Funeral Etiquette
Funeral Etiquette
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A Funeral Involves More Than Wearing Black
Gruetzmacher Funeral Home & Cremation Services wants you to know that there is more to a funeral than what you wear. Certainly the accepted customs of dress and behavior in a funeral have changed over time, but courtesy never goes out of style.
Making the Most of a Difficult Time
Part of that compassionate attention to detail involves knowing what religious, ethnic or personal considerations you need to take into account. And the other part is being respectful of the emotions of close family members.
Here are a few things expected of you:
- Offer an expression of sympathy. Sometimes we are at a loss for words when encountering something as final as death. Simply saying "I'm sorry for your loss" is usually enough. Be respectful and listen attentively when spoken to, and offer your own words of condolence.
- Give a gift. It doesn't matter if it is flowers, a donation to a charity or a commitment of service to the family at a later date; as always, "it's the thought that counts." Always make sure to provide the family with a signed card, so they know what gift was given, and by whom.
- Sign the register book. Include your name, and address and sometimes your relationship to the deceased: co-worker, gym buddy, or casual acquaintance from the golf club. This helps family place who you are in future. The family often uses the register book for names and addresses to send acknowledgement cards out.
- Keep in touch. It's sometimes awkward for you to do so, but for most people the grieving doesn't end with a funeral.
What You Shouldn't Do
- Don't feel that you have to stay. If you make a visit during calling hours there's no reason your stay has to be a lengthy one.
- Don't be afraid to laugh. Remembering their loved one fondly can mean sharing a funny story or two. Just be mindful of the time and place; if others are sharing, then you may do so too. There is simply no good reason you shouldn't talk about the deceased in a happy, positive tone.
- Don't feel you have to view the deceased if there is an open casket. Act according to what is comfortable to you.
- Don't allow your children to be a disturbance. If you feel they might be, then leave them with a sitter. But, if the deceased meant something to them, it's a good idea to invite them to share in the experience.
- Don't leave your cell phone on. Out of respect for the family, please silence your electronic devices.
- Don't neglect to step into the receiving line. Simply say how sorry you are for their loss, offer up your own name and how you knew the deceased.
- Don't be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake. Everyone does, and you can be sure that an apology may be all that's needed to mend and soothe.
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