Funeral Etiquette

Funeral rituals in every culture are there to help us grieve together with the love and compassion of family and friends. All the aspects of planning a funeral with a funeral director, mourning and celebrating the life of the deceased, and providing support to those who grieve help us cope with the loss and give hope for the living.

If ever there were a time for decorum to be upheld, it is at a funeral, memorial, or graveside service. A processional accompanied by a Dixieland band may be a time to celebrate joyfully the life of the deceased, but the service itself requires a respectful presence. It is appropriate to sit it quietly and stay seated during the service. The exception is when you have a cough that will not stop or you have to quiet a crying or unruly child; in these cases, we ask that you adjourn quickly to the vestibule or lobby.

Clothing

Because the nature of funerals and memorial services varies so widely today, attire isn’t limited to just black or dark gray. The exception may be when you’re a pallbearer or honorary pallbearer, in which case a dark suit is the usual attire unless the family requests something else. Remember, though, that it is a serious occasion and your attire should reflect that, especially if you are participating in the service.

Clothing

Because the nature of funerals and memorial services varies so widely today, attire isn’t limited to just black or dark gray. The exception may be when you’re a pallbearer or honorary pallbearer, in which case a dark suit is the usual attire unless the family requests something else. Remember, though, that it is a serious occasion and your attire should reflect that, especially if you are participating in the service.

Arriving

When attending a service, please be on time and enter the house of worship or location where the funeral will be held as quietly as possible. If there are no ushers, remember that the seats closer to the front should be reserved for family and close friends. Acquaintances should seat themselves in the middle or toward the rear. If you arrive late, enter a row from a side aisle, not the center aisle. If a processional has begun, wait outside instead of trying to squeeze past those who are a part of the cortege and are waiting to walk down the aisle.

Cell Phone Use

Out of respect for those who are mourning we strongly request that cell phones be turned off or completely silent (not set to vibrate—which can still be audible during quiet moments) during any service. If silent rather than off, they should be kept away during the entire duration of the service—from waiting for the service to begin while assembled to mingling with others afterward. Photos should not be taken during the ceremony, but may be taken of groups of people who do not usually get to see one another if done away from any mourners.

Cell Phone Use

Out of respect for those who are mourning we strongly request that cell phones be turned off or completely silent (not set to vibrate—which can still be audible during quiet moments) during any service. If silent rather than off, they should be kept away during the entire duration of the service—from waiting for the service to begin while assembled to mingling with others afterward. Photos should not be taken during the ceremony, but may be taken of groups of people who do not usually get to see one another if done away from any mourners.

Processionals

At some funerals, the coffin is brought in as part of a processional. The officiant and the choir (if any) lead the funeral procession. Directly followed by the honorary pallbearers, two by two, preceding the coffin brought by assistants from the funeral home, or the pallbearers carry the coffin. Unless they have chosen to be seated beforehand, the family comes next; chief mourner(s) first walking with whomever he or she chooses. Close friends may follow, completing the procession. The family and pallbearers occupy the front rows with friends filling vacant places on either side. The service begins when everyone is seated. At memorial services and at a funeral where the coffin or urn is already present, there is no processional. In these cases, the service starts after the family and officiant enter, usually from a front side or door.

Children

Children should be encouraged to attend the ceremonies surrounding the death of a family member or close friend to whatever degree they feel comfortable. Children learn through these experiences that death is a natural part of life and that rites are observed when someone dies. Always consider a child’s age before taking him or her to a funeral, memorial service, or a prolonged visitation. Because young children can become restless or have trouble staying quiet, you may choose to have them stay at home with a sitter or bring a sitter who can take them home if needed. Older children should sit with their family, closest to whomever can give them the most comfort. The children should wear clothing that’s age appropriate and similar in style to that worn by adult family members. Generally, children do not have to wear black.

Children

Children should be encouraged to attend the ceremonies surrounding the death of a family member or close friend to whatever degree they feel comfortable. Children learn through these experiences that death is a natural part of life and that rites are observed when someone dies. Always consider a child’s age before taking him or her to a funeral, memorial service, or a prolonged visitation. Because young children can become restless or have trouble staying quiet, you may choose to have them stay at home with a sitter or bring a sitter who can take them home if needed. Older children should sit with their family, closest to whomever can give them the most comfort. The children should wear clothing that’s age appropriate and similar in style to that worn by adult family members. Generally, children do not have to wear black.

Recessionals

A recessional ends the service whether a processional took place or not. As a rule, the officiant leads the honorary pallbearers, followed by the coffin (carried or guided by the pallbearers), and then the members of the immediate family. At a memorial service, the officiant leads the family out through the same door they entered. The immediate family leaves first followed by the other relatives. It is common practice for one or more of the relatives to stop at the back of the church or outside to briefly thank those who have attended the service with perhaps a special word to close friends.

If the deceased is to be buried following the service, the site of the interment will be announced. Unless the grave site is on the grounds of worship service, a processional of cars will form to drive to the cemetery. Everyone attending is welcome to follow the family to the gravesite service unless the burial is private (that is, attended by immediate family only), but no one is obliged to attend. As the casket is lifted into the hearse, the family enters cars or limousines waiting immediately behind. The after-service protocol for a cremation or mausoleum interment is the same as that for a burial. The coffin is usually placed graveside at the cemetery, with flowers that were sent to the funeral home or house of worship placed around it. The officiant says the prayers common to the rite of burial, and a eulogy may be given as well. At the end of the service, no cortege is formed so attendees may leave as they wish.

Consoling Those Who Mourn

It is always appropriate to express your sympathies to someone who is grieving. They will want to hear you speak lovingly about the person that has died, but above all, be a good listener. Understand that you really are powerless to make everything better, but know that just being there with a sincere hug and shared tears can provide the needed support. People often sincerely ask, “Is there anything I can do?” Although this sounds nice, it does nothing. Instead, do something. Bring a casserole to the house, bake some brownies, send flowers, write a note, or walk their dog. AND always go to the funeral or wake when it is public…read more.

Consoling Those Who Mourn

It is always appropriate to express your sympathies to someone who is grieving. They will want to hear you speak lovingly about the person that has died, but above all, be a good listener. Understand that you really are powerless to make everything better, but know that just being there with a sincere hug and shared tears can provide the needed support. People often sincerely ask, “Is there anything I can do?” Although this sounds nice, it does nothing. Instead, do something. Bring a casserole to the house, bake some brownies, send flowers, write a note, or walk their dog. AND always go to the funeral or wake when it is public…read more.