Attending a Funeral: Most Common Questions and Answers!

There are many different things when it comes to going to a funeral that you really need to take into account. It might not seem like a whole lot at first, but going to the funeral does require some etiquette. That’s why you do need to ensure everything is prepared the way you want and once everything is ok, things get so much better. Which is exactly why you have to take your time with stuff like this. Learning the etiquette and going through all of this beforehand will help save time and it’s definitely a thing to focus on.

What is the etiquette for attending funerals?

• Everyone is welcome at the funeral, so you can come with the entire family or you can go alone, that’s all up to you, there are no specific restrictions to think about here.
• Respect the culture of the deceased person, if there are any specific requirements, keep those in mind. It’s one of those things that truly matter, so dress according to the tradition, stick to that.
• When it comes to the items to take with you, money for charity donations, tissues, a sympathy card or anything similar is certainly one of those things you really need to take into account as much as you can.
• Take your seat before the coffin arrives. The congregation will sometimes follow the coffin, so if that’s the case, just follow the guidelines.
• Where should you sit? Generally you can’t go in the first few rows unless you are a part of the After that you can easily go anywhere.
• Arriving 20 to 30 minutes before the start time is crucial here, don’t arrive late. Avoid drinking or eating during the funeral service too.
• Don’t talk in the venue, that’s not appropriate, just keep any conversations to a minimum and you will be more than ok in the end. Also, turn off the phone or try to put it to silent if you can. Not answering your phone during the service is crucial here.

What does it mean if you attend a funeral?

It shows that you offer respect and appreciation to the person that passed away. Of course, the funeral is not something mandatory, but you do want to go to the funeral of a person that you appreciate. It also shows the family how much you cared about that person and how much support you want to offer them to get past this challenging situation and time.

Is it rude not to go to a funeral?

Going to a funeral is all up to you. If you were very close to the person that passed away, then etiquette shows you should consider going to the funeral. It’s a sign of respect, if anything else. However, if there are conflicts with the other people at the funeral or you lack time or anything like that, it’s not rude at all. You should, however, consider calling the family and letting them know about your condolences and reasons why you can’t attend. If you are unable to be at the funeral, then this is the next best thing you can do.

What do you say to guests at a funeral?

You should offer condolences and also talk positively about the person that passed away. These situations happen and it’s very hard to know when and how they arrive. That’s why making sure you remain respectful and don’t overstate your welcome with bad remarks is crucial here. Stay respectful and don’t talk too much about the issue.

What should you not do at a funeral?

There are some things you should never do at a funeral. Laughing is definitely one of them, it’s not appropriate and also shows a lack of respect. Wear something revealing, disrespecting cues, making random noises, speaking out of turn, yawning, moving around too much, drinking or using drugs, bringing a pet, all of these are not ok and they will become an issue. Just try to avoid that as much as you can.

How do you know if you should attend a funeral?

It’s not mandatory to attend a funeral. However, it’s a sign of respect and you should attend if you were close with the person in question. You are not forced to attend a funeral, sure, but it’s one of those signs of respect that you really need to think about.

Is it OK to go to the funeral but not the wake?

While the respectful thing to do is to attend both, that’s not mandatory. You can go to the funeral without going to the wake. At the end of the day, it’s important to be there for the funeral, it’s the right thing to do and you will find it to be a much better option if you do it right.

Can you wear jeans to a funeral?

Generally, wearing jeans at a funeral is not ok, unless that comes as a request from the family. Dark jeans that are not embellished and which are paired with a tie, blazer and shirt are ok. You don’t want to wear stuff that stands out, so this approach is actually a good one. Otherwise, you should try something else aside from jeans.

Should you take pictures at a funeral?

Taking pictures at the funeral is not exactly a good idea. Of course, if the family asks for that, then it’s ok. But for the most part, taking pictures at the funeral will just end up being a problem and a lack of etiquette.

Is it rude to smile at a funeral?

Smiling at the funeral is ok; however, it all depends on the tone of the funeral. There are some funerals which are created as a celebration of life, and in that case smiling and laughing is recommended. However, if you attend a more traditional funeral, then it’s important to stick to the rules and not smile or laugh.

Is it rude to not cry at a funeral?

Not crying at the funeral is ok, every person shows their emotions differently. Just because you don’t cry, that doesn’t mean you show any lack of respect. Crying or not crying are both ok at a funeral, so you never have to worry about anything. You just have to show your own emotional response, no matter how it might be. Sometimes it might be simple, other times it might be very difficult.

What age is appropriate for a child to attend a funeral?

It will vary, it also depends on the family and what rules they set for this. But for the most part, there is no right age. Kids tend to have an understanding of death when they are 8 to 10 years old. But again, this is not mandatory, and younger kids can attend the funeral too. It’s important to explain to the kids this entire situation, and also let them know some of the major etiquette and rules, like not playing. Generally, the older the kids are, the better!