn’t a hard and fast rule but you ought to sit somewhere in the middle or the back rows to give maximum space to the close acquaintances of the deceased.
Avoid Creating Distractions
While you are at a funeral or memorial service, seep your mobile on silent and avoid using it as it creates unnecessary interruptions and is perceived in poor taste. Moreover, photography is discouraged or disapproved of at a funeral service. That is why you should always ask before you take snaps.
The ultimate purpose of a funeral is to show your respect for the deceased and the loved ones and it must reflect in your conduct at the funeral. At times, you might have to attend a hyper-religious funeral. So, do conduct some research beforehand on the traditions and customs of that particular religion or simply emulate what the majority are doing, and never get offended by any religious traditions.
A cremation services Richland, PA, is a little talked about event in our society and it is observed that many people are never quite sure what to do or expect from a funeral, and it often keeps them from attending funerals. However, this article has outlined certain guidelines to help you understand how to behave well at a funeral.