Proper funeral etiquette is about respect for the deceased and the grieving. Dress appropriately, keep your condolences brief, and offer practical help. Avoid posting the death on social media and if you cannot attend the funeral, send a sympathy card or donate in memory of the deceased.
Table of Contents
1. Proper Conduct
When attending a funeral, it’s essential to dress appropriately to show respect for the deceased and the grieving family. Wear dark, conservative clothing and avoid bright colors or flashy accessories, as they can be distracting.
Arrive before the scheduled start time. This allows you to find a seat and pay your respects to the family of the deceased before the service begins. When you arrive at the funeral, take a moment to express your condolences.
Follow the service order and participate in any prayers or hymns during the service. Observing and reflecting quietly is okay if you’re unfamiliar with religious customs.
A funeral is a solemn event, and using cell phones is disrespectful. Turn off your phone or put it on silent mode. If you must take a call or check a message, step outside and do so quietly.
2. Funeral Visitation Etiquette
Funeral visitation is about honoring the memory of the deceased and supporting their loved ones. Formal visitations may include a brief service, and it’s proper etiquette to stay until the end of the service.
If visiting the funeral home and the casket is present, pause at the casket briefly to pay your respect. Greet the grieving family and introduce yourself if you were close friends with the deceased but the immediate family doesn’t know you.
If visiting the family home, don’t overstay unless you’re helping with chores. Visitation is not the time for long conversations or catching up with old friends.
3. Giving With Grace
Donating money in memory of the deceased is a thoughtful way to show support for the family. The purpose of the donation is to show support and express sympathy, not to impress or outdo others. The amount you donate should be based on your relationship with the deceased, the family, and financial situation.
Aside from giving monetary donations, there are other ways to show support for the bereaved family. Sending flowers or handwritten notes is a thoughtful gesture to express your sympathy and comfort. You can also offer to help with practical tasks such as running errands.
4. Expressing Gratitude
A thank you note lets people know their presence and support during this difficult time were appreciated. Send your thank you notes within two to four weeks after the funeral. It’s still okay to send them later, a month or two after the funeral.
When signing a card, include a personal message or a particular way the recipient helped. You can mention these in the note if they donated cash or brought flowers.
5. Death Etiquette for Notes
Whether through words, actions, or simply being there to listen, letting grieving people know they are not alone can make a difference.
Keep it simple. A heartfelt “My thoughts are with you” is safe. Avoid cliches or platitudes like “they’re in a better place now” or “everything happens for a reason.” They may be intended to offer comfort, but they can be hurtful to someone who is grieving.
If you’re unsure what to say, consider writing a sympathy card. You can express your condolences in your message and share a favorite memory or kind words about the deceased person.
6. Dress Code
For most traditional funerals, wearing dark, conservative clothing is appropriate. A dark navy or gray outfit will suffice if you don’t have a black outfit. Avoid wearing casual or revealing, bright-colored attire that may draw the attention of other mourners.
In some cultures, there are specific funeral attire. For example, wearing black or dark colors with a yarmulke for men is a tradition at Jewish funerals. If unsure about what to wear, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and dress conservatively.
7. Social Media
When sharing news of someone’s passing on social media, approach the situation with sensitivity and respect. Consider the wishes of the family. If they have not publicly announced the death, avoid sharing the news on social media. Respect their privacy and give them the time to process grief.
If you decide to share the news, keep your post simple and respectful. Avoid using graphic language or sharing details about the cause of death. Focus on the person who has passed and their impact on your life.
If you’re unsure about sharing the news on social media, send a personal message or make a phone call to people who may have known the deceased.
8. Family Etiquette
When interacting with close family members, be respectful and considerate. Avoid burdening them with unnecessary questions about death. Instead, offer your support and assistance in any way you can.
While the funeral may be over, the grieving process continues for the family. Consider sending a sympathy card or flowers, making a phone call, or visiting family members. These actions can help them feel supported and cared for during this challenging time.
9. Religious Service
Respect the religious customs and traditions of the service. This may include standing, sitting, or kneeling. If you’re unable or uncomfortable participating in the customs, it’s acceptable to observe quietly.
Maintain a somber demeanor throughout the service. Avoid talking, laughing, or engaging in other distracting behaviors. If you need to communicate with someone, do so quietly and discreetly.
When attending a religious funeral service, dress appropriately. Wear conservative attire and avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy.
10. Memorial Service Etiquette
Attending a memorial service is a celebration of life and a time to support the deceased loved ones. Attending the service comes with a certain level of decorum and etiquette that should be followed to show respect.
When attending a memorial service, dress respectfully and conservatively. While wearing black is unnecessary, avoid bright colors or flashy clothing.
During the service, refrain from talking, using your phone, or engaging in behavior that might distract other funeral attendees. After the service, it’s appropriate to offer additional support to the family if you can.
11. Etiquette For Children
Death is a challenging concept for anyone, let alone a child. However, being honest with them and providing age-appropriate explanations is essential.
Avoid using euphemisms like “gone away” or “sleeping” as they confuse children. Instead, use clear and concise language like “passed away” or “died.” Use this opportunity to explain that death is a natural part of life, and it’s okay to feel sad or miss someone who has passed away.
Before attending a funeral, prepare them and explain what to expect. You can tell them that a funeral is a time to say goodbye to someone who has passed away and that people will be sad. Let them know they may see people crying and that it’s okay to cry too.
Remember that children may not have the same attention span or emotional regulation as adults. To ensure that they behave appropriately, give them specific instructions beforehand. If your child becomes overwhelmed or upset, take them outside or to a quiet area to calm down.
12. Non-Attendance
It’s natural to want to be there for the family and pay your respects, but sometimes circumstances prevent us from attending the funeral.
One traditional way to show support is by sending a sympathy card. A handwritten note can be a powerful gesture and comfort the family during a difficult time.
Another option is to donate in lieu of flowers. Many families designate an important charity or organization for their loved ones. By donating, you can honor the deceased’s memory and support a cause that was meaningful to them.
What Is The Protocol For Friends?
Friends of the deceased are expected at funerals, and they should behave respectfully. Wear appropriate attire, sign guestbooks, behave appropriately, and offer your condolences to the family.