Funerals are among the least discussed topics among peers – for quite obvious reasons. Who would want to talk about their death and final services? Yet, everyone faces a time when one has to attend the funeral of a loved one. It is customary to bring something to a funeral service in Johnstown, PA.
About 86% of Americans never talk about funerals with friends and family until they have to attend one. That’s why many people are unaware of what to bring to a funeral and what not to bring to the service.
To help you out below is a simple guide on what you should bring to a memorial service, funeral, or viewing.
Bring Flowers – But Not to a Jewish Funeral
Flowers are the best way to express your condolences and sympathy to the bereaved – and honor the deceased. Because of their versatility, they are also considered sympathy flowers by the florists.
Flowers are a language of love and empathy in this time of mourning. Whether with an arrangement or bouquet, you can say what needs to be said without having to find the right words yourself.
Every flower depicts a specific meaning in itself. You can bring any type of flower to a funeral but the most appropriate and common funeral flowers are:
Roses
Lilies
Orchids
Carnations
Gladioli
Daffodil
Chrysanthemums
You also bring a combination of various flowers.
Sympathy Cards
Another traditional gift to bring to a funeral is sympathy cards. You can bring either in combination with flowers or on their own. The most important thing to consider is what to write on a sympathy card. Don’t overthink it and write from your heart a few lines that should comfort the bereaved.
Send your condolences with a sympathy card. You can choose to combine it with flowers or send it on its own via mail, but either way, the most important thing is what’s written in these cards from your heart and for those bereaved who will be comforted by it.
Family Photos
If you have any family photos of the deceased, that would be a memorable gift for the bereaved; the photos they even might not know existed. During moments of stress and pain, such gifts that reminisce the happy moments may bring solace and comfort to the grieving family.
Arrange the photos in beautiful and unique collages, frames, memorial albums, or scrapbooks.
Memories of our loved ones can be some of the most powerful gifts we have to offer during difficult times. Photos that resurface happy memories, a favorite toy or blanket from childhood may bring comfort in those dark hours of bereavement when everything feels too much.
Children
While some funerals are not open to children, you may bring young children over age six or seven to a funeral to allow them to say a final goodbye to the lost loved one. Also, the decision depends on the bond between the child and the deceased. If you’re bringing one, make sure they are aware of the decorum and don’t make unnecessary distractions.
Funerals are a difficult time for adults, let alone children. However, if you’re bringing one to the funeral make sure they understand what is going on and why it’s happening so that their experience will be an understanding of what has happened and respectful of those who have experienced loss like theirs.
Family Food
While it is customary in many families for immediate friends and family to bring family food like cake, cookies, or any sweet dish for the visitors. It is still a thoughtful gesture even if you’re not a close acquaintance. Bring your favorite food to the reception along with disposable plates so visitors can easily eat them and family can take the leftovers home.
However, don’t bring food extravagant dishes to funerals or cemeteries.
What You Shouldn’t Bring to or Do in a Funeral
Unlike any traditional ceremonies, funerals are highly formal events where one has to be on the best behavior. Don’t wear shiny or casual dresses that might catch attention; you may choose dark-colored attire. Avoid bringing very expensive gifts. Don’t just glue yourself to your cell phone and restrict its use as much as possible. And, remember, never be late for a funeral. Funeral homes in Johnstown, PA, are accommodating, but the other mourners may not be.
Funerals are solemn events that require many rules of etiquette. They allow for a moment to reflect and come together as a community in the wake of loss, but they also hold great significance due to their highly formal nature. For those attending these funerals, there is an expectation for proper behavior at all times – especially when it comes to attire.